What to see in Bouillon ?

Bouillon organises itself entirely around its medieval castle, perched on a rocky spur that the Semois wraps in a tight loop. The town owes its reputation to Godefroid de Bouillon, who sold the fortress to fund the First Crusade-a detail that changes how you look at the stones. The settlement below is small, dense, and still functions as a proper Ardennes village.

Spring and autumn are the best windows: summer draws crowds that saturate the few shopping streets around the Grand-Rue. Budget a full day, two if you plan to walk the Semois trails towards Corbion. You come by car from Brussels or Luxembourg City; public transport is impractical. Avoid the restaurants along the Semois waterfront directly opposite the castle-the setting is fine, prices are inflated, and the cooking rarely justifies them.