As its name suggests, the Semois Valley National Park covers the forests, prairies, and valleys along the Semois River in the southern Ardennes.

Covering an area of 28,904 hectares, the Semois Valley National Park comprises the municipalities of Vresse sur Semois, Bouillon, Paliseul, Bertrix, Florenville, Herbeumont, Chiny, and Tintigny. Its territory is made up of 86% forest and boasts no less than 690 km of waterways.

Of course, nature is the main attraction in this magnificent region, packed full of unforgettable walks and bike rides. The unique view of the Giant’s Tomb, around which the Semois River majestically winds, is a prime destination. Equally legendary is the view over Frahan, accessible via a beautiful walk from the picturesque village of Rochehaut.

Be sure to visit some of valley’s historical heritage sites, including the impressive castles of Herbeumont and Bouillon. Make sure you visit some of the most beautiful villages in all of the Ardennes, such as Chassepierre, where nature, theatre, and magic are wonderfully intertwined along the Semois River.

The Semois Valley National Park offers wonderful opportunities to discover both nature and heritage sites, along with a host of sporting activities for the whole family to enjoy. A natural paradise that will leave you wanting more!

©pictures :Visit Wallonia, Ardennes-étape

In the heart of the Pays de Herve this superb natural haven of biodiversity, created by Natagora, offers unique landscapes over more than 54 hectares!

It’s a little corner of paradise for walkers and nature lovers. The Gueule Valley Reserve is an exceptional landscape created in 2000 by Natagora, French-speaking Belgium’s environmental conservation organisation. Why La Gueule? It takes the name of the small river that flows through the eastern part of the Herve region, and which traverses a variety of landscapes including intensively farmed meadows, forests and hayfields with rare plant species.

Rare species in a protected setting

With a rich history spanning several geological periods, today the valley hosts a wide variety of habitats and species that are not to be missed, from pollarded willows, wooded hills and living hedges to various pools, a lake and river and their banks. And that's not all: the reserve is also home to one of the last existing natural calamine sites in Wallonia.  Its soil, rich in heavy metals, is home to a unique type of vegetation, which includes Westphalian fescue, pansies, stinkweed, calamine silene and sea thrift. The nature reserve continues to grow year on year,  helping the multitude of animal and plant species that share this home to flourish.

Copyright pictures: Natagora

Dip your toes in the tranquil water at Lac des Doyards, a lake devoted to fishing, pedalos and rowing boats, at Vielsalm. A quiet spot, perfect for some time with your family or friends.

Discover the lake at the Doyards domain, just down the road from Vielsalm village centre.  As an area for leisure and relaxation, this stretch of water is devoted to fishing with a permit, pedalos, rowing boats and sunbathing (no swimming allowed). There’s a children’s playground nearby to keep the kids amused. You’ve got it, it’s the perfect place for some fun with the family in the Ardennes.

Time for a walk and some reflection

Take the opportunity to properly explore this domain which covers no less than 14 hectares! There’s a pleasant walk around the lake. Inviting benches and a delightful jetty are ideal spots to take advantage of the tranquillity and splendid view in any season.

Great idea! In summertime, don’t miss the musical entertainment in the pavilion on the lake at the end of the jetty. An enchanting experience!

Copyright pictures: Fly Along

60 ha in the Ardennes Valley has been totally preserved in the heart of the village of Amblève, in the Liège Province. It’s a true natural refuge for meadow birds, and above all a space where unparalleled biodiversity develops.

The public is little aware that the Emmels reserve is, however, an incredible site of crucial importance in terms of preserving fauna and flora. Its terrain forms a natural sponge that slows rising water and absorbs overflows. This feature is very useful to prevent floods upstream. The Netherlands have got it right by financially supporting the reserve to prevent rising water levels in their country. This is the importance of the site and its features. And that’s not all, because these vast open spaces abound with typical flora at threat which has found a refuge here.

Exceptional biodiversity

In spring, carpets of flowers even turn the valley pink. Arnica, bistort or cowslip have found fertile ground in these meadows to blossom abundantly… Just like the meadow birds, who take advantage to nest on the ground, well hidden in the grass. And of course, you can’t miss them: highland cows take advantage of the flourishing vegetation to graze peacefully. This incredible biodiversity is the wealth of this preserved location, delighting nature lovers. To enjoy it without disturbing its inhabitants, follow the hiking and cycling trails that extend along both sides of the cycling trail. As a bonus, information boards tell you about the fauna and flora.

Copyright pictures: Natagora

Do you feel like escaping to the fresh air of the countryside? Head towards Mirwart, near Saint-Hubert: its provincial domain is a haven of nature and discovery with 35 ponds, a superb forest, 2 rivers, a beehive and a host of guided walks.

Mirwart is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. The location is a great destination where you can explore the Domain nestled there and see phenomenal fauna and flora. The domain extends over 1,350 ha and is a real gem if you love unspoilt nature. Walking through this incredible green setting, which has no entrance fee, you’ll doubtless come across a few vestiges of the past that bear witness to its historical heritage (old bridges, 16th-century blast furnace, 19th-century ice house now the refuge of hibernating bats, etc.).

Luscious nature and vestiges of the past

What can you see and do here? A whole host of things! Walking, of course. Your footsteps will take you along a trail of game, rare tree species and many ponds hidden at the heart of the magnificent forest. They are all home to farms of brown trout, a species intended to stock local rivers. An educational beehive also enables you to discover the world of bees (you can also buy the honey it produces). Looking for more? Enjoy the events, educational activities or themed guided walks (booking only). And then, what’s better than to enjoy a countryside picnic in one of the many picnic areas provided? This relaxing day will delight both kids and grown-ups!

Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia / Visit Ardenne

Imagine: a beautiful beach along the River Ourthe where you can enjoy the sunshine with friends or family... Welcome to Maboge beach, a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself for free, close to La Roche-en-Ardenne.

Are you looking for a place to have fun with children? There’s nowhere quite like the beach! Head for the beach at Maboge, a grassy bank on the River Ourthe. In this area young and old alike can play in the shallow water in complete safety. Smart tip: before you take the plunge, check the interactive map of bathing areas in Wallonia to make sure you can swim that day. Alternatively, a kayaking trip is always a good idea and you can set off down the river from just a stone's throw away. Enough to tempt you?

Amenities on offer

Everything has been thought through to help you have a good time. Have a bite to eat in the cafeteria or sit outside on one of the benches or picnic tables. Space to enjoy lunch or a snack together. In high season, toilets and showers are also available for maximum comfort. A perfect day out just a few minutes from the famous town of La Roche-en-Ardenne.

Copyright pictures: Visit Wallonia

For a day’s fun and relaxation, it’s the place to be: this superb leisure centre in Luxembourg Province offers a host of activities in a beautiful natural environment.

Come here for a preview of the holidays. The Vallée du Lac welcomes you in Neufchâteau, below the town, at the heart of preserved nature. Around this pretty artificial lake, there are many activities that will take you away from the routine. Here, you’ll enjoy swimming, pedalos, fishing or a water sport: kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing… And if you prefer dry land, you’ll also find what you’re looking for – there’s something for everyone.

A variety of activities for all

Those who love a gentle pace of life, you’re in for a treat! Sit reading by the lake, walk along the water or take exercise on the health trail… Live life at your own pace. And if you’d like to explore the surrounding area, that’s great, because the lake is also the starting point of many signposted walks and bike rides. Looking for a group activity or something to entertain the kids? Head for the minigolf, playground or tennis, boules and basketball courts! And if you feel peckish – or even ravenous – there are barbecues available with wooden tables and benches for a congenial lunch. Finally, for the little extras, there’s a great cafeteria!

Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne

This postcard view will take your breath away! The Rochehaut scenic overlook offers one of the most magnificent panoramic views in Belgium, at the start of a lovely 1.5 km walk through the woods. 

The site is listed as Major Heritage of Wallonia, and we can soon understand why when we get there. The scenic overlook offers a superb, uninterrupted view over the Semois Valley and the small village of Frahan. Along the route to get there, 300 metres have been landscaped for you to be able to admire this incredible panoramic view that will literally leave you gaping before the spectacular beauty of the landscape that unfolds before you. It’s without the contest THE perfect spot to take photos that are will dazzle your friends!

Exotic fauna and flora

Crossed by a grande randonnée trail, the site is also the starting point of a lovely 1.5 km walk that leads to Frahan. The woods you pass through are listed, with an obligation to maintain certain indigenous deciduous trees, such as beech, maple, elm and birch… Abundant nature home to fauna that will delight you (and the children!) if you’re lucky enough to come across any… On this bucolic trail, you’ll also discover old slate quarries, which have become a national nature reserve for bats. As you can tell, coming here will be a complete change of scene!

Copyright photos: Visit Ardenne

It is one of the most impressive panoramas in Belgium. The Botassart viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the Giant's Tomb in Bouillon. Come and reach for the sky!   

To get there, park your car in the free parking lot : Rue de Châteaumont 53, 6833 Bouillon. 

The hamlet of Botassart is tucked away in a wide valley floor which contains the magnificent Giant's Tomb, one of Wallonia’s outstanding natural heritage sites. Rumour has it that Victor Hugo was a great admirer of this corner of the Semois. You too can come and discover this recently restored viewpoint!

Change of scene guaranteed

The vista from the Botassart viewpoint, close to the village of the same name, is spectacular. In a magnificent forest setting, the lingering Semois meanders around a rocky hillock. The river surrounds a wooded hill whose uniform shape has earned it the name "Giant's Tomb". According to legend, a centurion in Labienus' army murdered a Gallic giant here. An old man came across the giant’s body and, with the help of a group of young teenagers, decided to bury it on this hill at an altitude of 250 metres.

An ideal activity for those who love nature and a change of scenery!

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / Visit Wallonia

It’s an extraordinary place, the only one of its kind in Belgium, listed by the regional authorities of Wallonia as aprotected heritage site. Le Hérou is an incredible 1.5km-long rocky spur overlooking the winding river Ourthe at Nadrin and boasting a breathtaking view of the valley.

The view from Le Hérou has to be earned. The path to the viewpoint is difficult (and not recommended if you have children with you), but what a reward when you get there, with the view of the magnificent landscape spread out before you likesomething out of the French Alps! You can find this astonishing natural site, a listed heritage site since 1937, in the Nadrin district of the province of Luxembourg. It was once known as ’Li Cresse di laid saut,' and it is said that a herald used to announce the sentences passed by the Nadrin High Court from the top of this rock. This legend was enough to lend the place a sheen of mystery... Want to go there? You’ll need to take route no. 6 from Nadrin - marked with a green rectangle - 5.4km.

On Top of the World

Whoever said Belgium was a flat country? Le Hérou proves, in any case, that you can find superb views here and there is no doubt that this one, in the Deux Ourthes nature park in the heart of the Ardennes, offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Belgium.  It’s this rocky cliff, impressive both for its height (you stand 80 to 90 metres above the Ourthe) and for its shape (the rock face being almost completely vertical), that makes the site so phenomenal. You can see how the elements have worked tirelessly in an age-old battle to make it what it is today. 

You can take the steep paths that lead to the top of the cliff, then follow the river in total peace and contentment... It’s a gorgeous walk where you’ll want to drink in the smallest details of the abundant plant life spread out before you (including blueberries as far as the eye can see). Handy tip: there are other trails starting in the centre of the village.

Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape