Nathalie Diot
Member for 5 years 5 months
Alone or with my family
Simplicity is the key
Récréalle: an energising day in a magnificent setting
5 mins for a host of ideas
A concentrated mix of energy and surprises with Récréalle
An impressive mountain covered in a myriad of hues of green, standing above the tranquil Semois river disturbed only by the paddles of kayakers and the voices of swimmers. The activity centre Récréalle at Alle-sur-Semois occupies the perfect spot for visitors wanting to recharge their batteries in total serenity. So on the chosen morning we're all poised for action: Samuel, aged 5, Gabriel, aged 8, Louis, 17, Lola, 21, and me... Our goal: to enjoy as many different activities as possible, in line with our different ages.
We park free of charge on the huge car park and walk along the river Semois, following the indications. After a few tens of metres, we walk past the departure point for the kayak descent where there are also some strange bikes with giant yellow wheels (aquabikes, as we find out later). On our right there's a mini-golf course that seems to be set in a dream. Samuel is captivated and wants to have a go straight away, but we have to go to the reception desk first, just next to the restaurant. At 10 am, it's still quiet. The welcome booklet and a receptionist provide plenty of advice and we opt for half a dozen activities out of a selection of about fifteen. Combi packages? Shared passes? We choose the pay-as-you-go option.
Wow! ... Ooh I'm not sure about this!
An exhilarating balancing act
"Wow... Hey, I'm not sure about this...". That's Louis trying a Segway, our first chosen activity for the over-12s. Sebastien, our attentive guide, helps us get the hang of this amazing two-wheeler: "The gyroscope analyses your centre of gravity 120 times per second. To find it, concentrate on your belly button." So for once we're allowed to be self-centred! The thing is, there's no brake and no steering wheel. You change direction by leaning. I give it a try. The oldest person to do this was 87 so I should be able to manage it. It takes me just a few minutes to find my balance. Well, nearly. How do I stop again? Oh yes! By leaning back. It feels strange to walk on firm ground again. We then progress to an amusing obstacle course. Lola and Louis are very enthusiastic and make fast progress; they're soon ready for a tour of Alle-sur-Semois.
Dreams come true
The younger children head for the playing field. Samuel has spotted the bouncy castle and can't wait to jump about between the penguins and whizz down the "super slide". Wish granted. The boys both go crazy while I sit in the sun and relax, enjoying the sound of their laughter. A quarter of an hour later, it's Gabriel's turn to choose an activity: this time an electric mini-quad (for 6-12-year olds). We're greeted by a tall young man who prepares the equipment and gives Gabriel his compulsory helmet. He's off, going slowly round the track to start with. Gabriel's confidence builds and, thoroughly enjoying himself, he accelerates and soon reaches his top speed of 10 km/hour. His 10 minutes are up. "That was great! We will come back, won't we Mum?"
It's an incredible feeling of freedom!
Perfect timing. Lola and Louis join us, a little dishevelled. "Wow, that was amazing! It's an incredible feeling of freedom! You can really enjoy the scenery even though you move fast (18 km/h). You can feel the wind, smell the fragrances and it cools you down... And it doesn't make any noise!" Amazed by their experience, they now both want their own segway. Why don't we come back another day? Instead of doing the 45-minute tour of the village, we could opt for the 2-hour trip in the forest. It's barely midday and everyone's smiling with satisfaction already. After a pleasant lunch on the terrace, we head for the mini-golf course. Samuel's second wish is about to be granted. The setting is wonderful, all greenery and shade, with a fountain that seems to generate a special life-giving energy. Trees and hedges give it an intimate feel and increase the surprise factor at every new hole. Some sections are a real feat to complete! We elect it the most original mini-golf course we've ever seen and Lola is declared the best player.
The joys and virtues of water
We celebrate her victory... on the River Semois where we've booked water activities for the afternoon: an introduction to kayaking and aquabiking, which we can all enjoy together. From the middle of the river, we admire the countryside from a different angle. The water is shallow at this time of year and it's easy to get out of the canoe to have a swim. Around us, lots of other people are making the most of this bathing area that's totally free of charge. It's fun, refreshing and enjoyed by all. Next time we'll choose the 1 1/2-hour kayak descent. Two teams are formed for an aquabike race. It isn't easy for Samuel to keep up with his little legs. This time, the winners are Louis and Gabriel. The score is one-one, but not for long - there's another victory to be won: a bazooka ball battle!
A remake of Star Wars
This alternative to paintball uses balls of foam instead of paint and is safe for children from the age of 6. It's exciting and drives the imagination wild! We all don helmets with visors, like Stormtroopers out of Star Wars, and head for the battle ground in the heart of the forest. Sebastien equips us all with air guns which quickly become Blasters to our group of Star Wars fans. The ammunition is dotted all over the battle ground which plunges us once again into another world, with wagons, containers and pallets placed in the generous shade of the trees... We play hide and seek, shooting in all directions and laughing out loud. How on earth are we supposed to keep the score? The battle produces the same result as the rest of the day's activities: everyone comes out a winner. Segway, playing field, electric quadbike, mini-golf course, kayak, aquabike, swimming, relaxation and bazooka ball! We've all done as we pleased and at our own pace. Mission accomplished!
Try this experience!
Centre d'activité de Récréalle
Rue Léon Henrard 16, 5550 Alle-sur-Semois Belgium
+32 61 50 03 81
www.recrealle.com
The boys both go crazy while I sit in the sun and relax, enjoying the sound of their laughter.