Skip to content
Kayak ArdennesArdennes rivers: live readings and trips

Semois hire

Kayaking the Semois: Alle – Membre

Eleven kilometres of wooded meanders in the heart of the Semois Valley National Park, in about 2 h 30.

Semois · Récréalle

Alle → Membre

Distance
11 km
Duration
2 h 30
Price
from €27.50 per person

Online booking coming soon
In the meantime, book directly with the hire company: Récréalle, Rue Léon Henrard, 5550 Alle-sur-Semois.

Reading Semois

In the heart of the National Park

The trip links Alle-sur-Semois to Membre over eleven kilometres. Allow about 2 h 30, between 2 h and 3 h breaks included depending on the current. The river winds between wooded hills with no technical difficulty: it is grade I, a calm and steady current.

Look at the banks. Grey herons fish there and beavers leave signs of their passing. Silence helps: avoid shouting, as it stresses wildlife.

Who is it for?

For groups, families with teenagers and anyone who finds Alle – Vresse too short. You need to last about two and a half hours on the water, but no previous experience is required. On a hot day, swimming stops add about a third to the trip.

How the day runs

  1. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your time slot at the hire company in Alle-sur-Semois. Free parking, toilets, changing rooms and secure lockers are available.
  2. Attend the safety briefing of about ten minutes and put on your life jacket.
  3. Get on the water at Alle with your paddle and waterproof barrel.
  4. Paddle down to Membre at your own pace, with ten-minute breaks if you tire.
  5. The minibus shuttle takes your group back to its vehicle.

Off the water, allow 20 to 40 minutes for the shuttle and, if you picnic, about 45 minutes for the stop.

Boats and prices

Price per boat, 10% platform fee included.

BoatSeatsPricePer person
Single kayak1€29.70€29.70
Double kayak2€55.00€27.50

Departure times

Six departures: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. In summer, the earliest starters avoid the hottest hours.

What is included, and what to bring

Kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof barrel, briefing and return shuttle are included. Bring water (1.5 L per person), sun cream, a hat, a picnic, closed shoes and quick-drying clothing. Take all your rubbish with you.

Children and dogs

Children are accepted at any age with an adult in the same boat and a suitable life jacket; under-6s go free in the middle of a double kayak. Dogs are welcome free of charge, to be mentioned when you book. Over this distance, bring water and shaded breaks for your dog.

Booking and payment

Récréalle, an independent hire company in Alle-sur-Semois, provides the hire. You pay the 10% platform fee online; the hire price is paid to the hire company on site. Details in the booking terms and on the prices page.

Water level

The Semois water level is read at the Membre station, exactly where you land. Compare the routes on the Semois routes page, or see Poupehan – Alle and Alle – Bohan.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allow?

About 2 h 30 on the water, between 2 h and 3 h depending on flow, wind and breaks. Add the briefing and the shuttle.

Can we see wildlife?

Yes: grey herons and beaver signs are reported on this stretch. Keep your distance and stay quiet.

What is the difference from Alle – Bohan?

Alle – Membre is 11 km; Alle – Bohan goes further, over 17 km and up to 6 h on the river.

Is the route difficult?

No. There is no technical difficulty: the Semois is grade I. You only need to be able to paddle for about two and a half hours.