Bouillon castle: a medieval gem in Wallonia

History

Constructed in the 10th century on a strategic crossroads between Reims, Liège and Aix-la-Chapelle, the chateau was in the 18th century radically rebuilt by Louis XIV’s military genius Vauban and is now considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium.

Today visitors can explore the extraordinary maze of tunnels and passageways leading through dark dungeons to lofty battlements, towers and embattlements with vertiginous views over the river below.

The chambers of the fortress are lined with weaponry dating back to the 16th century and there is an intriguing explanation of how the chateau could survive a lengthy siege, with a long tunnel stretching down to a well 30 metres below which also served as a secret supply of foodstuffs smuggled in from the river.

Don't miss

• The falconry demonstrations recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
• The permanent exhibition at the Scriptura Museum, dedicated to writing, from medieval to modern times
• The treasure hunts (from age 4)
• The castle's cheese cellar where the œillet du château, an exceptional hard cheese made by the Bergerie d' Acremont and which recipe dates from the Middle Ages, is aged.
• The torch lit visits of the castle

Combined visits

The Bouillon City Pass gives you access to:

• The Bouillon Medieval Experience
• the Ducal Museum 
• the Odyssée de Lumière night show.