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Bouillon castle on the rock, above the townZairon · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · Bouillon

Bouillon fortress castle, Godfrey's

Castle · 1 h · City Pass €12 in winter, €16 from April to November · no dogs

InformationFrom €12 person
From
€12 person
Duration
1 h
Season
All year
Who it's for
All ages; dogs not allowed

The Bouillon castle, on a rocky ridge surrounded by the Semois, is one of the oldest in Belgium and the city's great symbol. It belonged to Godfrey of Bouillon, who pawned it to finance his departure on the First Crusade in 1096. You explore it in an hour through passages, rooms cut into the rock, staircases and courtyards with cannons; with an audio guide, an hour and a half.

The ticket

The only ticket is the City Pass, which is also valid for the town's museums and does not expire: from 12 November to 31 March, €12 for adults and €9.50 for ages 4 to 12 and students; from 1 April to 11 November, the City Pass +, €16 and €12, which adds the birds-of-prey show and the Light Odyssey. Audio guide, €2.50.

Tips

  • Footwear There are stone staircases, uneven floors and dark areas: wear comfortable footwear and use your phone torch.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Bouillon castle cost?

In winter, the City Pass costs €12; from April to November, the City Pass +, €16 with the falconry.

Can you take a dog in?

No, they are not allowed because of the birds of prey.

As a familyWith teenagers

Who runs it

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The dining room of La Diligence with chandeliers© Hôtel de la PosteFranco-Belgian cooking opposite the castle

La Diligence, at the Hôtel de la Poste

Restaurant · Bouillon · Place Saint-Arnould · €€€€

What to order: the three-course seasonal bistro menu; for something light, the Napoleon bar

The dining room of La Petite Etable, with wooden beams© La Petite EtableLimousin beef from the farm opposite, with a view of the Semois

La Petite Etable

Restaurant · Rochehaut · above the Semois · €€€€

What to order: the Limousin beef stew with Orval beer or the farm's matured pork chop

Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00–15:00 and 18:00–21:00 · Sunday without a break · closed Tuesday and Wednesday

To stay nearby

The Hôtel de la Poste lit up at dusk beside the Semois© Hôtel de la PosteHotel

Hôtel de la Poste, Relais de Napoléon III

Building from 1730 · Views of the castle and the Semois · Three restaurants

Why we like it: Historic hotel from 1730 in the centre of Bouillon, on the banks of the Semois, with more than 60 rooms, many with a view of the castle.

A lounge with a lit fireplace at the Auberge de Rochehaut© Auberge de RochehautHotel

Auberge de Rochehaut

Above the Semois valley · Half board with dinner at L'Epi d'Or · Boreux family

Why we like it: The Boreux family's hotel restaurant at Rochehaut, above the Semois, with gourmet stays, a tavern, gîtes and an animal park.

Itineraries

Features in these plans