Two-day itinerary in the province of Liège (Belgium) around the 2026 Christmas Village: Curtius Palace, Franchimont, Moha and Christmas at Modave Castle
Liège Christmas Village 2026: Two Days of Castles, from Franchimort to Modave’s Christmas
From 27 November to 30 December 2026, the Christmas Village brings the heart of Liège to life. Spend two days pairing it with the Curtius Palace, the ruins of Franchimont and Moha, then Christmas at Modave Castle, open from 12 December.
Editorial journal · Carte des Châteaux ·
Each winter, the chalets of the Christmas Village line up in the heart of Liège, between Marché Square and Saint-Lambert Square. It is no coincidence that castles are added to the programme: for nearly eight centuries, the ecclesiastical principality of the prince-bishops held the Meuse Valley in check through a network of fortresses, merchant houses and stately homes, many of which are still open to visitors today. Our itinerary spans two days and some 150 kilometres, starting from the city. It works best between 12 and 30 December, when the Liège market and Modave Castle’s Christmas programme are open simultaneously.
A Façade Worth Studying
Before entering the Grand Curtius, take time to walk around the building along the Quai. The limestone courses cut through the brick at regular intervals, and each cross-mullioned window is topped with small sculpted heads. Some are pious, others downright cheeky: a menagerie of stone that also served as a signboard to the power of a merchant.
Modave Castle
Three Builders of the Principality
Érard de la Marck
1472 - 1538
Prince-Bishop of Liège from 1505, later a cardinal, he modernised the principality’s defences in response to advances in artillery. At Franchimont, he is credited with the third enclosure—a pentagonal, bastioned design with its blockhouse and gun tower. He also commissioned the Palace of the Prince-Bishops on Saint-Lambert Square.
Jean Curtius
1551 - 1628
Born Jean de Corte, this Liège industrialist grew rich in the arms and saltpetre trade, notably with Spain. Between 1597 and around 1604, he built the palace that bears his name. The Twelve Years’ Truce (1609) ruined his business; he moved to Spain in 1617 and died there in 1628.
Jean-Gaspard-Ferdinand de Marchin
1601 - 1673
Son of Jean de Marchin, lieutenant-governor of Huy Castle who purchased Modave in 1642, he served as lieutenant to the Grand Condé. After the destruction of 1651–1652, he transformed the family’s old fortress into a Baroque residence with stucco ceilings, largely completed by 1667.
Preparing for Your Two Days
Which Castle for Whom?
To Extend Your Trip
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Historical portrait of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, through five castles in France and Switzerland linked to his life and the Burgundian WarsCharles the Bold in five castles: from Charolles to Murten, the fall of Burgundy’s last great duke
A day-long itinerary through Luxembourg City’s fortifications (UNESCO World Heritage Site), from the Bock Rock to the Kirchberg forts, during the WinterLuxembourg, the fortress in a day: from the Bock Rock to Fort Thüngen, following in Vauban’s footsteps
The route on the map
Two Days of Castles Around Liège
From Theux to Liège on the first day, then from Moha to Modave via Huy on the second.
Markers follow the suggested visiting order. Select a castle to open its page.
Sources
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Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 — Theux and Liège
Morning at Franchimont, above Theux, to read the fortress’s three concentric enclosures. Return to Liège via the Vesdre Valley, visit the Curtius Palace in the afternoon, then an evening at the Christmas Village, between Marché Square and the Cathedral Square.
Day 2 — Mehaigne and Hoyoux Valleys
Drive along the Meuse to Huy, visit the ruins of Moha by appointment, then an afternoon at Modave Castle for its Christmas programme, open from 12 December. Return to Liège at the end of the day.