La Roche Feudal Castle
La Roche-en-Ardenne
1.65 Km 00:03
An ideal experience for outdoor enthusiasts, families and groups of friends seeking active relaxation, to enjoy during a stay in the Ardennes, to truly get away and return feeling lighter.
Outdoor Centre – Ourthe River Descent offers far more than a simple sporting activity: it is a complete immersion in the Ardennes, a moment where everyday rhythms are left behind to reconnect with nature, water and one another. With more than 35 years of experience, the team guides families, friends and groups through an accessible, authentic and deeply refreshing adventure.
Two options allow everyone to choose their pace. The long descent, starting from the Nisramont dam to La Roche, offers around four hours of navigation through preserved landscapes. For those who prefer a shorter version, the Maboge to La Roche descent, lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, retains the essence of the experience without requiring half a day.
The descent starting from the Nisramont dam is an experience in itself. From the first paddle strokes, the surroundings invite silence and attention. The Ourthe stretches out, winding gently between wooded hills. The sound of the water, ever-present, becomes the natural soundtrack of the day, accompanied by birdsong and the whisper of wind through the trees.
For several hours, time seems to slow down. You paddle at a relaxed pace, drift with the current and sometimes pause to observe, chat or simply float for a few moments. This long descent is ideal for those who enjoy taking their time, fully immersing themselves and experiencing the continuity of the Ardennes landscape.
The descent from Maboge to La Roche is designed for visitors who wish to experience the activity without dedicating half a day to it. In around one and a half hours, it offers a beautiful summary of what makes the Ourthe so enjoyable: an accessible river, lush landscapes, a few livelier passages and plenty of moments suited to relaxation.
This option is often chosen by families or multi-generational groups, who find the perfect balance between gentle activity and shared enjoyment, without excessive effort.
With its 35 years of experience, Outdoor Centre knows how to make visitors feel at ease. The organisation is smooth, explanations are clear and support is discreet yet present. This expertise is felt throughout the experience: everyone can fully enjoy the descent without stress, focusing only on the essentials.
Visitors often leave with the same feeling: that of a moment of escape with family or friends, where laughter, conversation and connection take centre stage, and where the worries of everyday life fade away. The activity allows people to be active without pressure, in a spirit of relaxed adventure where the body moves while the mind unwinds.
On the water, sensations are simple yet powerful. The sounds of nature take over, the scents of woodland and fresh water accompany the journey, and the colours of the Ardennes unfold slowly: the deep green of the trees, the shifting reflections of the river and the light dancing across the surface of the water.
Each key moment leaves its mark: the departure, when excitement meets anticipation; the long peaceful stretches, perfect for contemplation; and the arrival in La Roche, with the satisfying feeling of having experienced something genuine, simple and shared.
Outdoor Centre – Ourthe River Descent is designed for those who appreciate nature, immersion in the Ardennes and activities that benefit both body and mind. Here, there is no performance to achieve and no stopwatch: only the pleasure of gliding across the water, together.
From 1/04 to 11/11: open every day from 9.00. For all trips, go to the Domaine ‘Les Merlettes’ at Val du Pierreux 2 in La Roche-en-Ardenne.
• Kayaking: from Nisramont to La Roche: €40 per person. OR from Maboge to La Roche: €20 per person. • Rafting from Nisramont to La Roche (minimum 6 people): €40 per person. • Mountain bike hire: €50 for the day - €35 for half a day (from 9.00 to 13.00 or from 14.00 to 18.00)
Price Discount 10% for min. 10 kayaks or mountain bikes
More information • The Outdoor Centre offers tailored recreational and sporting packages for groups, schools and businesses • Our team building programmes, family days and incentive breaks are highly reputed • To rent comfortable group accommodation and catering, please go to our website: www.outdoor-centre.be or call +32 84 44 41 12.