Green Key holiday home in the Ardennes, Gedinne

*25 July 2026 — by Bieke & Christophe*

Two new signs recently appeared next to our gate: the blue-and-green Green Key sign and the Gîtes de Wallonie sign. To us they are more than signs — each one came after an inspection, and we are quietly proud of them.

Recognition renewed by Tourisme Wallonie

Our recognition as a Meublé de Tourisme was renewed this summer, after an on-site inspection. The inspector checked what you would hope gets checked: fire safety (including the suppression system above the stove), comfort, hygiene and the capacity of 26 guests. The recognition is valid until 22 June 2030.

What this means for you in practice: you book with an inspected, insured and recognised host. No grey area — everything is in order, and that is now confirmed in writing until 2030.

What is Green Key?

Green Key has existed since 1994 and is a programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the same organisation behind the Blue Flag for beaches. The label is awarded every year to hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes, campsites and attractions that meet criteria on environmental management, waste, water, energy, green spaces, food, environmental education and mobility. An independent on-site audit checks that this is true. In Wallonia the programme is coordinated by the environmental federation Canopea, with support from the Commissariat général au Tourisme.

Green Key: sustainable, without compromising on comfort

New this year is the Green Key label, the international eco-label for sustainable tourism. An external auditor assessed us on energy, water, waste management and how we communicate about it. The label is valid until July 2027 and is then reassessed — so it is not a medal for the wall, but a commitment we have to live up to every year.

A few things this covers at our place: we compost all our garden and kitchen waste with a HOTBIN composter — children can join in and take a small bag of compost home — you only pay for the heating and water you actually use, and we deliberately chose what not to have: no swimming pool that needs heating all year round.

What you will notice

Honestly: very little, and that is the point. The house remains the same warm house with the long oak table and the professional kitchen. The signs on the facade are mainly there for peace of mind: whoever books with us books a house that has been checked by others — not just by ourselves.