📖 About Arlon

Arlon is Belgium's smallest provincial capital and the third oldest city in the country after Tournai and Tongeren. Located at the crossroads of French, Belgian, and German cultures in the Wallonia region, this charming city in Luxembourg Province preserves an exceptional Roman heritage that defines its identity.

Just 5 kilometers from the Luxembourg border and 30 kilometers from Luxembourg City (17 minutes by train), Arlon occupies a strategic position where cultures and nations meet. The city's Archaeological Museum houses one of Belgium's finest Roman collections, including over 425 Gallo-Roman sculptures and Merovingian funerary art discovered in the region.

The Pays d'Arlon offers excellent outdoor activities with the Anlier forest massif—the largest deciduous forest in Belgium—and the Haute-Sûre valley, classified as a wetland of international importance. The city's spring and autumn seasons offer ideal weather for hiking and cycling enthusiasts exploring the 20+ hidden gems in the surrounding countryside.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Arlon's economy benefits from its proximity to Luxembourg City, with many residents commuting to the Grand Duchy for work. The city serves as the administrative center of Luxembourg Province, with government services, retail, and hospitality sectors supporting the local economy. Cross-border commerce with Luxembourg and France contributes to the regional vitality.

Arlon's culture reflects its position at the meeting point of French, Belgian, and German influences. The annual Carnival in February and Arlon Jazz Festival in May bring the city to life. Local traditions, Walloon heritage, and the Roman archaeological legacy create a distinctive cultural identity. The exhibition "Tu veux mon portrait?" runs from February 2025 to January 2026, showcasing local artistic traditions.

📜 History

Arlon began as an important Roman trading post, known as Orolaunum Vicus. The 3rd-century defensive walls, whose towers still stand today, protected the settlement during turbulent times. Medieval Arlon developed around the castle and church, maintaining its role as a regional center through centuries of changing rule.

The city's strategic location meant it witnessed major historical events, including the Allied liberation in World War II, commemorated by the Patton monument. Today's Arlon preserves its Roman foundations while embracing its role as a gateway between Belgium and Luxembourg, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern cross-border connectivity.