This medieval town in Belgium's Ardennes has a castle overlooking the Semois river. The birthplace of crusader Godfrey of Bouillon draws visitors to its Renaissance buildings and local breweries.
Bouillon, a small town in Belgium's Ardennes region, sits beneath a medieval castle built on three rocky peaks above the Semois River. Watch hawks and eagles soar during daily falconry shows at the castle, walk through the town's cobblestone streets lined with local bakeries, or paddle a canoe past limestone cliffs along the river's bends. The surrounding Ardennes forests have marked trails leading to abandoned mills and abbey ruins.
Exploring Bouillon Castle
The castle rises 150 meters above the town on three rocky peaks, with fortifications dating back to the 11th century. Walk up the winding path to discover defensive towers, 4-meter-thick stone ramparts, and a network of torch-lit underground passages. Hawks, eagles, and owls perform daily flying demonstrations in the castle courtyard. The Scriptura museum inside the castle walls displays medieval manuscripts and educational artifacts, while another exhibition room details Godfrey of Bouillon's journey to Jerusalem.
Activities Along the Semois
The Semois River curves around the town in a horseshoe bend. Rent canoes at the wooden dock near the bridge for a 2-hour paddle through the valley, or follow the red-marked hiking trails connecting Bouillon to the stone houses of neighboring villages. The riverside paths lead to the restored Epine watermill, where you can see the original grinding mechanisms, and continue to the remaining stone walls of Cordemoy Abbey, built in 1721.
Historical Background
Godfrey of Bouillon owned the castle in 1082 before selling it to finance the First Crusade, becoming the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Military architect Vauban added artillery fortifications and reinforced the castle's defenses in the 17th century. The fortress survived multiple sieges, maintaining its strategic position between France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Practical Information
Visit the castle daily from 10:00 to 17:00, except Wednesdays. You'll find parking for cars and coaches, public toilets, and a gift shop selling local crafts and history books. Pick up an audioguide at the entrance desk. The castle hosts medieval fairs in summer and torch-lit night tours during December. Leave pets at home - they're not allowed inside the castle walls. You can eat packed lunches at wooden tables around the grounds.
