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 the starting point of the most popular descent on the Lesse: 12 km to Anseremme, through a Natura 2000 landscape with spectacular rock formations, a medieval castle and crystal-clear water. The village of Gendron-Celles, on the border between Namur and Luxembourg provinces, is directly accessible by train (Gendron-Celles station, Namur-Bertrix line), making this the 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. Arrives 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
Peaceful, ideal for beginners. Ends at Gendron.
9 km
2-3 hours
Highlights along the route
🪨 Aiguilles de Chaleux
Spectacular limestone pinnacles in a Natura 2000 zone. Bat colonies and birds of prey. Clearly visible from the kayak — one of the trip's iconic moments.
🏰 Château de Walzin
Medieval castle perched on a cliff above the Lesse. Closed to visitors but spectacular from the water. The signature silhouette of the Lesse valley.
🧗 Promenade des Échelles
Via ferrata with ladders and cables along the cliffs. Combinable with the kayak trip: start by kayak, finish on foot or vice versa.
🚉 Gendron-Celles Station
800 m from the departure point. Namur-Bertrix line. Perfect formula: arrive by train, shuttle back from Anseremme. 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 departure point, insurance.
Groups & schools: special rates available for groups of 10+.
SPW Regulations & Flag System
The SPW (Wallonia Public Service) sets mandatory thresholds for the Lesse. Always check the flag system before heading out:
🟢 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
In Natura 2000 zones (Aiguilles de Chaleux), landing on the banks is prohibited. 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 discover our Semois descents