The four routes
| Route | Distance | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alle – Vresse | 7 km | 1 h 30 to 2 h | The shortest, passes under the Laforêt wicker footbridge, swimming spots. |
| Poupehan – Alle | 10 km | 2 h to 3 h | Frahan slate ridges and views of Rochehaut. |
| Alle – Membre | 11 km | 2 h to 3 h | Heart of the National Park, grey herons and beaver signs. |
| Alle – Bohan | 17 km | 4 h 30 to 6 h | Membre-Bohan nature reserve, old tobacco-drying sheds. |
Alle – Vresse, for a first time
Seven kilometres of calm stretches with a gentle current. The route suits children accompanied by an adult in the same boat. It passes under the Laforêt wicker footbridge before landing at Vresse-sur-Semois.
Poupehan – Alle, between the ridges
The only route that does not start at Alle: the shuttle takes you to Poupehan first. Here the river draws its tightest meanders, beneath the Frahan ridges.
Alle – Membre, into the heart of the park
The river winds between wooded hills with no technical difficulty. Keep an eye on the banks: grey herons and beavers leave signs there.
Alle – Bohan, the long haul
Seventeen kilometres away from any road, through forest and beneath cliffs. It is the only route that calls for stamina. Set off early in the morning so you do not miss the last shuttle.
Skill level required
The Semois is grade I: easy. Anyone in normal physical shape can paddle the 7 to 11 km routes. There is no minimum age, as long as 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. To paddle a single kayak on your own, you need to be independent and comfortable in the water. Being able to swim is strongly recommended.
A life jacket is compulsory for everyone. The kayak is a sit-on-top model, unsinkable and self-draining. The two-seater canoe, wider and more stable, often reassures families; the kayak is more manoeuvrable. Routes and put-in points are the same for both.
How the day runs
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your time slot at the hire company’s meeting point in Alle-sur-Semois. Parking is free for the whole trip. Toilets, changing rooms and secure lockers are available.
- Attend the safety briefing of about 10 minutes: adjusting the life jacket, paddling technique, what to do if you capsize, exit points.
- Head to the put-in point. For Poupehan – Alle, the shuttle takes you there.
- Paddle at your own pace. Allow 3.5 to 4.5 km/h excluding breaks. After three hours fatigue slows you down: alternate effort with 10-minute breaks.
- Reach the landing point. The minibus shuttle takes you back to your vehicle.
Off the water, also allow 10 to 15 minutes for getting kitted out, 20 to 40 minutes for the shuttle and about 45 minutes for a picnic. The shuttles stop running at the end of the day.
What makes the trip longer or shorter
- River flow. After several days of rain, the current carries you along. In low water, it all depends on your paddling. Check the Semois water level before you set off.
- Wind. A headwind can double the time spent in an exposed meander.
- Heat. Swimming stops add roughly a third to the trip.
What to bring
The hire company provides the kayak, paddle, life jacket and a waterproof barrel. Bring the following yourself:
- 1.5 L of water per person, sun cream, a hat and a picnic;
- quick-drying synthetic clothing rather than cotton;
- closed shoes that can get wet;
- a windproof jacket in cool weather;
- a buoyancy aid for your dog, which is not provided.
Paddling with a dog
Dogs are welcome free of charge. Tell the hire company when you book so you get a suitable boat. In a double kayak, let the dog sit between your legs, which is more stable. It remains your responsibility.
Shuttle, season and park rules
The minibus shuttle is included in the price. The season runs from April to October. Spring brings the flowering water crowfoot, July and August the warmest water, and September and October autumn scenery and fewer people. Summer weekends are very busy: book ahead.
Prices for each route are set out on the prices page. For today’s water level, see the Semois page.