Seven things to do and see in Stavelot, Belgium as Formula 1 races at Spa Francorchamps

Stavelot is a municipality in the Ardennes region of southern Belgium known for its several memorable motorsport moments and historical events.

Formula 1 races at Spa Francorchamps for 44 laps at a track with the longest circuit length of the F1 calendar at 7.004km (4.352 miles), which is located in the Ardenne forest.

Here, Travel News Blitz’s Ayla Vaughan explores seven things to do and see in Stavelot, Belgium.

Les Cascades de Coo

Les Cascades de Coo is a large waterfall with a drop of 15 metres (49.2126 feet) that offers other activities such as zip lining, kayaking and restaurants.

There is also a chairlift that provides access to a lookout point offering a panoramic view of the entire site and the surrounding region of Stavelot.

Abbaye de Stavelot

Dating back to around 640-650, Abbaye de Stavelot is a monastery in the Ardenne forest in a classical style of architecture that now serves as a museum and heritage site.

Visitors can learn through their exhibitions about the history of Stavelot over a millennium and Guillaume Apollinaire who was a French poet, playwright and novelist inspired by the region.

Église Saint-Sébastien De Stavelot

Église Saint-Sébastien De Stavelot is an 18th-century Catholic church built of brick and limestone that houses the shrine of the relics of Saint Remacle and a treasure of Mosan goldwork from the 13th century.

Saint Remacle was the founder of Abbaye de Stavelot, but the church is still dedicated to Saint-Sébastien who was an early Chrisitan saint, martyr and the patron saint of athletics, archery and plagues.

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Watch the Belgian Grand Prix

Formula 1 visits Spa Francorchamps from July 25-27 at this iconic track with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners that allow the drivers to push their cars to the edge. 

With famous corners such as Eau Rouge, La Source and Raidillon, drivers will navigate this old-school track in weather that is often changeable.

Newlife Outdoor

Newlife Outdoor is a tour and activity company that hosts canyoning, caving, abseiling and rappelling tours in the mountains and forests of Stavelot.

After a day full of activities, visitors can stay overnight in a castle, holiday home or a luxurious camping site with tents - all of which are fully catered.

Plaques Abbey Stavelot

Plaques Abbey Stavelot is just outside the monastery and commemorates the names of the victims of WW I and II, military and citizens in the region.

There are a variety of plaques, with some from the US and others from Belgium, with numerous statues in the area as well - the most famous being a woman mourning a soldier at their grave.

Musee du Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Musee du Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in vaulted cellars and tells the prestigious history of the track through original visual documents, educational panels and a variety of exceptional vehicles ranging from F1 cars to motorbikes.

It also contains a large scale model, Playstation 4 consoles and a simulator equipped with a steering wheel and vibrating pedals, that make the track even more concrete for motor racing enthusiasts and an interactive experience.

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