Kortrijk to Spa Road Trip: Ultimate Guide to Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems

The route from Kortrijk to Spa covers roughly 200 kilometers, crossing the provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Walloon Brabant, and Liège. The journey typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours via the E403, E40, and E42 highways, but the real value lies in the detours. Did you know that the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack, just a stone's throw from Spa, is one of the most famous circuits in Formula 1? This drive takes you from the French-flavored city of Kortrijk, past the rolling hills of Hainaut, into the Ardennes forests, ending in the oldest known spa town in Europe.

For those wondering how long to drive Kortrijk to Spa, the direct highway route is efficient, but the answer to is it worth driving Kortrijk to Spa is a resounding yes if you take the scenic backroads. The best stops Kortrijk to Spa include medieval towns, waterfalls, and viewpoint towers. For more tips, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

How long to drive Kortrijk to Spa: The shortest route via E403, E40, and E42 takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes without traffic. However, for a scenic drive, allocate 4–5 hours including stops. The roads are well-maintained, but the E42 in Wallonia has stretches with construction zones.

• Highway numbers: E403 (Kortrijk to Ghent), E40 (Ghent to Leuven), E42 (Leuven to Spa)
• Estimated fuel cost: €25–€35 (depending on vehicle efficiency and fuel prices; petrol around €1.80/L)
• Toll roads: None on this route, but parking in Spa may incur charges (€2–€5 per day)
• Rest areas: Frequent along the E40 and E42, with service stations every 20–30 km

Fuel efficiency tip: The Ardennes section involves elevation changes; maintain steady speed (90–100 km/h) on uphills to save fuel. Gas stations are plentiful; notable ones include TotalEnergies near Leuven (exit 16) and Q8 at Verviers (exit 4).

Geographical Shifts

Start in the flat Flemish plains of Kortrijk, with its iconic Broel Towers. As you head east, the landscape gradually rises near Leuven, transitioning to the undulating hills of Brabant. Approaching Liège, the terrain becomes rugged, forested, and dotted with limestone cliffs. The final stretch into Spa winds through dense Ardennes woodland, with occasional views of the Hoëgne Valley.

• Best viewpoint: Signal de Botrange (694 m), Belgium's highest point, is a 15-minute detour from Spa.
• UNESCO sites: The Grand-Hornu mining site (near Mons, 30 min detour) is a UNESCO World Heritage industrial complex. Within Spa, the town itself is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO listing.
• Local markets: In Spa, the Saturday market on Place Royale offers local cheeses, Ardennes ham, and herbal liqueurs.

Culinary Infrastructure

Traditional roadside eateries include La Grange du Moulin in Blegny (near Liège), serving slow-cooked Ardennes rabbit. In the village of Francorchamps, Chez Ginette offers hearty meatballs with fries. For a quick bite, many service stations (e.g., Barchon on E42) have decent bakeries with fresh waffles.

Local Commerce and Culture

Buy a bottle of Spa-Tongres mineral water, sourced from local springs. The pottery of Bouffioulx (chalkware) is a regional craft sold in workshops near Charleroi, a short detour. Wooden toys from the Ardennes are also popular souvenirs.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

The highways are well-lit and paved, but sections of the E42 between Liège and Spa have older concrete surfaces that can be slippery when wet. Night driving is generally safe, but watch for wildlife (deer) crossing near the Ardennes forest. Speed cameras are common, especially near construction zones. There are no toll gates.

• Pedestrian zones in Spa: The town center is mostly car-free; park at the Thermes parking lot (€3/day).
• Dog-friendly cafes: In Spa, Café de la Place welcomes dogs on their terrace. The Baraque Michel rest area (on E42) has a dog-walking field.
• Family stops: Pairi Daiza (zoo), 5 km off the E42 near Mons, is a huge hit with kids. In Spa, the lac de Warfaaz offers pedal boats and a playground.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Ideal nap spots: The rest area at Bierkensbroek (E40, exit 22) has shaded benches. The Aire de Nasproué (E42, near Liège) has a quiet truck parking area with a view over the valley. For a proper break, the town of Château de Modave (10 min detour) has a park with picnic tables.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off the E42 near Verviers, the village of Limbourg (5 min detour) has a medieval bridge and cobblestone streets. The ruins of the Château de Franchimont in Theux (10 min from Spa) are free to explore. Another gem is the Caves of Remouchamps – a boat ride through underground caves, accessible from the E25 (5 min detour).