Bouillon Officially a “Star City” – The Night Sky Within Reach

We are proud to announce that Bouillon, part of the Semois Valley National Park, has officially received the “Star Cities and Villages” label. This recognition applies to five municipalities (Bouillon, Chiny, Florenville, Herbeumont and Tintigny) and makes the region the first certified star territory in Belgium.

The label was awarded by the ANPCEN (National Association for the Protection of the Night Sky and Night-time Environment), in cooperation with its Walloon counterpart ASCEN.

To obtain the first star, the municipalities committed to switching off public street lighting between midnight and 5 a.m. The goal is twofold: protecting natural darkness, which is essential for wildlife and ecosystems, and creating ideal conditions for observing the starry sky.

How to plan a stargazing evening in Bouillon

To make the most of the night sky, a little preparation goes a long way:

1. Choose a clear, cloudless nightClouds, fog or high humidity reduce visibility. Nights around the new moon are ideal.

2. Avoid artificial light sourcesEven small light sources can affect night vision. A torch with a red filter is recommended.

3. Let your eyes adapt to the darknessAllow 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust.

4. Use helpful toolsSky maps or apps such as Stellarium, SkyView or Star Walk can help you identify stars and constellations. Binoculars or a telescope allow you to see even more detail.

5. Choose the right timeAfter midnight, when public lighting is switched off, conditions are usually at their best.

Where to observe the night sky around Bouillon

Several locations around Bouillon are particularly suitable for stargazing thanks to their low light pollution and open horizons:

• The Cordemois Valley, Bouillon (8 min from Restaurant Méandre)

• Mont de la Zatrou, Les Hayons (15 min from Restaurant Méandre)

• Bouillon panoramic viewpoint (Belvédère de Bouillon) (11 min from Restaurant Méandre) Uitzicht op Bouillon, hier kan tijdens veel lichtvervuiling minder sterren te zien zijn.

• Tombeau du Géant viewpoint, Botassart (17 min from Restaurant Méandre)

These spots offer peaceful surroundings, minimal artificial lighting and excellent conditions for admiring the Milky Way and constellations.

Combine stargazing with dinner at Restaurant Méandre

Why not turn your visit into a complete evening experience?Start the night with a delicious dinner in the heart of Bouillon at Restaurant Méandre. We welcome guests in English, Dutch and French, and are always happy to share tips about Bouillon and the surrounding region.

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