Things To Do
in Aubange
Aubange is a small, francophone border town in Belgium’s Luxembourg province, sitting where Belgium, Luxembourg and France meet. It combines a working-class industrial heritage with quiet residential neighborhoods, easy cross-border access and surprisingly green surroundings. The town serves as a practical base for exploring nearby Arlon, Longwy and Luxembourg City while offering a low-key local pace and community feel.
Visitors will find modest historic architecture, local markets and scenic walking routes that reveal the tri-border landscape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and a rich cup of Belgian coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Aubange, admiring the quaint architecture and vibrant local life. Make sure to visit the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, where you can see the beautiful town hall.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby Parc de la Vieille Eglise, which offers serene walking paths and lovely greenery. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while surrounded by nature and local wildlife. After your meal, visit the local artisan shops to discover unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun begins to set, head to a cozy restaurant for a dinner of traditional Belgian dishes, such as carbonnade flamande. Engage with locals as you savor the rich flavors of the cuisine paired with a good Belgian beer. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Aubange, soaking in the evening atmosphere.
Kick off your day with a visit to the Musée de la Vie Wallonne, which showcases the rich history and culture of Wallonia. Spend your morning absorbing the fascinating exhibits, from art to local historical artifacts. Don’t forget to check out their interactive displays that bring the history of the region to life.
Continue your cultural adventure by visiting the nearby Musée de la Photographie, where you can explore the art of photography through various exhibitions. Engage with the captivating visual stories told through the lens, and perhaps participate in a workshop if available. Enjoy lunch at a café nearby, where you can discuss your favorite exhibits with fellow travelers.
In the evening, return to the historic center to enjoy a performance at the local theater or attend a cultural event if one is happening. Experience the vibrant arts scene of Aubange and connect with the cultural pulse of the city. Conclude your night with a nightcap at a local bar while chatting with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️3-course meal at mid-range restaurant (per person) | $30-45 |
| 🚆Local bus/train ticket (single) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent location for quick cross-border trips to Luxembourg and France
- Quiet, small-town atmosphere with access to green spaces and hiking
- Affordable compared with nearby Luxembourg living costs
- Authentic regional food and local markets
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself
- Public transport options are modest compared with larger cities
- Fewer dining and specialty-shopping choices locally — often requires cross-border travel
- Weather can be wet and changeable, especially in autumn and spring
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Aubange
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic vantage points where Belgium, Luxembourg and France converge — great for landscape and border-marker photos, especially at golden hour.
Picturesque streets, municipal buildings and the local church offer opportunities for atmospheric shots of everyday Walloon architecture.
Peaceful riverbank scenes capture reflections, local life and seasonal colors — ideal for dawn or late afternoon.
Short drives to surrounding high points yield panoramic views of the Ardennes foothills and cross-border valleys — excellent for wide-angle landscapes.
Food in Aubange
Aubange Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory beef/pork meatballs served with a sweet-and-sour sirop (onion-and-date based) and fries; commonly found in regional bistros and cafés.
Must-Try!
Warm, custardy quiches made with bacon or local cheeses; widely available in local bakeries and cafés, reflecting French-Lorraine influence.
A selection of regional cured meats and farmhouse cheeses sold at markets and taverns — great for picnics or sharing platters.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modest community market with produce, bread, cheeses and prepared snacks — ideal for breakfast items and local specialties on market day.
Nearby larger markets in neighboring towns offer more variety: fresh produce, regional pâtisserie, charcuterie and occasional street-food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' with a handshake is standard in shops and when meeting someone; close acquaintances may use cheek kisses, but follow the lead of locals.
French is the local language — even a few phrases in French will be appreciated. Be courteous, avoid loud behavior in public, and use formal address (Monsieur/Madame) in first meetings.
Respect private property near the border and follow posted signs; locals are used to cross-border life but be mindful of different rules in France and Luxembourg.
Safety
Tipping in Aubange
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges and VAT are included in prices, and tipping is modest: rounding up the bill or leaving ~5–10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Carry small change for cafés and taxis.
Euro cash is used; debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant (usually 20–27°C); long daylight hours are ideal for hiking, cycling and cross-border day trips. Expect local festivals and outdoor markets; bring sun protection and a light rain layer for occasional showers.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make it a great time for walks and photography; temperatures cool (8–15°C) and trails can be muddy after rain. Harvest-season menus appear in restaurants; bring waterproof footwear and layers.
Cold and damp with temperatures often around 0–6°C; occasional frost and light snow possible. Town is quieter, shops may have shorter hours; dress warmly and check public transport schedules in icy conditions.
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make for pleasant outdoor activities; unpredictable weather with both sunny days and late showers — bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
Aubange at Night
Hiking in Aubange
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A marked route near Aubange that explores the tri-border landscape, offering panoramic viewpoints and easy-to-moderate walking sections.
A network of local PR/GR-style trails in the nearby Ardennes foothills suitable for day hikes, with woodland tracks and rural vistas.
Short, accessible loops along local rivers and streams for gentle walking, birdwatching and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Aubange by plane.
Approximately 20–35 km away (30–40 minutes by car depending on route); convenient for international flights and easily reachable by road or shuttle services.
Around 80–100 km by road (about 1–1.5 hours); serves low-cost and cargo flights and is reachable by car or combination of train and bus.
About 200 km away (roughly 2–3 hours by car or train); offers the widest range of international connections but requires longer travel time.
Approximately 80–100 km to the south-east (about 1–1.5 hours); useful for regional flights and alternate European connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are francophone Belgians with deep local roots and traditions.
A significant number of people work in Luxembourg or France and commute daily, influencing local life and economy.
Established immigrant groups (including Portuguese, Italian and North African families) contribute to cultural variety and local businesses.
The town has a mix of older long-term residents and young families, giving it a community-oriented feel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and youth teams are popular, and matches are common community events.
Recreational and road cycling are popular due to the rolling terrain and cross-border cycle routes; e-biking has grown recently.
Trail running and walking in the nearby countryside attract residents who enjoy outdoor fitness activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aubange.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional eateries; bistros often offer salads, omelets, quiches and cheese-based dishes. Supermarkets and bakeries sell good produce; inform servers in French ("Je suis végétarien / végétarienne") to get recommendations.
Vegan choices are more limited in small-town Aubange but more available across the border in Luxembourg City or larger towns. Plan ahead by visiting supermarkets or cafés with clear vegan labeling, or bring snacks for day trips.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing but inconsistent in small restaurants; ask staff about ingredients and favor naturally gluten-free dishes (meat, fish, salads). Larger towns and supermarkets offer more gluten-free packaged options.