The Lesse kayak trip from Houyet is one of the most popular water activities in the Belgian Ardennes. The Lesse river winds through a spectacular valley of limestone cliffs and ancient forests, just a few kilometres from the famous Han-sur-Lesse caves. Every season, tens of thousands of kayakers set off from Houyet station, a charming Ardennes village on the banks of the Lesse.
This guide, written by Quentin Deligne, river hydrology expert and founder of Kayak Semois Ardenne, covers the three available routes, the 2026 prices from Dinant Evasion, the SPW (Walloon Government) regulations, and an objective comparison between the Lesse and the Semois to help you choose the right river for your trip.
The full route along the Lesse, featuring 2 dam crossings that add excitement accessible even to beginners. Perfect for nature lovers seeking a full-day adventure through the Namur Ardennes.
The most balanced route, popular with families and groups. Passes the magnificent Walzin Castle and the imposing Needles of Chaleux rock formations. Includes 2 dam crossings.
No dams, no technical difficulties. Perfect for families with young children, beginners and those who want to combine kayaking with hiking.
| Boat type | All Inclusive (shuttle) | Without shuttle (train) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic double kayak | €32.50 / person | €30.00 / person |
| Comfort double kayak | €35.50 / person | €33.00 / person |
| Super Comfort double | €37.50 / person | €35.00 / person |
| Super Comfort single | €43.00 / person | €40.50 / person |
| Canoe (3 seats) | €30.00 / person | €27.50 / person |
Park for free in Anseremme (Rue du Vélodrome 15). After collecting tickets, the shuttle takes you to Houyet or Gendron. Free showers, changing rooms and catering at the arrival point.
SNCB line 166 Dinant–Bertrix: stations Houyet, Gendron-Celles and Anseremme are < 100 m from the boarding/disembarkation points. Save €2.50/person without shuttle.
< 10 m³/s · Easy · Min. age 5 · Dogs allowed
10–20 m³/s · Careful · Min. age 8 · Life jacket for all
20–30 m³/s · Sporty · Min. age 12 · Dogs forbidden
30–45 m³/s · Advanced · Min. age 15 · Dogs forbidden
Capacity limit: Max. 1,169 kayaks/day on the Lesse (Natura 2000 permit). Book well in advance during summer!
| Criteria | 🔵 Lesse (Houyet) | 🟢 Semois (KSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | €27.50–€32.50/person | from €16/person |
| Peak season crowds | Up to 3,500 kayaks/day | ~200 kayaks/day |
| Real-time water level | Not provided | Available + email alerts |
| Life jackets included | Only for < 12 yrs | Free for everyone |
| Protected status | Nature Park (94,500 ha) | National Park (29,000 ha, 2022) |
👉 Choose the Lesse for spectacular castle scenery and the thrill of dam crossings. Choose the Semois for wild, peaceful nature in a National Park, at a significantly lower price.
More affordable, quieter, National Park — the Semois is the river for those in the know.
🛶 Discover Semois kayaking✏️ Article by Quentin Deligne, river hydrology expert & founder of Kayak Semois Ardenne. Prices: Dinant Evasion 2026. Hydrological data: SPW-ARNE. Sources: Wikipedia Houyet · Wikipedia Lesse. Updated: 25/05/2026.
Très bien, pas cher et accueil très sympathique. Merci, car pour ma première fois en kayak, j'adore. Je le recommande. À la prochaine fois 👍🙂
Contrairement à d'autres opinions publiées, nous avons été très bien accueillis, l'équipe est très sympathique et la location de kayak est ici moins chère qu'ailleurs. Nous recommandons Kayak ardenne!
Camping fantastique, prix abordables et personnel adorable !
Top, très sympathique et bon service. Prix corrects.
Nous avons logé 1 nuit dans une tente et avons fait la descente en kayak de 11km. Personnel serviable et super sympathique. Organisation parfaite pour l'arrivée sur la Semois et l'accueil après la descente. Merci pour tout !
Nous avons pu profiter de cette journée grâce à la dame du bar de kayak ! Sans le savoir, nous n'avions pas réservé. Elle a trouvé une solution de dernière minute ! Top encore merci !
Location de kayak excellente sur la Semois. Différents parcours possibles pour courte ou longue distance selon le souhait. Le personnel est très sympathique et vous conseille parfaitement !
Magnifique descente en canoë (17km), le service est très bon, nous attendons peu même à l'arrivée grâce au chauffeur et à sa femme. De plus, le petit café avec terrasse est très agréable.