Château de Ciergnon

Château de Ciergnon is the Belgian royal family's holiday residence in the Ardennes, located in a scenic forested area in the province of Namur. The castle has been a cherished retreat for the royal family for generations.

The original hunting lodge was built in 1840 for King Leopold I and has since been expanded and modernized by later monarchs. King Leopold II made significant improvements, and King Albert I was particularly fond of the place and spent much time here with his family.

The castle is situated in the middle of a large forested area of over 1,200 hectares, providing ample opportunities for hunting and outdoor activities. The Ardennes are known for their natural beauty with deep valleys, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde use Château de Ciergnon as the family's holiday retreat, especially during autumn holidays and hunting season. The castle is not open to the public and serves exclusively as a private retreat for the royal family, away from official duties in Brussels.