Plizio Visual Lab
The Semois is a breathtakingly easy on the eye river in the deep south of Belgium, renowned for its exceptionally winding course and pristine natural landscapes. It originates in Arlon in the Gaume region and meanders for 210 kilometers through the dense forests of the Ardennes before crossing into France to join the Meuse River. What makes the Semois truly special are its extreme, horseshoe-shaped meanders that encircle steep, forested hills and dramatic viewpoints, such as the famous 'Le Tombeau du Géant' (The Giant's Tomb) near Botassart. The banks of the Semois are dotted with historic villages and medieval fortresses, most notably the impressive Castle of Bouillon. Historically, the humid and misty valley of the Semois was the epicenter of Belgian tobacco production, a legacy still visible in the traditional wooden drying sheds found along the river. Today, the region is a haven for canoeists, nature photographers, and hikers.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 71 | 67 | 51 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 83 | 56 | 69 | 77 | 92 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Along the gentle course of the Semois river, Plage de Alle invites you to relaxing hours in the Belgian outdoors. This small bathing beach is handy for dipping your feet into the cool river water and letting your mind wander. The wooded banks exude a calming atmosphere far from everyday life. Water shoes come in handy to comfortably navigate the river stones.
This idyllic grassy beach near Membre nestles picturesquely along the banks of the Semois river. Plage de Membre is a wonderful retreat for anyone who prefers a soft lawn over sandy shores. The peaceful river ambiance invites sunbathing and reading in the midst of nature. Bringing a blanket makes relaxing on the grass even more comfortable.
A slate museum in Alle presenting the history of local slate quarrying.
