Kayaking on the Lesse river has become a popular summer activity for many Belgians seeking adventure, relaxation, and refreshment. However, on the hottest days, the river sees long queues of kayakers, leading to complaints from locals about noise, litter, and public disorder. As of 2025-07-15 12:38:00, these issues continue to spark debate in the Dinant area.
- Kajaktochten op Lesse veroorzaken overlast en files
- Burgemeester ontvangt klachten over lawaai en afval
- Dinant Evasion controleert klanten vrijwillig vooraf
- Monopoliebedrijf beperkt alcohol en luidsprekers aan boord
- Klanten veroorzaken minder problemen dan wandelaars
- Afvalprobleem vooral door bezoekers langs oevers
Dinant’s mayor, Thiery Bodlet, admitted last summer that the Lesse kayak trips are shifting from peaceful nature outings to crowded events resembling theme park attractions. This change has raised concerns about the impact on the local environment and community.
With this in mind, Dinant Evasion, the sole kayak rental company on the Lesse, has introduced new voluntary checks to reduce disturbances. But will these measures be enough to balance enjoyment with preservation? Let’s explore the current situation.
Are voluntary controls sufficient to maintain order on the Lesse? While Dinant Evasion reports minimal confiscations, the growing number of visitors raises questions about sustainable river use. Key points include:
- Over 1,000 kayakers checked recently with only one speaker and one drink seized
- Complaints focus more on walkers and drivers leaving litter than on kayakers
- The company lacks enforcement power, relying on customer cooperation
- The river’s transformation into a busy attraction challenges local tranquility
Looking ahead, ongoing dialogue between local authorities, businesses, and visitors will be crucial to preserving the Lesse’s beauty. Could stricter regulations or community-led clean-up efforts offer a way forward? For now, responsible enjoyment remains key to keeping this beloved river a peaceful retreat.
