Do you have any questions about the kayaks, the Semois, bookings, prices, …?
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Kayaking allowed
Kayaking not allowed: water level too high
Kayaking not allowed: water level too low
Kayaking allowed today, but may close soon
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Book online
Remember to book online for your kayak trip on the Semois! Quick, easy and no prepayment required. Secure your spot today!
Can I get here by public transport? (bus, train...)
Our region, the Ardennes, is unfortunately very poorly served by public transport (train and bus). Getting here by public transport is more like an obstacle course (for example: 2 hours by train + 2 hours by bus from Brussels). On top of that, there are only about 2 buses a day. That’s why we strongly recommend coming by car.
How does it work?
First, you need to come to us: Kayaks La Vanne – Rue Léon Henrard, 10 – 5550 Alle-sur-Semois. Once you’ve arrived and after a briefing, we can:
- Take you by minibus to Poupehan for the 10 km Poupehan – Alle route, and you arrive directly back at your car in Alle.
- You can set off by kayak directly from our base and choose between routes of 7 km (Alle – Vresse), 11 km (Alle – Membre) or 17 km (Alle – Bohan). Once you’ve reached your destination, just give us a call and we’ll come and pick you up and bring you back to your car.
Do I need to book my kayak?
It’s always strongly recommended to book your kayak to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It’s not uncommon for us to turn away hundreds of people because all our kayaks have been reserved. It also allows us to organise your welcome more efficiently.
How far in advance should I book?
Nous vous conseillons de réserver vos kayaks 3 à 5 jours à l’avance, surtout pour les groupes. Attention, cela ne veut pas dire pour autant qu’il n’y aura pas de kayaks disponibles si vous réservez la veille, c’est juste une précaution pour être certain d’avoir le nombre de kayaks que vous souhaitez. S’il y a le moindre empêchement, vous pouvez toujours annuler votre réservation par téléphone au 0032 61 50 13 87 (entre 09h30 et 18h) ou par e-mail.
How do I cancel my booking?
If something comes up, please contact us as soon as possible to cancel your booking. You can easily cancel by phone on 0032 61 50 13 87 (between 09:30 and 18:00) or by email at [email protected] — but please do let us know.
Is the Semois dangerous?
No, the Semois is a calm river that is accessible to everyone: young and old alike. The landscapes have remained wild because the nature is preserved, but the Semois is safe even for beginners.
Is there a minimum age?
The Semois is not dangerous — it’s actually quite a calm river. We consider the experience easier and more enjoyable from the age of 2, but there are no official rules regarding the minimum permitted age. We have life jackets on site adapted for children.
Do you have second-hand kayaks for sale?
Yes, we have a few second-hand kayaks for sale. They are still seaworthy and are sold with lightweight paddles.
Can we have a picnic during our kayak trip?
Yes, you can have a picnic during your kayak trip. The Walloon Region has specifically set up embarkation and disembarkation points for this purpose. You’ll find them along the routes thanks to the corresponding signs.
If you don’t have a picnic, there are food options near every official stop: small restaurants, chip shops, pizzerias, etc.
Always make sure to take your rubbish with you to preserve the nature and beauty of the area.
We advise you not to stop elsewhere for a picnic, as you risk receiving a fine from the Walloon Region.
Are all your kayaks comfort models?
Yes, all our kayaks are comfort models with a backrest, so you can make the most of your kayaking day.
Do you have kayaks for 3 people?
Yes, we have family kayaks that can seat 2 adults and 1 child under 6 years old. If all our family kayaks are already booked, we can fit a small child (under 6) in our two-person kayaks alongside their parents.
Do you have kayaks for 4 people?
No, you can choose between single or two-person kayaks (with the option of adding a small child under 6). The Walloon Region prohibits more than 3 people per vessel.
What time can we start paddling?
We open at 9:30 am as you are not permitted to paddle on the Semois before that time. There are navigation hours set by the Walloon Region that must be respected:
- From 16 March to 15 June: between 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
- From 16 June to 15 October: between 9:30 am and 8:00 pm.
- From 16 October to 15 March: between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm.
When do we pay?
Payment is made in cash (preferred) or by bank card before boarding the kayak.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay in several ways:
- Cash (preferred).
- Bank card.
What is the price for children?
Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. From age 6, the price is the same as for a paying adult.
Are you open in bad weather?
Yes, we are open every day between 15 March and 15 November. As long as the water level of the Semois allows navigation, you can set off by kayak.
How does online booking work?
When you book online, you will receive an automatic confirmation email summarising your details (please check your information carefully) and confirming that your request has been received. We then manually review your request and confirm it as quickly as possible by email (generally within 24 hours).
I haven't received a copy of my booking request. What should I do?
Please check the spam folder of your inbox. The problem may be that you entered an incorrect email address. If you still can’t find a copy of your booking request, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or contact us by phone on 0032 61 50 13 87 (between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm).
Are there any extra costs beyond the kayak price?
No, with us there are no surprises: everything is included in our prices!
- Comfort kayak model.
- Waterproof dry bags on loan.
- Adapted life jackets on loan.
- Shuttle transport.
What does 'free transport' mean?
Once you’re with us (Kayaks La Vanne – Rue Léon Henrard, 10 – 5550 Alle-sur-Semois), we either drive you upstream to Poupehan for the Poupehan–Alle route, or we come and pick you up after your 7 km (Alle–Vresse), 11 km (Alle–Membre) or 17 km (Alle–Bohan) trip to bring you back to your starting point.
Is there a maximum weight for kayaking ?
Yes, our kayaks have a maximum supported weight: around 200 kg for a two-person or family kayak, and around 100 kg for a single kayak.
One important thing to know: when the Semois water level is low (which happens often in summer), you may have to step out of the kayak to pull it over shallow sections. The more the kayak is loaded, the more often this happens, and it can become tiring.
For larger builds, we recommend the two-person or family kayak rather than the single kayak, which is narrower and more enclosed. If you’re unsure which option suits your group or yourself best, feel free to contact us, we’ll give you honest advice.