Collection · Belgium
Kayaking and canoeing in Belgium: Lesse, Ourthe, Semois, Amblève
Kayak and canoe starting points spotted by the Hozy community, from the Ardennes to the Campine.
Paddling down the Lesse is one of the best-known summer outings in Wallonia: you set off upstream, drift between rocks and meadows, and arrive at Anseremme, where the river meets the Meuse. This collection brings together the kayak and canoe starting points listed on Hozy in Belgium, from the Lesse to the Nete.
Most Ardennes trips are done in a two-seater kayak or a canoe, on calm rivers suited to beginners and families. The water level changes everything: after heavy rain the current picks up, and by late summer some rivers run so low that rental companies shorten the route or stop departures. Being able to swim is usually required, and each rental company sets a minimum age for children.
The season generally runs from spring to early autumn, depending on the water level and the navigation rules of each river. Summer weekends and public holidays are in high demand: book directly with the rental company, which sets the times, the route, the shuttle back and the equipment provided (life jacket, waterproof barrel).
Each listing shows the exact spot on the map and a description written for the Hozy community. To make a weekend of it, the Hozy stays closest to the rivers are listed further down.
8 places
Starting points
Canoe Trip on the Nete
Canoe and kayak rental from the centre to paddle up the Kleine Nete through alluvial meadows. The finest way to discover the polder landscape that inspired Timmermans.
Lierre
Kayaking on the Amblève, departure from Stavelot
Kayak or canoe descent on the Amblève between Stavelot and Coo, an 8 km route with a few rapids suitable for beginners. The river winds through spectacular wooded…
What to see in StavelotKayaking on the Lesse, Anseremme
Kayak descent of the Lesse from Houyet or Gendron to Anseremme, a mythical route in the region between cliffs and forests. Local rental operators in Anseremme organise…
What to see in DinantKayaking on the Meuse, Namur Kayaks
Kayak and canoe rental starting from Namur town centre to paddle the Meuse at your own pace. The descent towards Wépion or Dave allows you to see the Citadel from the…
What to see in NamurKayaking on the Ourthe at La Roche-en-Ardenne
Kayaking or canoeing descent on the Ourthe from La Roche, 30 minutes from Bastogne. Routes of 10 to 20 km depending on level, between rocks, gentle rapids and deciduous…
La Roche-en-Ardenne
Kayaking on the Ourthe, Durbuy-Bomal Descent
Classic 12 km descent on the Ourthe between Durbuy and Bomal, accessible to beginners with a few Class I-II rapids. Local operators offer return shuttles, allowing you…
What to see in DurbuyKayaking on the Semois, Kayaks Bouillon
Kayak and canoe rental for paddling down the Semois between Bouillon and downstream villages, courses of 10, 20 km depending on level. The best way to discover the…
What to see in BouillonSambre Kayak Descent
Kayak route between Thuin and Aulne Abbey, one of the most picturesque in Wallonia, passing at the foot of the abbey ruins. Several local rental shops offer equipment…
What to see in Thuin
Where to stay near the rivers
The Hozy stays closest to the starting points.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know before you go
Do you need to be able to swim to kayak on the Lesse?
Rental companies usually ask for it and provide a life jacket. Conditions such as the minimum age for children or the number of people per boat vary from one company to another: check them when you book.
When can you paddle the Ardennes rivers?
Mainly from spring to early autumn. The water level decides: too high after a storm or too low at the end of summer, the trip may be shortened or cancelled. The rental company confirms on the day whether the route is open.
Kayak or canoe: what is the difference?
In a kayak you sit low and use a double-bladed paddle; a canoe is wider and more stable, and is paddled with a single blade, often in pairs or threes. On Belgium's calm rivers, both suit beginners.