Packrafting on the enchanting Lesse River
Packrafting on the enchanting Lesse River
Imagine an invigorating walk through the beautiful countryside around Houyet, where you will enjoy the fresh air and soothing sounds of the environment. As you hike along winding paths and through lush forests, you will discover the unique flora and fauna this region has to offer. After this wonderful first stage, it’s time to get your Packraft ready for the second stage of your adventure. Step aboard and get carried away on the adventurous Lesse, where nature embraces you and each bend reveals new surprises. Are you ready to discover the magic of this route? Then let’s read on quickly!
Preparing for your packraft adventure
Start your Packraft adventure by renting your complete equipment from Rent a Packraft – after all, your adventure is incomplete without it! On the day, check if paddling is allowed that day. You can find this here easy to check. For this route, two sections must be colored dark green: ‘From Lesse between Houyet to Gendron’ and ‘From Lesse between Gendron to Anseremme’. The legend can be found above the map. Check the weather forecast so you can adjust your clothing to the conditions – a raincoat, for example, won’t hurt! If you want to enjoy a tasty snack along the way, check the opening hours of local eateries and make sure you bring plenty of snacks and water yourself. Don’t forget to check your packraft gear: check your life jacket, packraft, paddle and consider a dry suit. Put on sturdy hiking boots for the first leg. Make sure your phone and power bank are charged so you can always stay in touch.
Starting point: Saint Anne's church Anseremme
Ready to take on the challenge? We start at St. Anne’s Church Anseremme with 15.5 km of hiking. Be sure to have the full packraft gear in your backpack.
Untamed nature and breathtaking views
We walk across the bridge to the forest. It doesn’t take long before you can already enjoy impressive rocks (Via Ferrata Pont-à-Lesse). Around 3.66 km you arrive at the Lesse, the river we’ll come back to later. There is a pedestrian bridge on your right, cross it. Continue your way but don’t forget to look back. A little further on you have a beautiful panoramic view of château de Walzin. From 6.43 km you can enjoy the following panoramic views: Aiguilles de Chaleux. We walk through beautiful nature and between fields. Maybe you will be lucky and can spot a roe deer or a wild boar? For enthusiasts, be sure to bring binoculars.
Royal d'Ardenne stop
We pass Halte Royal d’Ardenne, an abandoned train station, around 13.6 km. It’s worth taking a look at this heritage site. The name of this station refers to the castle Château Royal d’Ardenne. This castle was converted by King Leopold II into a luxury hotel for kings and for the rich of the world. A railroad was built between Gendron-Celles and Houyet in 1896. Stop Royal d’Ardenne would be used to receive guests for the luxury hotel. During World War I, the luxury hotel suffered a great deal of damage and was closed. In 1919, Halte Royal d’Ardenne was also closed. The hotel reopened in 1921, but the station remained closed forever. Today, the castle is used as a golf club: Royal Golf Club du Château d’Ardenne.
The adventurous descent of the Lesse
Cross the bridge and on the left side you can enter the water. Time to inflate the raft. Snap together your paddle. Remember your life jacket and put the important stuff in a waterproof bag. If you go during a colder period, be sure to wear a dry suit. As we have two dams on our route, chances are you will get wet. There are a few more places to eat along the way. At 24.5km (between nos. 93 – 94) you have a bridge. Even before the bridge, on the right, there is a restaurant: O bord de la Lesse. You can find the opening hours on their website. They are equipped with a mooring. Want to eat here? Then put your packraft gear safely back in your backpack first. Then you can inflate your packraft again and continue paddling. Do you prefer a restaurant with the packraft alongside you? Then sail 1 km further (no. 103). Here, on the right bank La Flobette. You can have something to eat, drink and also use the toilets here. We paddle on and enjoy the view of the massive rocks where you had a beautiful view earlier while hiking. As soon as you have a view of “Rochers de Caverenne” around 29.6 km (No. 140), you know that the first dam is nearby. Just behind Château de Walzin, is the dam (at 30.2 km – no. 145). Keep well to the right, take the turn still on the right and then paddle straight towards it. You can take the first part of the dam or the second part. If you have little to no experience, take the second part of the dam. This makes it easier to resume the route on the Lesse. With the first part, you still have to paddle to the right side after descending the dam while the current pushes against the side of your raft. So that was fun! We paddled on again. On to the next dam (#166)! This one is on our route at 32.9 km. Attention: you can’t pass on the right, so stay on the left half of the dam. Sail straight to the dam and you will be on the other side in no time. Our packraft adventure is almost over. From 34.5 km (No. 182) keep to the left. The power station discharges water that joins the Lesse on the right. We moor a little further on the left and then we are already back at the car. Our adventure from Houyet to Anseremme is over, but the memories of the beautiful nature and the exciting moments on the Lesse will stay with us for a long time.
Make memories for life
Do you want to live this experience yourself? Then don’t wait any longer! Rent your packraft equipment from Rent a Packraft and enjoy the convenience of home delivery. This way, you can fully focus on the adventure ahead of you. Contact us now and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is packrafting on the Lesse suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Lesse near Houyet in the Ardennes is suitable for beginner to intermediate. You don’t need any previous packraft experience. Rent a Packraft provides a complete kit including paddle, life jacket and instructional materials just get on and enjoy.
What is the best time to packraft on the Lesse?
The best period for the Lesse near Houyet in the Ardennes is April to October, best water levels in spring and fall. High season (July-August) is busier on popular routes. Book your gear on time through Rent a Packraft for delivery within 24 hours.
What is the best season for the Lesse near Houyet?
The best period for the Lesse is May to September. In spring, the water is higher and the river flows faster. In summer, the water is warmer and calmer, perfect for a family day.
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