Papillon Bouillon

You have stunning views over Bouillon from the park, and it’s equally splendid up close. It sits on a Semois River meander cut deep into the cliffside; you can walk there in half an hour (it’s an uphill trek getting back though). Catch historic multimedia displays at the Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon and see regional crafts at the Musée Ducal, but the star of the show in this historic town is the medieval castle, its ramparts and torture chambers. Hiking in the Belgian Ardennes is second to none, with trails for all ages and abilities. Families with older kids can go cycling and mountain biking in the surrounding hills, and if you’re visiting in summer, there’s kayaking and other watersports on the Semois. When you all need a day off from sporting activities, you can jump aboard the mini-train in Parc Animalier de Rochehaut (20 minutes) to see fallow deer, donkeys and bison grazing in the meadows. Other day trips could include the Cistercian Abbaye d’Orval (35 minutes), where you can sample local cheeses and Trappist beers, or Sedan (20 minutes) over the border in France and host to medieval events in one of Europe’s largest castles.