This cute village on the French-Belgian border is the perfect destination for a romantic weekend with your partner or a relaxing weekend with the whole family. The Ardennes are perfect for outdoor activities, but the village also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. Discover it all during your holiday in this picturesque village.
Bouillon is situated in a region that had been the Duchy of Bouillon for centuries and was part of France, Luxembourg and Belgium. One of the most famous leaders of the duchy was Godfrey of Bouillon, who inherited a castle here in the 11th century. The castle was mentioned for the first time in 988 making it one of the oldest remains of Belgian feudalism.
The village is built on both sides of the river Semois. Start your visit with a guided torchlight procession through the stately Bouillon Castle! Then take to the Semois in a kayak or a boat and admire the castle from a totally different angle.
The Musée Ducale in Bouillon is also very worth while. The museum centres on the region's past and is an absolute must for history buffs.
Another highly recommended sight is just over the border with France in the village of Sedan: Château de Sedan. This castle is some six centuries old and covers a total of 35,000 square metres! The very lovely city of Luxembourg is just 1.5 hours away and the French Ardennes are not only nearby but also perfect for a day of outdoor activities.
Bouillon is surrounded by beautiful nature. Hire bicycles and go for a ride! Cycle to one of the neighbouring villages, the Ardennes or take a picnic with you and make a day of it. You can also go up and down the river Semois in a boot or kayak - a real must in summer.
Bouillon is fairly remote and doesn't have a train station, so you will need a car to get there. Bouillon is in the southwest of Belgium, close to the French-Belgian border. The drive from Calais takes approximately 4 hours. You can also fly into one of the Dutch or Belgian airports and rent a car. If you're already in Belgium or the Netherlands, your satnav will know how to get you there.
Experience the beautiful nature and cultural heritage of centuries-old Bouillon.
