Into the woods — finding the Smurfs' village for Airbnb
When Airbnb came to us to help bring the world of the Smurfs to life for a one-of-a-kind Experience, we set off on an adventure across Belgium in search of the perfect forest clearing. A Belgium location scout we’re sure to remember!
Client : Smurf Movie × Airbnb
Date : February 2025
Location : Wallonia, Belgium
THE BRIEF : Three apples tall, somewhere in the Belgian woods
In February 2025, FAB FIXERS was tasked with locating the Smurf village — a sun-dappled clearing surrounded by ancient trees, somewhere in Belgium, the birthplace of the iconic blue characters. This was no ordinary recce.
THE AIRBNB PITCH
In celebration of the upcoming release of Smurfs from Paramount Animation, Airbnb invited two families to become three apples tall and experience life as a Smurf for the day — bookable as a limited Airbnb Experience, set in the very Belgian woods that inspired the original comics.
THE SEARCH: across the linguistic border
This adventure took us to both sides of Belgium's linguistic divide. We visited vast private estates, castles in various states of grandeur and gentle decay, public forests and woodland hidden from view. The brief was deceptively simple: a clearing, green trees, a sense of magic.
We finally found our spot in Southern Wallonia, nestled in the beautiful Meuse valley — a prime location that felt as though it had been waiting for exactly this moment.
Using our imagination : a visit to the would-be location in the company of set builders and the landowner of the estate, February 2025 © Fab Fixers
THE CHALLENGE : getting access to private woodland
Finding the right location came with its own set of obstacles. The ideal site had to be secluded yet accessible, private yet reachable.
Away from prying eyes : the experience required a truly secluded woodland, away from public paths and uninvited visitors.
Proximity to Brussels : the location needed to remain accessible for guests and crew arriving via Brussels Airport.
Private access : most of the finest woodland in Wallonia is privately held — unlocking it required knowing the right doors to knock on.
We got in touch with the Association Royale des Demeures historiques et Jardins de Belgique (ARDHJB), the non-profit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Belgium's private historic properties. It took several visits before finding the exact spot — but the search was, in every sense, worth it.
In Virgile’s words: ‘Standing in the middle of a forest in sunny February, I could not believe my luck. I was getting paid to spend time with trees, tracking down the location of my childhood heroes. Life definitely has a sense of humour."
Delineating the future Smurf house, February 2025 © Fab Fixers
THE RESULT : a Smurf village, brought to life
From sourcing blue ice cream and flowers to securing a prime clearing in the Wallonian forest, every detail was attended to. The result was an immersive, joyful Airbnb Experience that transported families straight into the world of the Smurfs — right in the heart of their Belgian homeland.
The final result : Nicolas Tytgat – grandson of The Smurfs creator Peyo – guided guests through a selection of activities, July 2025 © Airbnb
Time to smurf : a Smurf inspired meal, as part of the Airbnb experience, July 2025 © Airbnb
Inside the Smurfiverse : a Smurf hat-making studio for Airbnb guests, July 2025 © Airbnb
WHY FAB FIXERS?
What made the difference
Creative thinking. We don't stop at what’s in front of us. Where others see barren locations, we the end result.
Cultural knowledge. Deep local roots across Belgium's communities let us build privileged relationships with landowners, institutions, and heritage organisations.
Unmatched access. From private estates to protected heritage sites, our network opens doors, one way or another.
We'd love to make your project come to life.