Tourism and Discoveries in the Semois Valley

From the heights of Bouillon down to the French border at Bohan, the Semois river has, over millennia, carved out a deep and winding valley at the heart of the Ardennes massif. This exceptional territory, now recognised and protected as the Semois Valley National Park, offers a mosaic of tourist experiences that will delight lovers of slow tourism, sporty hikes, medieval history and regional gastronomy.

1. Villages of Character: The Soul of the Ardennes

Vresse-sur-Semois: The painters' village

The nerve centre of your stay, Vresse-sur-Semois is a town with a poetic atmosphere, nestled on the banks of the river. Since the last century, its misty landscapes and dense forests have attracted painters from all over the world. Be sure to visit the Art Interpretation Centre, which retraces the history of the Vresse School of painting. It is also here that you will find the curious Saint-Lambert Bridge (or the Pont de Claies, the wickerwork footbridge set up in summer in the neighbouring village), and where you can enjoy charming waterside terraces.

Bouillon: The thousand-year-old town and its fortified castle

It is impossible to visit the Semois without stopping in Bouillon. Dominated by its impressive medieval Fortified Castle, closely tied to Godfrey of Bouillon (leader of the First Crusade in 1096), the town is full of charm. You can watch falconry shows, wander through the shopping streets, visit the Godfrey of Bouillon Archeoscope or take an illuminated night-time walk. It is a major historic stop in Wallonia.

Rochehaut, Frahan and Bohan

The hilltop village of Rochehaut is famous for its dizzying viewpoint plunging down onto the meander and the small listed village of Frahan, where old tobacco-drying barns still stand. A little further towards the border, Bohan-sur-Semois fascinates with its "Broken Bridge" (Pont Cassé), a dramatic relic of the Second World War, and its past as the Belgian capital of tobacco.

2. The Must-See Panoramas of the Semois

The topography of the Ardennes lets you admire the river from often spectacular viewpoints. Here are the photographic spots not to be missed:

• The Giant's Tomb (Botassart): Listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia, this meander forms a wooded hill encircled by the river, strangely resembling the coffin of a sleeping giant. A place steeped in Ardennes mythology.
• The Jambon Viewpoint (Membre/Bohan): Located in the national park, this viewpoint overlooks an almost perfect 2-kilometre loop shaped like a ham (jambon). A must-see spot, particularly magical at sunrise or during the autumn colours.
• La Roche à l'Appel: A nature reserve with unique geological features, offering a rocky ecosystem and a breathtaking view over the great forests of spruce and broadleaf trees.

3. Activities and Nature: What to do off the water?

While paddling down the Semois by kayak or canoe is the flagship activity of the valley, dry land offers endless possibilities for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Hiking and the "Trail Station"

The region boasts hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails, from the family Sunday stroll to dizzying paths (such as the famous Promenade des Échelles, the Ladders Walk in Rochehaut). The neighbouring municipality of Herbeumont is also home to Belgium's first "Trail Station", a network of high-difficulty waymarked routes for mountain running.

Mountain biking and cycle tourism (EuroVelo)

The rolling topography is a paradise for cyclists. Whether you go for a regular mountain bike to take on the Ardennes mud, or an electric mountain bike (available for hire from us) to climb the ridges effortlessly, the Semois is wonderfully discovered on two wheels. The RAVeL greenways and picturesque minor roads will also appeal to fans of family cycle touring.

Trout fishing

The Semois is classified within the prestigious fishing "Blue Zone", recognised for the quality of its waters and the presence of many prized species such as the brown trout, the grayling or the barbel. Please note that a permit from the Walloon Region is mandatory, as is compliance with local rules.

4. Gastronomy and Ardennes Terroir

The forest air whets the appetite, and that's just as well: the Belgian Ardennes is a land of feasting and food lovers!

• Ardenne Ham (PGI): This jewel of local charcuterie, salted and smoked over oak and beech wood, carries a Protected Geographical Indication. Pair it with an Ardenne sausage or a game pâté.
• Game in autumn: As soon as the hunting season opens, the gourmet restaurants (in Vresse, Alle or Rochehaut) showcase wild boar, venison and pheasant, served with cranberry sauces and almond croquettes.
• The Beer Route: The region is brimming with small craft breweries. The Notre-Dame d'Orval Abbey, about thirty minutes away, brews the legendary Orval Trappist beer and produces an outstanding cheese. An absolute must-taste during your visit.
• The Tobacco heritage: Surprisingly, the Semois was long renowned for growing its very full-bodied tobacco. A few craft producers still remain today (such as in Corbion), where the Semois tobacco is grown and roasted according to age-old traditions.