geocalia
Bouillon castle and the bridge over the SemoisJean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY-SA 3.0

What to do · Bouillon

Kayaking the Semois from Bouillon

Kayak · 1 to 5 h · from Bouillon to Poupehan or to Frahan · family stretch from age 4

Information
Duration
3 h 30
Season
In season and depending on the Semois water level
Who it's for
Families on the Poupehan–Frahan stretch; fit adults for Bouillon–Frahan

The Semois traces tight meanders between forests as it leaves Bouillon, and can be paddled by kayak. Semois Kayaks, based in Poupehan, offers the classic descent from Bouillon to Poupehan, about three and a half hours, and extends it to Frahan, about five hours, with a picnic. For families with children from age 4, the Poupehan–Frahan stretch takes about an hour.

Everything depends on the water: when the Semois is low, the company announces it on its website and takes its customers to paddle the Chiers and the Meuse. Book on its website or by phone.

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