On the way to the Meuse Valley

Martin's Rentmeesterij is located 150m from the Commandery of Alden Biesen, a unique historical site in Bilzen in Flemish Limburg. Maastricht is only 10 minutes away and Liège, Tongeren or Hasselt half an hour. The complex is also easily accessible from Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf or Eindhoven (one and a half hours by car). The hotel is housed in a beautiful historic building (the former House of the Steward) dating from the 13th century, which has been extended with a beautiful contemporary wing. The original part offers three junior suites, a meeting room, a bar, several lounges and an event and banqueting hall: ideal for receptions and weddings. The new wing consists of 69 rooms and the elegant AKKO restaurant with a terrace. You can also recharge your batteries in our wellness oasis with swimming pool. The hotel overlooks a pleasant inner courtyard and the estate's extensive wooded gardens, which you can also use for private or corporate events.

Alden Biesen impresses its visitors. It is a huge fortified castle, the largest of its kind in Belgium, surrounded by a brilliant estate. The street front garden is geometrically shaped like the French gardens. At the back, there is an English garden and orchards. The complex includes several corner towers, a farmhouse, a hospital, an orangery and a guest quarter. Alden Biesen is also the cultural centre of the Flemish Community. The Alden Biesen Commandery was a castle-monastery of the Teutonic Order and the seat of the great Commandery of the Old Junks, whose Latin name was Balivia de Juncis, one of the twelve great bailiwicks of the government of the Teutonic Order of the Holy Roman Empire from the 13th century until the French Revolution. It has been completely renovated and is now an international conference centre. An architectural ensemble built from the 13th to the 18th century by the Teutonic Knights in the former Principality of Liege, this estate and its castle are located in the Province of Limburg in Belgium. The estate was donated in 1220 to the Teutonic Knights, a German hospitaller brotherhood that became a military order. From the 16th to the 17th century, the order built the castle and in the 18th century, one of the last commanders transformed it into a late baroque residence with an English-style park. After a violent fire in 1971, the site was listed in 2000, fully restored and converted into an international conference centre. Its former hospice is now a brasserie.

Bilzen is a Dutch-speaking town in Belgium, located in the Flemish Region in the province of Limburg.As of 1 July 2004, the total population of this municipality is 29,762. The total area is 75.90 km2.Author: WikipediaMore information

The siege of Maastricht was one of the episodes of the Eighty Years' War, which took place from 12 March to 1 July 1579.In 1568, during the reign of Philip II of Spain, the Netherlands, which had been under the domination of the Spanish Empire, took up arms and tried to gain independence.Author: WikipediaFurther information

Frontenpark is anything but what you would expect from a traditional city park. It is not an imposing, perfectly laid out and maintained park, but a piece of unspoilt nature in the heart of the city. Covering some 20 hectares, you will discover nature that has taken over from fortifications, relics such as an old harbour master's house, an old bridge exit, etc. Frontenkwartier in 6211 Maastricht.

A must-see during a visit to Maastricht: the Bisschopsmolen. This watermill is located in the Jekerkwartier with its romantic atmosphere. In the 11th century, the mill was owned by Godfrey of Bouillon and after his death by the Prince-Bishop of Liege. Since 2005, the mill has been reunited with the artisanal bakery. To see, feel and experience the ancestral chain of farmer, miller and baker... Stenenbrug 3 at 6211 HP Maastricht - Tel: +31(0)43-3270613

The Helpoort is part of the original city walls, which were built after Henry I, Duke of Brabant, gave the order in April 1229. It is the only surviving city gate in Maastricht and is also the oldest gate in the Netherlands.

Castle Neercanne is a castle in the Dutch municipality of Maastricht, just north of the village of Kanne . The castle is located on the northern border of Belgium, in the village of Kanne, south of Maastricht, but still on Dutch territory. Author: Wikipedia

Afin de défendre la Belgique et plus particulièrement les ponts aux alentours traversant le Canal Albert et la Meuse face à une éventuelle attaque, le Fort d'Eben-Emael a été construit aux alentours de 1935. Celui-ci est malheureusement pris par une unité d'élite de parachutistes allemands au début de la deuxième Guerre-Mondiale, le 10 mai 1940. A l'aide de planeurs et de la charge creuse qui fut utilisée pour la toute première fois lors de cette attaque, le fort est tombé sous l'emprise de l'Allemagne nazie après seulement un jour.

Eijsden Castle is a Dutch castle located in Laag-Caestert, municipality of Eijsden, in the Dutch province of Limburg. Also known as Laag-Caestert, the castle is located on the Meuse River. Author: Wikipedia