Holiday homes by the river in Belgium

Some properties stand literally at the water's edge: a small jetty along the river, a garden that runs into the reeds. Others sit a short walk from the bank, with a view of the water from the living room. Both share that calming sound of moving water that carries you into sleep at night.

Beyond the peace, riverside properties also bring practical possibilities. Fishing, kayaking, swimming and walking along the water are part of everyday life here. After an active day on the river, nothing beats a shady garden with a glass in hand.

Belgium's rivers are all worth a holiday in their own right. The Semois in the Gaume is described as one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, with unspoilt banks and lush vegetation. The Ourthe offers dramatic landscapes at Durbuy and La Roche. The Lesse and the Amblève are popular with kayakers and families with children.

Holiday homes along these rivers come in every size. From cosy gîtes with a terrace right by the water to spacious farmhouses with their own meadow along the bank. The highest concentration is in the provinces of Luxembourg and Namur.

A holiday home by the water has a sound that no other setting can offer: the steady murmur or babble of a river running day and night. That sound carries into the bedroom and sets a sleep rhythm you rarely find at home. During the day there is the spectacle of moving water, birds on the bank and light dancing on the surface. All of this makes a riverside stay more restorative than a comparable property a kilometre from the water.

In Belgium, the most beautiful riverside properties sit along the Semois, the Ourthe, the Lesse and the Amblève, all in or close to the Ardennes. Each river has its own character: the Semois is slow and winding, the Ourthe livelier at La Roche, the Lesse wide and family-friendly, and the Amblève cuts through a spectacular gorge landscape near Coo. Choose the river that matches your pace.

Along the main Ardennes rivers, many kayak hire firms offer day trips and multi-day tours. The Lesse at Anseremme and the Ourthe at Durbuy are the most popular stretches, but the Semois near Chiny also lends itself to quieter outings. Some properties even have a kayak or canoe in the barn. Ask when you book.

Fishing is possible on many Belgian rivers provided you have the right permit. In some cases fishing rights are included with the rental. Swimming is permitted at officially marked spots along the Ourthe and the Lesse, but not everywhere: ask the owner about the nearest safe place. Outside the summer season the river water is cool but rarely unpleasant for a bracing dip.

The Semois valley between Bouillon and Herbeumont is considered one of the finest river valleys in western Europe. The river winds slowly through a landscape of wooded hills and largely unspoilt banks, barely crossed by roads. A boat trip or kayak reveals a perspective on this landscape that you never quite reach on foot. Holiday homes along the Semois are found in villages such as Bouillon, Alle-sur-Semois and Vresse-sur-Semois, each with its own character.

The Ourthe valley at La Roche-en-Ardenne and Durbuy is busier but offers more amenities and a wider choice of properties. Around Hotton and Marche-en-Famenne the Ourthe runs broad and calm, ideal for families. The Amblève at Stavelot and Aywaille flows through an impressive rocky landscape that is romantic in every season. Compare the atmosphere of the different rivers before making your choice.

Riverside properties can be affected by flooding after heavy rainfall. The risk is limited in the Belgian Ardennes, but always check at the time of booking whether the property sits in a flood zone. The owner will know and can advise you. Also ask about mosquitoes: in warm weather they are present along low-lying banks. Bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to spend evenings outside.

Privacy is an important consideration for riverside homes. Properties right at the water's edge are sometimes visible to kayakers or walkers along the bank. Ask the owner whether the terrace and garden are screened or properly separated from public paths. A property set slightly back from the bank offers more seclusion, while one directly at the water gives the best views of the river. Both have their appeal.