Every spring, a bridge appears near Laforêt. Around 80 metres of woven wood stretch from bank to bank, barely a hand's width above the water. This remarkable structure lies between Laforêt, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, and the opposite bank of the Semois, on the territory of Vresse-sur-Semois.

Purely local craftsmanship

The Pont de Claies is no ordinary bridge. It is a living tradition, rebuilt every year, plank by plank. Around 75 planks of woven wood (the "claies") rest on slender piers driven directly into the riverbed — a craft passed down year after year by local residents.

Crossing the bridge is an experience in itself. Just centimetres above the water, you discover the Semois from an angle you will find nowhere else… and you walk quite literally in the footsteps of the tobacco growers and farmers who once crossed the river here with their livestock to reach their fields on the other bank.

Good to know

An exact schedule is impossible to give, as the Pont de Claies is assembled and dismantled each year according to the water level of the Semois. Visit in spring or summer for the best chance of crossing with dry feet. Combine your visit with a walk along the bridge and the most beautiful meanders of the valley!

A slender, elegant bridge carries you ever higher above the treetops until, suddenly, you find yourself suspended 130 meters above the Semois River. Below, the river winds through one of its most beautiful bends, forming a distinctive “ham-shaped” curve in the landscape. Welcome to the Passerelle du Jambon, the newest and most spectacular viewpoint in the Ardennes.

Ready for one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the country? From this remarkable suspension bridge between Membre and Bohan (Vresse-sur-Semois), you can admire the elongated “Jambon” bend of the Semois, the Kelhan plain, and the protected Bohan-Membre Nature Reserve.

The thrilling sensation of controlled vertigo makes the experience even more intense—you truly feel as though you are floating above the valley. But don’t forget to appreciate the bridge itself: the Corten steel and concrete structure takes on a beautiful rust-brown hue and blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. A fine example of contemporary architecture that enhances nature rather than competing with it.

An Accessible Experience for Everyone

And the best news? The Passerelle du Jambon is accessible to all. A well-maintained pathway leads comfortably to the viewpoint and is suitable for visitors with reduced mobility. No strenuous climb, no technical trail—just walk and enjoy.

It is no surprise that, since its inauguration in October 2025, this unique suspension bridge has quickly become one of the most inspiring attractions in the southern Ardennes. Here, architecture and nature complement one another perfectly, time seems to stand still, and a single glance is enough to understand why the Semois Valley continues to captivate so many visitors. A must-see destination in the region!