A Family Trip to Hastière and Dinant with Your Dog: The Guide to the Best Walks
Going on a family vacation is wonderful. But for many of us, a family isn’t complete without its four-legged member. Leaving your dog behind is often heartbreaking and a source of stress. So what if the solution was to take him with you? The Bungalows du Bonsoy, nestled in the heart of the forests of Hastière, are not only a haven of peace for you, but also a paradise for your canine companion. Far from considering him merely a “pet,” we know that he is a full-fledged member of your family. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you plan an unforgettable vacation where every member of the family, both human and canine, will find happiness.
This article is an ode to shared adventure, a selection of the best dog-friendly walks and activities in the Hastière and Dinant region. No more wondering where your dog is welcome. We’ve explored the trails, parks, and banks of the Meuse River to offer you routes suitable for all paws and all energy levels. Get the leash, treats, and walking shoes ready: the family and pack adventure is just beginning. This approach is a direct extension of our general guide on Holidays with your dog in Bonsoy, focusing specifically on outdoor activities for families.
The Must-Sees: 3 Walks Tested and Approved by our Four-Legged Friends
The region is full of trails, but not all of them are suitable when you’re accompanied by a dog and children. We’ve selected three loops for you that combine safety, scenic beauty, and enjoyment for everyone.
1. Furfooz Park: An Archaeological and Natural Adventure (Dinant)
• Distance : 4 km loop
• Difficulty : Easy to moderate (some stairs and steep passages)
• Why we love it : This is the perfect compromise between culture and nature. The park offers a journey through time with its reconstructions of Roman baths, prehistoric caves, and breathtaking views of the Lesse River. The trail is perfectly marked and shaded, ideal for hot days. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.
• The extra benefit for children : The “treasure hunt” aspect comes from discovering the caves and ruins.
• The advantage for the dog : A variety of scents, and water sources (the Lesse river) to cool off (beware of the current).
• Useful link : https://www.parcdefurfooz.be/
2. The Cascatelles Loop (Hastière): The Freshness of the Hermeton
•Distance : 5.3 km
•Difficulty : Easy
•Why we love it : Starting from the old Cascatelles mill, this walk follows the Hermeton River, one of the purest rivers in Belgium. The sound of the water, the cool forest air, and the flat trail make it a relaxing walk accessible to everyone. It’s an ideal spot to observe signs of beavers.
•The extra benefit for children : Playing by the water’s edge, building small dams.
•The advantage for the dog : An inexhaustible source of water points for drinking and soaking their paws.
•Advice : Combine this walk with the discovery of theHermitage of the Cascatelles for a historical touch.
3. The Ruins of Crèvecoeur (Bouvignes): The Epic Panorama
•Distance : 3 km (round trip from the village)
•Difficulty : Average (it’s going up!)
•Why we love it : The reward at the top is one of the most beautiful views of the Meuse Valley. The climb through the woods is pleasant, and the castle ruins offer a fantastic playground for exploration. Dogs can run freely around the ruins (under supervision).
•The extra benefit for children : Imagining themselves as knights and princesses in a real ruined castle.
•The advantage for the dog : A good workout on the way up and a panoramic view to enjoy.
Adventures on the Water: When Rover Becomes a Cabin Boy
Who said that water activities were off-limits to dogs? The Dinant region offers surprising opportunities to share the joys of the water with your family, including your furry friends.
•Descent of the Lesse by Kayak : Yes, it’s possible! Dinant Evasion allows dogs on board their kayaks. Small dogs that can sit comfortably between your knees ride for free. For larger dogs, a surcharge may apply. It’s an unforgettable experience to see the scenery glide by at the rhythm of your paddling, with your dog at the bow.
•Advice : Choose the 12 km descent (Gendron-Anseremme), which is shorter and calmer, ideal for a first-time experience. Make sure your dog is comfortable with water and bring a life jacket for him as well.
•Useful link : https://www.dinant-evasion.be/fr/descente-de-lesse
•Cruises on the Meuse : For a more relaxed approach, Mosan Cruises also welcomes dogs on a leash. It’s an excellent way to discover the valley’s landscapes without getting tired, perfect for older dogs or families with very young children.
The “Wouf-Trotteur” Code of Conduct
Sharing nature with your dog is a joy, but also a responsibility. To ensure these spaces remain accessible to everyone, a few rules of etiquette are necessary.
•The leash, your best friend. : Even if your dog is an angel, a leash is mandatory in most public places and nature reserves. It protects local wildlife (a deer can die from stress after a simple chase) and reassures other walkers.
•“I pick up litter, therefore I am (welcome)” : Always carry dog waste bags with you. This is the basic step that ensures dogs will remain welcome everywhere.
•Beware of grazing areas : You may pass through areas where cows or sheep are grazing. Keep your dog on a very short leash and never let your dog approach the livestock.
After the effort, comes the reward: The return to the bungalow.
One of the greatest pleasures of a day out exploring is returning to base camp. Your bungalow at Bonsoy is the perfect place for that.
•The “Decompression Chamber” : Keep an old towel handy to wipe muddy paws on the patio before coming inside.
•The Warrior’s Rest : While you relax with a drink, your dog can collapse from exhaustion on its cushion near the wood-burning stove, dreaming of its adventures of the day.
•The Feast : Now is the perfect time to give him his well-deserved meal while you prepare a nice family dinner.
A stay at Bonsoy is a promise of creating shared memories, strengthening family bonds, including those with your beloved pet. It’s about understanding that happiness is often as simple as a walk in the forest, all together.
