Considered to be one of the greatest Grand Prix circuits of them all, Spa-Francorchamps is the destination for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team this weekend as we head to Belgium’s High Fens.

The 13th round of the World Championship takes place on the majestic 5km circuit that winds its way around former public roads, connecting the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot - although the modern track is a shortened layout from the original. If you’re visiting Spa, we recommend taking a drive around it, along with these other ideas…

Sample the local water

Spa sits in an extraordinary landscape, located in the Ardennes forest in an area known as the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens). As a result, the area develops its own microclimate. Often referred to as the ‘fickle Ardennes’, it can be bright sunshine one moment, followed by torrential rain the next. It’s particularly verdant, and the rivers and water are especially rarefied. That’s why the nearby original ‘spa town’ came to be, and early tourists would come to the area to relax and recuperate in the healing springs. Today, bottled Spa water is sold all over the world.

Pay a visit to the city of Liège

If you’re travelling to Spa from around Europe, it’s an easy drive - especially from the UK. As you motor down the E40 from northern France, you’ll pass through the medieval city of Liège. Situated on the river Meuse, it’s well worth a visit. And don’t be confused by the road signs, which switch from Flemish in the northern Flanders region (where Liège is spelled Luik) to the French-speaking Walloon region where Spa is located. There are plenty of walks that offer panoramic views of the city and river.

Drive a lap of the old track

If you motor out of the circuit and turn right, go up past the campsites at Les Combes, and start following signs to Malmedy, you’ll suddenly find yourself on the old Spa layout - a 14km route that was first used in the 1920s. First, you’ll be driving the long-radius, flat-out right-hander Burnenville, which used to be taken at 170mph. As you continue on the N68, you’ll quickly come across the legendary Masta Kink - a very quick left-right that required great bravery and skill. Eventually, the circuit rejoins the modern route from Cheneux back up the ‘Route de l’Eau Rouge’.

Don’t forget to sample the frites

On your tour of the old track, make a quick deviation to the town of Stavelot, the historic and cultural centre of the Haute Ardennes. With its preserved 18th-century façade, the town has three museums and year-round activities - including folk festivals, jazz concerts and carnivals such as the Laetare des Blancs Moussis - one of Belgium’s most famous. But no trip to this region would be complete without sampling the legendary frites et mayo: delicious chips served in a cone, liberally doused in mayonnaise and washed down with a strong Belgian beer.