The hire company and how it works
The hire is provided by an independent company based in Anseremme. On Kayak Ardennes you only pay a 10% platform fee online, on top of the hire company’s price. The hire itself is paid to the hire company on site, on the day. The rental contract is made directly with it.
You choose a start time at Houyet, between 10am and 11am. The hire company then confirms availability with you directly by email.
Five boats to choose from
The prices below include the 10% platform fee and are per boat.
| Boat | Seats | Price | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single kayak, Super Comfort | 1 | €48.40 | €48.40 |
| Double kayak, Classic | 2 | €73.70 | €36.85 |
| Double kayak, Comfort | 2 | €80.30 | €40.15 |
| Double kayak, Super Comfort | 2 | €84.70 | €42.35 |
| Three-seat canoe | 3 | €102.30 | €34.10 |
The three-seat canoe must be booked with at least one child under 12 on board. Prices for every river are gathered on the prices page.
How the day goes
- By car, park at the finish in Anseremme: the shuttle takes you to the start. By train, get off at Houyet station, right by the launch point.
- Set off from Houyet at your chosen time, life jacket fastened.
- Paddle the 21 km of the Lesse in about 5 hours, breaks included. The two weirs pose no particular difficulty.
- Land at Anseremme, where there are changing rooms and showers.
What’s included, what to bring
The hire company provides the boat, a light paddle, the life jacket, a watertight barrel for your things and the shuttle to the start.
Bring:
- clothes you don’t mind getting wet and closed shoes;
- sun cream, water and a picnic: it’s a long day;
- a towel and a change of clothes.
Level and safety
No sporting experience is needed, but you should be ready to paddle for much of the day. If five hours sounds long, the 12 km trip from Gendron keeps the castle, the weirs and the finest views. Life jackets are compulsory for children under 10.
Check the Lesse water level before you leave and read the Lesse regulations: they set the flow thresholds and closure days. When the water is low, the stretch from Houyet often closes before the rest of the river.
Further reading
The Lesse route describes the scenery and access. Bookings are open from April to October.