St Hubert, Belgium in winter

Saint Hubert is the patron saint of hunters and legend has it that the man himself once stalked deer in the forests of the Ardennes. Today one is reminded of his presence here everywhere from the roundabout with the statue of a stag, to the enormous basilica and the game park which is just outside of town. For three days on the first weekend of September, the International Hunting and Nature days are held, with medieval costumed participants celebrating the medieval hunting legacy of the Ardennes, featuring the local ancient breed of St. Hubert’s hounds from which the English Blood Hound is descended.

Whilst at Saint Hubert, one can visit the Game Park located around 2km from the centre which has a large collection of game animals.

The Benedictine Abbey and its entire complex which includes the basilica dominates the town. As pilgrims came to visit his shrine in the Middle Ages the town grew but his remains, two thigh bones, apparently disappeared during the reformation. What we can see today dates from the 13th to 17th Centuries.

The front entrance and outside of the basilica is Romanesque but inside is early Gothic. Built on three levels with great pillars of parti-colored stone in the mid-continental Gothic style. The basilica appears a little heavy and somber gray from the outside but once through the massive doors the nave soars to the vaulted ceiling. The early church interior is decorated with later baroque period elements. With a mix of Ionic, Corinthian and Tuscan columns. A clock and later period domes bell towers were added to the original medieval facade. The Abbots Palace surrounding the basilica, painted in bright colours from the 18th Century are now public city buildings and exhibition spaces.

Motorhome visitors can use the free aire located around 2km from the centre of the town.