Nestled in the heart of Wallonia, Belgium, Ans is a charming municipality that seamlessly blends rich history, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. With a population of approximately 27,322 residents as of 2006, Ans boasts a relatively dense community, with about 1,170 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Located within the province of Liège, Ans shares borders with several neighboring municipalities, including Liège, Seraing, Herstal, Saint-Nicolas, and Flémalle. This strategic position allows residents to enjoy easy access to the vibrant agglomeration of Liège, which boasts a population of around 600,000 people.
One of Ans' most notable claims to fame is its role as the finish location for the prestigious road bicycle race, Liège–Bastogne–Liège. This iconic event, held annually in April, attracts top cyclists from around the world and adds a thrilling touch of excitement to the city's calendar.
While Ans may not be a bustling metropolis, it offers an appealing quality of life, with its residents enjoying relatively good commute times (scored B-) and access to various amenities (C+). However, some areas, such as noise pollution (C+) and certain aspects of healthcare (C+), present opportunities for improvement.
In terms of education, Ans' residents benefit from a range of options, earning the city a respectable score of B- in this category. Similarly, cultural activities are relatively well-represented, with the city scoring B- for its cultural offerings.
As an attractive and relatively compact municipality within the Liège agglomeration, Ans presents an appealing balance between urban convenience and small-town charm. While there may be areas where it falls short of perfection, Ans remains a delightful place to live, work, or visit – especially during the thrilling climax of the Liège–Bastogne–Liège bicycle race!