A short, relaxed route
You put in at Alle-sur-Semois and land at Vresse-sur-Semois, seven kilometres downstream. The river runs through calm stretches of the National Park, with no rapids and no technical sections. Breaks included, allow 1 h 30 to 2 h.
Along the way you pass under the Laforêt wicker footbridge. Pebble beaches appear about every quarter of an hour, handy for swimming and breaks. The current is weak, the water is often less than a metre deep, and the Semois is rated grade I.
Who is it for?
This is the trip to choose for a first time, after a long break from paddling or with young children. It leaves time to splash about without tiring your arms. The landing at Vresse is close to a playground, which children enjoy. For a longer outing, compare Poupehan – Alle or Alle – Membre.
How the day runs
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your time slot at the hire company in Alle-sur-Semois. Parking is free while you paddle.
- Collect your life jacket, paddle and waterproof barrel, then attend the safety briefing of about ten minutes.
- Walk to the put-in point at Alle.
- Paddle down to Vresse at your own pace, stopping whenever you like.
- At the end, the minibus shuttle takes you back to your vehicle.
Boats and prices
The prices below include the 10% platform fee. A double kayak is shared by two, so the price per person is half the price of the boat.
| Boat | Seats | Price | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single kayak | 1 | €26.40 | €26.40 |
| Double kayak | 2 | €48.40 | €24.20 |
Departure times
Seven departures are offered, on the hour: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. The short duration lets you set off in the early afternoon without rushing.
What is included, and what to bring
The price includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket (compulsory, from child to adult sizes), a waterproof barrel, the briefing and the return shuttle. Bring:
- 1.5 L of water per person, sun cream and a hat;
- quick-drying clothing and closed shoes that can get wet;
- a picnic if you plan to stop on a beach.
Children and dogs
There is no minimum age, provided an adult is in the same boat and the child wears a suitable life jacket. Children under 6 go free, seated in the middle of a double kayak. Dogs are welcome at no extra charge: mention it when you book. This is the best route for a first try, thanks to its calm water and regular beaches. Bring water for your dog; its life jacket is not provided.
Booking and payment
The hire is provided by Récréalle, an independent hire company based in Alle-sur-Semois. Online, you pay only the 10% platform fee. The hire price is paid to the hire company on site, on the day of your trip. The cancellation rules are set out in the booking terms, and all prices on the prices page.
Water level
Paddling is allowed from 2.20 to 50 m³/s at Membre. Check the Semois water level the day before and on the morning. All routes are described on the Semois routes page. Fancy another start? See Alle – Bohan, the longest.