Bouillon

Bouillon

Known as the "Pearl of the Semois valley" Bouillon is without doubt the most important and most attractive tourist centre of the Semois valley. Its fortified medieval castle, perfectly preserved, continues to watch over the town.

Miles of way-marked paths invite the visitor to discover the valley and its steep slopes.

It's from here, in 1096, that Godfrey of Bouillon led the First Crusade. Thousands of people followed him through Europe and the Middle East to Jerusalem where he was to be offered the title of King of Jerusalem, which he declined. The title was later given to his brother.

The castle of Bouillon still stands on its rock above the town, circled by a meander of the Semois River and is of course the main attraction of the town. It is also the most visited attraction of the province of Belgian Luxembourg.

Sights

The Ducal Museum is quite exceptional and seduces by the richness of its collections and the charm of the listed 16 th and 17 th century buildings, which house them. Three sections offer a vast panorama of Bouillon's rich history, from the Crusades to modern times.
Guided visits in English are available at the castle . However a guidebook in English can also be obtained for approximately 50p. at the ticket office for those who prefer to visit on their own.
Le Marché de Nathalie is the only place where beer is brewed in Bouillon. That is not its only originality of course. The brewery is situated in a shop that sells over 300 different types of Belgian beers of which three are brewed on the spot: Cuvée de Bouillon - Bouillonnaise and Médiévale. 22, Grand Rue.