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Château de Jehay, a rare elegance between checkerboard patterns, gardens and reverie

The Château de Jehay has an immediate charm that captures the eye and soothes the mind. Listed as an Exceptional Heritage Site of Wallonia, it stands as one of the major tourist landmarks of the Province of Liège. Even though the interior of the castle is currently closed for restoration works, the estate continues to welcome visitors and reveals its richness through its outbuildings, its gardens and its historic kitchen garden. An invitation to stroll, explore and contemplate in a setting where time seems suspended.

Surrounded by moats and nestled in lush greenery, Jehay can now be discovered in a different way, yet with just as much poetry.

A unique architecture and a singular history

Built in the mid-16th century, the Château de Jehay is instantly recognisable thanks to its remarkable checkerboard architecture, unique in Europe. This pattern of light and dark stones gives the building a graphic and elegant appearance, almost unreal, intriguing visitors from the very first glance.

The estate long belonged to Count Guy van den Steen de Jehay and his wife Lady Moyra Butler, from the Irish aristocracy. In 1978, the count decided to sell the castle, the estate and part of his collections to the Province of Liège, hoping to see the site preserved and passed on to future generations. This commitment to preservation is still evident today in the quality of the site’s presentation.

The outbuildings and exhibitions, gateways to the estate

While the castle itself is undergoing restoration, the estate’s outbuildings welcome numerous visitors. They house permanent exhibitions that reveal the many facets of the site’s history and its high-quality collections. These spaces provide valuable insights and help visitors better understand the spirit of Jehay.

A virtual reality experience also enhances the visit, offering an immersive and accessible approach that appeals equally to curious visitors and families. The site thus remains lively and dynamic, with events organised throughout the year.

Gardens, park and kitchen garden: an art of living in the open air

Around the castle, the Italian-style gardens are true havens of peace. Avenues of trained lime trees, remarkable trees and carefully designed perspectives invite visitors to slow down and observe. The park hosts rich horticultural and fruit collections, reflecting the strong link between the estate and the surrounding land.

At the edge of the woodland, the former 19th-century kitchen garden, recently restored, is one of the most enchanting areas of the estate. Enclosed by a brick wall and covering nearly one hectare, it invites quiet contemplation. Visitors discover heritage vegetables, edible flowers, fruit trees and delicate roses in a gentle and inspiring atmosphere.

A place to experience, season after season

Jehay is best experienced with the rhythm of the seasons, the blooming gardens and the various events held throughout the year. Even without access to the interior of the castle, the visit offers a complete experience combining heritage, nature and discovery. Visitors stroll, pause and marvel, carried by the serene beauty of the site.

Opening times

From March 28 to October 15: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays from 11.00 to 18.00 (also Mondays if they are public holidays, and Mondays in July and August) • Free admission on the first Sunday of the month from April to October.

Price

• Exhibitions and grounds: adults €5 - children (7-12) €3 - 60+, students, teachers, jobseekers: €4 - children (0-6) free of charge • Park only: adults €2.50 - children (0-12) free of charge

Guided tour

Subject to prior booking at least 2 weeks in advance

Tour length

1 hr

Group

Price Exhibitions and grounds: €4/person

Guided tour Guided tours subject to prior booking at least 2 weeks in advance. Depending on the chosen theme: in EN, FR, NL or DE - length 75 mins to 2hrs.

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Weather in Amay

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Events

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