Motorhome route: follow the Meuse through three countries!

At 950 kilometres long, crossing three countries, the Meuse has been of great importance in Western Europe for centuries. As it meanders, its waters carry it through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, where it flows into the North Sea through the Hollandsch Diep. The rich history of the Meuse makes not only the river itself, but also its surroundings a wonderful region to explore. You can do so by motorhome too! Read on to find out what the most beautiful spots along the Meuse are and where to stay overnight!

Despite its history and importance, people know very little about the Meuse River. That's a shame! The Meuse is a very interesting natural phenomenon, recognisable by several fun facts! For example, did you know that...

... the Meuse is considered the oldest permanent river? This means that, with an age between 320 and 340 million years old, the Meuse has always flowed in roughly the same place. 

... the Meuse is a rainwater river, and therefore highly dependent on the weather? In winter, the large amount of water sometimes causes the banks to overflow, but in summer, on the contrary, the river can be almost dry. The water level is kept high with artificial dams, allowing ships to cross the river all year round. 

... the Meuse serves as a border between both Belgium and the Netherlands and between Dutch provinces? In several parts of Dutch Limburg, the border with Belgium lies in the river, and the province of North Brabant is also separated from Limburg and Gelderland by the Meuse. Proverbially, this border forms the line between the areas 'above rivers and below rivers'. 

... the Meuse is the source of drinking water for more than seven million people in the Netherlands and Belgium? It is therefore also very important that the river remains well intact and that the water level does not decrease too much.

... Maastricht in Limburg is the largest city on the Meuse in the Netherlands named after the river? Looking at the city's name, this is quite logical. 

... the Meuse has several other names and nicknames in Dutch? Examples include Grensmaas, Grindmaas and Zandmaas, all derived from the river's characteristics: boundary formation, gravel deposits and the amount of sand the river contains.

Time to hit the road along the Meuse! The motorhome route starts in the Netherlands in Stad aan 't Haringvliet, at motorhome stopover Jachthaven Atlantica. Although Rotterdam is also called 'the Maas City' and the New Meuse flows through the city under the Erasmus Bridge, the Meuse has had only minimal influence on the New Meuse. Consequently, the Meuse runs from the Hollandsch Diep to the North Sea.

From Stad aan 't Haringvliet, you can drive in just over an hour to several places on the Amer, the river that lies downstream of the Meuse and thus forms the continuation towards the Hollandsch Diep. Spending the night on the waterfront is possible in, for example, Lage Zwaluwe at Jachthaven Crezée, at Camperpark Jachthaven Biesbosch in Drimmelen or in the harbour of WSV Geertruidenberg. From here, the Meuse flows through National Park De Biesbosch, where you can enjoy hiking and cycling. 

On the way to the south of Limburg, you will pass several nice places where you can stay overnight. For example, the fortified town of Heusden, with its many historical sights, is highly recommended. Would you like to enjoy a delicious beer along the way? Then visit the Speciaal Brouwerij Oijen for a refreshing drink and an overnight stay. In Grave, Linden and Gennep, too, you can spend the night near or on the river Meuse. In Lottum you can park your motorhome in the middle of the countryside at Camperplaats IndeVerte, from where you can walk straight into nature. In nearby Arcen, you can visit the Hertog Jan beer brewery. A little further south, you can spend the night in Maasbree at Camperplaats 't Rooth. The last stop of the motorhome route in the Netherlands is in Maastricht, where you stay the night by the water at Camperplaats Maastricht. In this cosy city, be sure to take some time to stroll around and enjoy the special architecture, which in the old centre has even been recognised as a Protected Cityscape.

- At camperplaats Maastricht, you spend the night with your motorhome by the river Maas!

In the southernmost part of Dutch Limburg, near Eijsden, the motorhome route crosses the border into Belgium. The first major city you encounter is Liège, where you stay overnight nearby in Huy. Located in the hilly ends of the Ardennes, Liège has a rich history. A stroll through the city will certainly not disappoint! 

Further south, make a stop in Namur, a historic city built on both banks of the Meuse. Be sure to climb to the top of the old citadel here, as you will be rewarded with stunning views over the river! Park your motorhome at motorhome stopover Tabora, from where you can walk to the historic city centre in twenty minutes. 

Follow the Meuse further into France where you can spend the night in Profondeville, about half an hour's drive from Dinant. Be sure to make a stop in Dinant, as this town lends itself perfectly to an afternoon of wandering around. The citadel on top of a rock towers high above the city and can be reached by cable car, but you can also choose to cross the Meuse over the Charles de Gaulle bridge and admire the city from the other side. End the afternoon with a deliciously refreshing beer at Maison Leffe.

- In Dinant, you can explore the Meuse by boat!

Meandering south, you follow the river to the border with France at the villages of Heer-Agimont. The next stop is in Verdun, but on the way you pass several villages sur Meuse, where you can stop to enjoy the beautiful nature and views. The episcopal and fortified town of Verdun is a famous place in France, mainly because of the Battle of Verdun in 1916. The influence of this battle is still visible in the city, so a walk through the city can be impressive. Nevertheless, the city has flourished again after reconstruction and as home to several churches, abbeys and museums, you can easily spend a day here. By the water and close to the city, stay in Thierville-sur-Meuse.

In the small town of Commercy, taste the madeleine, a famous little shell-shaped cake made with lemon peel and rum, which originated in this town. Settle down on a terrace and enjoy this sweet treat, of course with a typical French coffee. Just outside the old centre, park your motorhome at motorhome stopover Commercy. 

The Meuse rises in the village of Pouilly-en-Bassigny on the Langres Plateau. On the way to this southernmost part of this motorhome route, you can make a small side trip and spend the night at Camping Porte des Vosges in Bulgnéville, which has all the facilities you need to relax in the middle of nature. Near the source of the Meuse, spend the night at Camping de mon Village of Val-de-Meuse, Champigny-lès-Langres or Lac de la Liez. After visiting the Source de la Meuse and the arch bridge 1st Pont La Meuse, the motorhome route is complete!

- Walking through Verdun, you can still see the influence of the Battle of Verdun.

That was the Meuse from top to bottom! Would you like to explore more places in the Netherlands, Belgium and France? Read more at Camperstop.com and get inspired by our weekly blogs!