The long haul
From Alle-sur-Semois to Bohan, the trip covers 17 kilometres and takes 4 h 30 to 6 h, breaks included. It crosses the Membre-Bohan nature reserve, far from any road, amid dense forest and steep cliffs. You also pass old tobacco-drying sheds, witnesses to the valley’s history.
The difficulty remains low: the Semois is grade I. What changes is the duration. Excluding breaks, you cover 3.5 to 4.5 km/h; after three hours, your pace drops.
Who is it for?
This is the only route that calls for stamina. It suits paddlers in good physical shape, groups of friends and anyone after a real day in nature. For a first time, a child or a dog, choose Alle – Vresse or Alle – Membre instead.
How the day runs
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your time slot at the hire company in Alle-sur-Semois, where parking is free.
- Attend the safety briefing, then collect your life jacket, paddle and waterproof barrel for your belongings.
- Put in at Alle.
- Paddle down, alternating effort with breaks of about ten minutes. A picnic takes roughly 45 minutes.
- Land at Bohan, where the minibus shuttle takes you back to Alle. Shuttles stop running at the end of the day.
Boats and prices
Price per boat, 10% platform fee included. The return shuttle is included.
| Boat | Seats | Price | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single kayak | 1 | €35.20 | €35.20 |
| Double kayak | 2 | €66.00 | €33.00 |
Departure times
Four departures: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00. The first is the most comfortable for a trip that can take six hours.
What is included, and what to bring
The kayak, paddle, compulsory life jacket, waterproof barrel, briefing and shuttle are included. For a full day, bring:
- at least 1.5 L of water per person, and more in hot weather;
- a full picnic, sun cream and a hat;
- spare synthetic clothing in the barrel and a windproof jacket;
- closed shoes suitable for water.
Take all your rubbish with you: this is a nature reserve.
Children and dogs
No minimum age is set, but an adult must be in the same boat and the child must wear a suitable life jacket. Under-6s go free in the middle of a double kayak. Six hours of sitting is nonetheless long for a young child. Dogs are welcome free of charge, but it is best to avoid long routes for a first outing: it tires the animal.
Booking and payment
The hire company, Récréalle, is independent and based in Alle-sur-Semois. Online, you pay only the 10% platform fee. The hire is paid on site, to the hire company. See the booking terms and the prices.
Water level
Over a long distance, the flow affects the duration: a lively current saves time, a low level loses it. Check the Semois water level before choosing your time slot. A shorter alternative: Poupehan – Alle. All routes are described on the Semois routes page.