Wallonia is preparing to host its 37th edition of the Heritage Days on September 13 and 14, this year with a special focus on culinary traditions. The event will feature nearly 300 activities celebrating the region’s rich gastronomic and agricultural heritage.
For the first time, the Walloon Agency for the Promotion of Quality Agriculture (Apaq-W) is partnering with the Walloon Heritage Agency (AWaP). Together, they aim to highlight the deep links between history, agriculture, and cuisine that have shaped Wallonia’s cultural identity.
“We have culinary traditions rooted in the characteristics and origins of our agriculture. These Heritage Days are an opportunity to remember how many historical sites have influenced our gastronomic culture and fostered a strong bond with agriculture,” explained Philippe Mattart, Director-General of Apaq-W.
One of the standout features this year will be the “Tables of the Terroir,” hosted in each of Wallonia’s five provinces by renowned chefs. Guests will dine at historic and symbolic locations, including Villers-la-Ville and Stavelot Abbeys, the Biercée Distillery in Ragnies, the Fourneau Saint-Michel in Saint-Hubert, and the farm-castle of Treignes in Viroinval.
Several venues are also opening their doors to the public for the very first time. Among them is the Chenoy farm in Emines, near La Bruyère, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the area’s farming past. Another highlight is a new cycling route around Blandain and Templeuve in Tournai, showcasing remarkable farms and rural landscapes.
Heritage Days will also include archaeological insights, with AWaP experts leading guided tours at the Archéoforum in Liège and the Silex’s in Spiennes, Mons. These tours will underline how food traditions have been influenced by centuries of human activity in the region.
Gastronomy remains at the heart of the programme. Local breweries, bakers, and artisans will present traditional expertise, ensuring that visitors experience the flavors of Wallonia alongside its historic settings. Tastings, workshops, and demonstrations will bridge the past and present, offering an authentic celebration of regional identity.
By combining cultural exploration with culinary discovery, the 2025 Heritage Days promise to be a feast for both the senses and the mind. Full programme details are available at journeesdupatrimoine.be/journees-du-patrimoine/#programme.
