Rochehaut, Bouillon, it's called. Just as if the beautiful little village couldn't stand on its own. We spent a week there and enjoyed every moment.
Don't tell the other campsites, but there is really only one campsite where you should stay when visiting Rochehaut. That is Ile de Fagneul. It's a small island in the Semois surrounded by high hills. You hear birds singing, fish jumping and if you're lucky you sometimes come across a little deer or a muskrat.
A calm, shallow river that is perfect for splashing and romping about in. Quite a task, then, to get our children away from the campsite for once. Not that that's such a bad thing, because from our hammock with a view of the river and the hills you feel just like you're in Canada or Sweden.
At the campsite there is a cosy brown café, a playground, a football pitch, a volleyball court and enough space to play along the river to keep you busy for a few days. But for those who still fancy getting out and about; here are our favourite outings in Rochehaut.
The Ladder Walk or Les Echelles de Rochehaut
The star among Belgium's exciting walks. During this walk you keep moving over and along the rocks that border the Semois. You pass a number of safe little ladders and sometimes you even have to climb a metre or two.
Although it is just about the most exciting walk in Belgium, it remains a safe and doable walk even with small children. It is advisable, though, to wear sturdy shoes and not to go in rainy weather.
At a certain point you descend all the way down to the Semois itself. There you have what is practically a park of streams and little rivers. Perfect for lingering and playing for a few hours.
We didn't have a picnic with us, but next time we definitely plan to come equipped with a hammock AND a picnic.
INSIDER TIP: The walk starts right next to the Brasserie de Rochehaut. Our tip: park your car here and reserve a spot on their beautiful terrace for the evening. You get a wonderful view of the valley here. A good meal after a hearty walk can only do you good.
Parc animalier
Although the animal park is located next to the brewery, you start the visit in the centre of Rochehaut. You can easily park your car at the balconies of Rochehaut. These also offer a beautiful view of one of the three meanders in the Semois. From there it's a 100-metre walk to the artisan shop of Rochehaut. Here you also buy tickets for the little train that visits the animal park.
You may have to wait a while for the little train. Fortunately, at the starting point there is a super cosy little terrace where you can still buy beers, soup, bread or hot drinks.
The little train goes straight to the animal park while the guide tells you about the area. Did you know, by the way, that the area used to be known for its tobacco? And that a wine-based aperitif is now made here that has already won several prizes?
After the visit to the park you do a small tour of the pretty village. There you see the slate houses and they also get you keen on a visit to the lovely little church.
Les Roches de Frahan
These rocks are easy to reach from the Ile de Fagneul campsite. In less than an hour's walk you arrive at the rocks of Frahan, which give a wonderful view over the valley of the Semois. Do watch out, though, because the drop is quite something. For those looking for more of a challenge … from there you can also walk on towards Rochehaut, cut across to the ladder walk or even carry on all the way to Bouillon.
Rochehaut
Even if you took the tourist train, it's still nice to spend some time in Rochehaut.
Besides the beautiful balconies above the meander of the Semois and the historic church, Rochehaut is really above all a cute little town of terraces. You immediately feel as if you're somewhere in Burgundy. And Burgundian eating and drinking works out very well here too.
In the centre itself you can also arrange all kinds of outings. One that is still high on our wish list is a trip through the Semois in a covered wagon.
Brasserie de Rochehaut
Rochehaut may only be tiny, but they are rightly proud of their beer. Just outside the centre lies an ultra-modern brewery where they brew blond, tripel, brown, amber, red fruit, IPA and winter beer. Not cheap, but very good in taste. Every craft beer lover will find something to their liking here, but so will the rest of the family. On the beer terrace there are all kinds of old Flemish games. In the brasserie itself you can eat well with a view of the valley of the Semois and the animal park. There is also a nice playground where your children can romp about safely while you enjoy a beer.
Kayaking and canoeing on the Semois
The Semois also lends itself very well to kayaking or canoeing with (small) children. The river is wide, calm and shallow. Fortunately with just enough current so you don't have to put in too much effort.
For the clever ones staying at Ile de Faigneul, from there you can walk to the starting point, which is fun too.
Perhaps you only saw Rochehaut as worthy of a day trip (that ladder walk, right?), but I hope I've convinced you to spend more than a day here for once. Preferably all of you this summer (while I'm abroad) so that afterwards I have my little gem all to myself again. 🙂
