You almost hear them before you see them. In the heart of the Amblève valley, the water at Coo tumbles down some fifteen metres, and up close you feel its full force. These are the most famous waterfalls in Belgium, and from Domaine Le Boulac they are just half an hour away. From the bridge, steps lead down to the water's edge free to visit, and impressive all year round.

The Monks of Stavelot

What makes the spot special is that the waterfall did not appear on its own. Centuries ago, the monks of Stavelot diverted a bend in the Amblève. In doing so they protected the hamlet of Petit-Coo from flooding, and the falls as you see them today were born. It is not the country's highest waterfall, but it carries a strong flow: a great deal of water comes down with real power.

The view from the chairlift

For the bigger picture, take the chairlift. A classic, running since 1955, it carries you up and across the river. At the top the whole Amblève valley opens up before you, with the reservoir down below. It is a calm way to take in the landscape from above, and the best-known image of Coo.

Active along and on the water

Prefer to be out in nature? From Coo you can head straight into the woods and the valley. Walking trails run through the valley, short or longer, at your own pace.

For something more active, there is Coo Adventure, at the foot of the waterfall. The classic is the kayak trip on the Amblève: you paddle from Coo to Cheneux, around two hours, and a minibus brings you back. They also offer mountain biking, rafting and a whole range of other outdoor activities. Good to know: the water level determines whether the kayaks run, so on dry or busy days it is best to call ahead.

The same centre also runs the wildlife park. Aboard a little train, you travel through a stretch of Ardennes forest in about forty minutes, passing red deer, fallow deer, wild boar and even wolves. Suitable for all ages and great to do with children.

With children, head to Plopsa Coo

Next to the waterfall lies the Plopsa Coo theme park, built entirely around the valley. The park is aimed mainly at families with younger children. You will find a rollercoaster, two toboggan runs, a water ride and a tall swing carousel with views over the valley, among others. Add to that a large playground, dancing fountains and, in summer, pedal boats. Enough to fill a whole day.

Time for a break

Around the waterfall you will find several terraces and eateries. A pleasant place for a drink in between, or for a relaxed lunch with a view of the water after an active morning.

At a glance

• What: the most famous waterfalls in Belgium, around 15 metres high, on the Amblève.
• Origin: created by the monks of Stavelot to protect Petit-Coo from flooding.
• To do: admire the waterfall (free), take the chairlift up for the panorama, walk in the valley, kayak and outdoor activities at Coo Adventure, the wildlife park by little train and the Plopsa Coo theme park.
• Distance from Domaine Le Boulac: about half an hour by car.
• Practical: the car parks nearby are paid and fill up quickly on sunny days and at weekends, so arriving early pays off. The chairlift, catering and activities run mainly from spring to autumn. Check opening times and prices in advance.

In summer the waterfalls are lit up in the evening, a lovely moment to round off the day. A perfect day out, then, close to Boulac: nature, views and adventure in one place. And in the evening you return to the quiet of the park.