Jean-Luc Demaret G
« A perfect family day on the Semois. The welcome at Kayak Belgique is warm, the equipment is spotless (the kayaks are modern and clean), and the free shuttle system is superbly organised. A must-visit in the Ardennes! »
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Audio guide — Kayak Gendron & Lesse river trip
Sources & references:
Gendron (Wikipedia) ·
Gendron-Celles Station ·
Lesse (Wikipedia) ·
Dinant (Wikivoyage)
Kayak Gendron is where the Lesse's most popular descent begins: 12 km down to Anseremme, through a Natura 2000 landscape of spectacular rock formations, with a medieval castle and crystal-clear water along the way. The village of Gendron-Celleslies on the border between the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg. You can reach it directly by train (Gendron-Celles station, Namur-Bertrix line), which makes this a perfect car-free adventure in the Belgian Ardennes.
The 3 routes from Gendron
⭐ Most popular
Gendron → Anseremme
12 km · 3-4 hrs · Class I/II
Nature, Aiguilles de Chaleux, Château de Walzin. You arrive at Dinant. Perfect for families.
12 km
3-4 hours
All levels
Full route
Houyet → Anseremme
21 km · 5-7 hrs · Class I/II
Full Lesse valley experience. Departs from kayak Houyet.
21 km
5-7 hours
Short
Houyet → Gendron
9 km · 2-3 hrs · Class I
A calm run, ideal for beginners, ending at Gendron.
9 km
2-3 hours
Highlights along the route
🪨 Aiguilles de Chaleux
Spectacular limestone pinnacles in a Natura 2000 zone, home to bat colonies and birds of prey. You can see them clearly from the kayak, and they are one of the trip's iconic moments.
🏰 Château de Walzin
A medieval castle perched on a cliff above the Lesse. Closed to visitors, but spectacular from the water. It is the signature silhouette of the Lesse valley.
🧗 Promenade des Échelles
A via ferrata with ladders and cables runs along the cliffs. You can combine it with the kayak trip: start by kayak and finish on foot, or the other way round.
🚉 Gendron-Celles Station
800 m from the departure point. Namur-Bertrix line. The perfect formula is to arrive by train and take the shuttle back from Anseremme. It is eco-friendly and convenient.
Prices 2026 — Dinant Evasion
| Craft | People | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Kayak (K1) | 1 | €39.00 (All-in) / €34.00 | 12 km official route |
| Double Kayak (K2) | 2 | €72.00 (€36/p) / €62.00 (€31/p) | Most popular choice |
| Canoe 3 seats (C3) | 3 | €96.00 (€32/p) / €81.00 (€27/p) | Families with kids |
Included: life jacket, paddle, waterproof bag, shuttle bus to the departure point, and insurance.
Groups & schools: special rates available for groups of 10+.
SPW Regulations & Flag System
For the Lesse, the SPW (Wallonia Public Service) sets mandatory thresholds. Before heading out, always check the flag system:
🟢 GREEN
Ideal
3-15 m³/s
Ideal
3-15 m³/s
🟠 ORANGE
Caution
15-35 m³/s
Caution
15-35 m³/s
🔴 RED
Dangerous
35-45 m³/s
Dangerous
35-45 m³/s
⚫ BLACK
Forbidden
> 45 m³/s
Forbidden
> 45 m³/s
Landing on the banks is prohibited in Natura 2000 zones (Aiguilles de Chaleux). Season: April–October.
Our kayak & river trip pages
🚣 Lesse kayak Dinant
🛶 Kayak Houyet 21 km
💧 Lesse water level
⚖️ Lesse vs Semois
📍 Gendron village
🌊 Semois kayak
🏞️ Ourthe water level
💶 Prices
👨👩👧 First family kayak
🇧🇪 Kayaking in Belgium
📊 Lesse valley analysis
🏆 Semois vs Dinant
Ready for your Lesse kayak adventure?
Book your kayak trip from Gendron, or take a look at our Semois descents