Cultural tourism

*distances based on Saint- Michael hostel as a point of reference

Al Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve (7 km*)
Al Shouf Cedar Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon. It comprises 6 cedar forests stretching over 50,000 hectares in the Mount Lebanon range. In addition to the reserve’s important flora, Bird Life International magazine recognizes the reserve as an important bird area. Wolf, lynx and fox are among the other animals native to this area. Outdoor activities in the reserve include hiking and trekking (1,300m to 2,000m), bird watching from the watch tower beside the lake, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.

Beiteddine Palace (22 km*)

Beit el Dine is the name of a village in the Chouf and a beautiful 19th century palace located there. The Ottoman-appointed governor, Prince Emir Bachir Chehab II, had the palace constructed over a 30 year period. It is notable as the best example of 19th century Lebanese architecture and for its impressive collection of Byzantine mosaics excavated from a former church and displayed in the lower part of the palace. Beiteddine is also famous for its annual summer festival, featuring a variety of arab and international celebrities.

Deir El Qamar (27 km*)

Located in the Chouf, the picturesque village of Deir El Qamar was the residence of the Ottoman-appointed governors of Lebanon beginning in the 16th century with Emir Fakhreddine II and lasting until the 18th century when Emir Bechir II Chehab moved the capital to Beit El Dine. Under Fakhreddine II, many steps were taken to beautify the town including the construction of new buildings and restorations of older ones, such as the Mosque of Fakhreddine.

-Church of Our Lady of the Hill: Saydet Et Talleh

The church dates from the 7th century and is built on the site of a Phoenician temple to the goddess Astarte. Destroyed by an earthquake, Fakhreddine had the church rebuilt in the 16th century. It was further enlarged in the 17th century, the version of the building we see today. On the southern wall is a large stone sculpture of a crescent moon under a cross, a reference to the name Deir El Qamar, the “monastery of the moon.” 

- Fakhreddine Mosque 

Located near the Deir el Qamar souq, the mosque of Fahkreddine was originally constructed in 1493 in the Mamluk style. The mosque was refurbished by Fakhreddine in the 17th century and is representative of the style of mosque found in Mount Lebanon during the reign of Fakhreddine. The mosque was refurbished in 1987. According to Islamic tradition, visitors should be appropriately attired and remove their shoes before entering. 

- Marie Baz Wax Museum

Created by the Baz family in the village of Deir el Qamar, the Marie Baz Wax Museum contains a collection of 70 life-like wax figures representing important people throughout Lebanese history. 

Niha village (23 km*)

- Grotto of Fakhreddine: (kal3it ni7a)

This cave in Niha overlooking Jezzine was used by the Crusaders as an observation point on the road that used to link Sidon to the Bekaa. The cave is famous for being the place of refuge for Emir Fakhreddine II who was trying to escape capture by the Ottomans in the 17th century. He was captured, however, and taken to Istanbul where he was later executed in 1633. 

- St. Job's shrine (Nabi Ayoub)

A shrine to Nabi Ayoub, or Job, was built on a summit overlooking the village of Niha, where the prophet is believed to be buried. Pilgrims come to this site to obtain blessings. 

Khraibe (5 km*)

This village in the Chouf is characterized by traditional houses, ancient oil presses and old oak trees. You can visit Druze cemeteries and see elderly sheiks from the Druze community.

La grotte de Kfarhim (30 km*)
Découverte en 1974, la grotte de Kfarhim est située au milieu du Chouf. La grotte se situe entre 18 et 20 mètres de profondeur avec une température modérée en hiver et en été. La grotte de Kfarhim se compose de plusieurs couches superposées de nombreuses chutes d'eau, des stalactites et des stalagmites, créant ainsi une merveilleuse beauté naturelle.

Moukhtara (6 km*) 

This town is famous for being the seat of the Jumblatt family, the leaders of the Druze community in the Chouf. Open to public on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can see the Jumblatt family home and the tomb of Kamal Jumblatt. The town is also notable for its beautiful houses, old oil presses, churches, and Moukhtara Castle.

Moussa Castle (25 Km*)

This exceptional edifice is a time capsule, a wax museum like no other! It was built single-handedly by Moussa Abdel Karim Al-Maamari (born in July 27, 1931), a Lebanese visionary. Considered as the work of his life, he needed 60 years (21,900 days and 394,200 hours) to complete this achievement.

Château Kefraya (17 Km*)

One of the most important Lebanese wineries, Château Kefraya, founded nearly fifty years ago, produces fine wines since 1980, having won international medals. This famous winery has a great restaurant and show room where one can sample all the great wines.

Barouk river valley (8 Km*)

Popular place for hikers, the Barouk river valley is a great place for outdoor activities. Part of the trail goes through the Barouk nature reserve, and is especially enjoyable in the springtime