Lesse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lesse |
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| Aiwe di Lesse | |
| River | |
 The Lesse in Han-sur-Lesse.
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| Country | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Province | Luxembourg, Namur |
| Region | Ardennes |
| Municipalities | Daverdisse, Libin, Libramont-Chevigny, Paliseul, Tellin, Wellin, Dinant, Houyet, Rochefort |
| Tributaries | |
| - left | Our, Almache, Wimbe, Biran, Hileau |
| - right | Lomme, Vachaux, Iwoigne |
| Source | Ochamps |
| - location | Libin, Ardennes, Belgium |
| - elevation | 480 m (1,575 ft) |
| Mouth | Meuse river |
| - location | Dinant, Namur, Belgium |
| - coordinates | 50°14′17″N 4°54′34″E / 50.23806°N 4.90944°E |
| Length | 89 km (55 mi) |
| Basin | 1,343 km² (519 sq mi) |
| Discharge | for Anseremme |
| - average | 19 m³/s (671 cu ft/s) |
The Lesse (Walloon: Aiwe di Lesse) is a river found in the Ardennes region of Belgium. It is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Lesse flows into the Meuse river.
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About the Lesse River
The Lesse river is about 89 kilometers (55 miles) long. It generally flows towards the northwest. Its source, or where it begins, is near Libramont-Chevigny in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
The amount of water flowing in the Lesse river is measured. Between 1995 and 2004, the average flow near Anseremme was 19 cubic meters per second.
The Lesse River Basin
The area of land that drains into the Lesse river is called its watershed or drainage basin. This basin covers about 1,343 square kilometers (519 square miles). Even though it's a large area, only about 62,500 people live there. This makes it one of the least crowded river basins in the Walloon region.
A special part of the Lesse watershed is made of limestone rock. In these areas, you can find karst features. Karst happens when water dissolves the limestone, creating caves and sinkholes. Near Han-sur-Lesse, the entire river actually goes underground! It flows through amazing caves made of limestone before coming back to the surface.
The Lesse river finally joins the Meuse river in the town of Anseremme. This town is part of the Dinant area in the Namur province.
Rivers Joining the Lesse
Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the Lesse. These are called its tributaries. Here are some of the main ones, listed from the Lesse's source to its mouth:
- Our: This river joins the Lesse on its left side near Redu.
- Almache: This left-side tributary meets the Lesse in Daverdisse.
- Lomme: This river joins the Lesse on its right side in Éprave.
- Wimbe: This left-side tributary flows into the Lesse in Villers-sur-Lesse.
- Vachaux: This right-side tributary joins the Lesse in Ciergnon.
- Biran: This left-side tributary meets the Lesse in Wanlin.
- Hileau: This left-side tributary flows into the Lesse near Houyet.
- Iwoigne: This left-side tributary also joins the Lesse near Houyet.
Fun Things to Do Along the Lesse
The Lesse valley and this part of the Ardennes are covered with thick forests. It's a beautiful area to explore. The region around the famous caves is even a national park called Lesse et Lomme.
You can find several old castles on the hills along the lower part of the river. There's also an old railway line from Houyet to Rochefort that has been turned into a path. You can use it for hiking or cycling.
Many caves along the Lesse river are important archaeological sites. This means people have found old tools and signs of ancient life there. Some famous ones include the Trou de Chaleux and the Trou des Nutons and Trou du Frontal at Furfooz.
One of the most popular activities is going down the Lesse river in a kayak or canoe. You can start in Houyet and paddle all the way to Anseremme. It's a great way to see the river and its surroundings!
