Outdoor Adventures on the Meuse: Hike and Kayak through Dinant’s Wild Beauty

From the moment we reached Dinant, we felt it — that gentle shift from everyday stress to pure freedom. The Meuse River sparkled beside us, the sun lit up the cliffs, and pastel houses lined the water like something out of a painting. It already felt like we’d stepped into a postcard.

Our plan? A mix of hiking, kayaking, and total wellness. The backpack was packed and ready, smelling faintly of pine and moss – a small promise of the forest trails and river adventures ahead. But we also knew what waited for us at day’s end: our cozy holiday home with private sauna and jacuzzi, tucked away just outside town, in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes.

Before settling in, we laced up our boots and hit the trails. The higher we climbed, the quieter everything got – except for the breeze and the soft sound of the river far below. At the top, we turned around and there it was: Dinant’s citadel, watching over the valley like it had for centuries. That view alone was worth the trip.

If you’re dreaming of a weekend filled with nature, movement, and deep relaxation, Dinant might just be your perfect escape.

The morning begins in our sunlit kitchen, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread. With growing excitement, we pack the essentials – camera, water bottle, and comfy shoes – and set off toward Château de Freÿr, nestled on the banks of the Meuse. There, we stroll through the elegant baroque gardens, soaking in the peaceful, historic charm of this unique riverside estate.

By lunchtime, we find ourselves drawn to the Taverne de la Meuse, right on the water. Over regional dishes and a freshly poured local beer, we relive the highlights of our morning adventure. A short walk through Dinant's old town rounds off the afternoon, before we make our way back to our holiday home.

Back at the house, we slip into our bathrobes and step out onto the terrace, where the private hot tub is already warm and inviting. As the sun sets, the sauna welcomes us into its gentle heat – a quiet sanctuary where the mind slows down and the day comes to a peaceful close.

In the morning, we head to Dinant Evasion Kayak Station, where everything is ready for our adventure: kayaks, paddles, life jackets – simple and seamless. With excitement building, we slide into the water and follow the gentle current of the Lesse River, drifting past lush meadows and towering limestone cliffs.

Then suddenly – just beyond a light rapid – it appears: the majestic Château Walzin, perched high above the river, dramatic and mysterious like something out of a storybook. Naturally, we grab the camera.

Halfway down the route, we pull ashore on a gravel bank, stretch our legs in the warm pebbles, and enjoy a riverside picnic of baguette, Ardennes ham, and chilled drinks – simple, satisfying, and just right. Then it's back into the kayak, paddling along to the soft sounds of water and forest.

By afternoon, we reach the take-out point, return our gear, and head back to our holiday home, sun-kissed and filled with sparkling memories.

In the garden, the grill is already sizzling. We barbecue meat and vegetables, raise a glass of wine, and toast a day full of river adventure, forest calm, and wide-open skies. To end the weekend, we dip once more into the wellness area – sauna, hot tub, and a quiet lounge zone that bring deep relaxation after an active, joy-filled day.

On our final morning in Dinant, we leave our holiday home on the edge of town early and drive down to the riverfront. The pastel-colored houses reflect softly in the still waters of the Meuse, and the crisp morning air, combined with the first light shining through the stained glass of Collegiate Church Notre-Dame de Dinant, offers a quiet, almost sacred moment of reflection.

Soon after, we make our way to the La Merveilleuse cave, just minutes away. There, we descend into a hidden underground world of stalactites, damp silence, and the rhythmic sound of water dripping onto stone – a mysterious, cooling contrast to the airy openness of the river valley above.

Before we say goodbye for good, we treat ourselves to one last indulgence at Le Café Ardennais: a tender steak with Belgian fries and a freshly poured Leffe beer. It’s the perfect final taste of the region.

As we head home, hearts full and minds refreshed, one thing is clear: this won’t be our last time in the Belgian Ardennes.