EVERYTHING you need to know about the Semois River: real-time water level, flow rate, routes, safety, best seasons, prices, and tips for beginners and experts.
Recommendation: Descent allowed on routes suited to your skill level. Check the conditions table.
Ranked among Belgium’s most beautiful rivers, the Semois winds through the Belgian Ardennes with wild beauty, profound calm, and exceptional biodiversity. This is where the country’s most authentic kayak descent takes place.
Originates in France, flows through the Luxembourg province (Belgium) to the Moselle. Our activities focus between Alle-sur-Semois and Membre.
Beavers, swans, mallards, grey herons, brown trout… The Semois hosts over 120 animal species. Natura 2000 protected area.
Picturesque villages: Vresse-sur-Semois (Wallonia’s Most Beautiful Village), Frahan, Bohan, Bouillon.
Your kayaking success depends on these two parameters. Here’s how to interpret them to choose the right route. Our API is real-time and exclusive to our area! It sources data from hydrometrie.wallonie
| Flow (m³/s) | Water Level | Kayak Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 2.2 | Very low | Prohibited | Even Alle–Vresse is prohibited |
| 2.2 - 50 | Normal to high | Allowed | Routes adapted to skill level |
| > 50 | Flood | Prohibited | Danger – Descent forbidden |
Warning: Flow can change rapidly after heavy rain. Never depart without checking live data!
📊 What do these numbers mean?
Flow (m³/s): Volume of water passing a point per second. Depends on rainfall and snowmelt.
Water level (m): Height of the river surface relative to a reference point.
The Semois Valley, now a National Park, offers one of the finest playgrounds for kayaking enthusiasts in the Ardennes. This prestigious designation, granted in December 2022, ensures landscape protection while promoting sustainable, respectful tourism.
Did you know? The Semois is Wallonia’s first national park dedicated to canoe-kayaking in a preserved environment.
In December 2022, the Semois Valley was granted National Park status after a rigorous selection process. This recognition:
Kayaking in this National Park means committing to a respectful and immersive adventure:
Sensitive areas preserved
Eco-friendly equipment
Responsible kayaker charter
From family-friendly descents to sporty adventures, each route offers a unique experience. Here’s our selection based on water level and your profile.
Ideal for: Families, beginners, children, seniors
Duration: 1h30 to 2h
Optimal water level: ≥ 1.2 m
Price: €16
Highlights: Vresse’s weir bridge, calm waters, preserved nature, free shuttle.
Ideal for: Couples, groups, semi-beginners
Duration: 3h
Optimal water level: 1.2 - 1.7 m
Price: €21
Highlights: Arrival in 'Wallonia’s Most Beautiful Village', cultural discovery, varied landscapes.
Ideal for: Sporty, adventurers, experienced
Duration: 4h
Optimal water level: 1.5 - 2.2 m
Price: €25
Highlights: Membre–Bohan nature reserve, virgin forests, secret meanders, total tranquility.
Ideal for: Photographers, couples, nature lovers
Duration: 2h
Optimal water level: 1.2 - 1.7 m
Price: €21
Highlights: Rochehaut viewpoint over Frahan, cliffs, crystal-clear waters, full immersion.
Ideal for: Groups, long-distance enthusiasts
Duration: 4h
Optimal water level: 1.3 - 1.8 m
Price: €25
Highlights: Perfect mix of landscapes, smooth start and finish, ideal for a full day.
Ideal for: Experts, experienced kayakers, personal challenges
Duration: 6h
Optimal water level: 1.5 - 2.0 m
Price: €30
Highlights: Belgium’s longest and most breathtaking descent. Departure at 9:30 AM. Exclusive offer with picnic included.
Ideal conditions! Stable flow between 0.5 m and 1.7 m. Perfect for families. Recommended routes: Alle–Vresse, Alle–Membre. Pleasant temperatures. Moderate crowds.
Complete peace. Stunning fall colors. Gentle flow. Ideal for photographers and travelers seeking serenity. Route: Poupehan–Membre.
High flows after rain. Perfect for sporty paddlers. Routes: Alle–Bohan, Poupehan–Vresse. Watch out for currents. Avoid heavy rain days.
No routes are practicable (flow <1.0 m). Magical atmosphere and total silence. Ideal for enthusiasts. Our campsite remains open year-round.
Make the most of your stay by discovering the wonders of the Belgian Ardennes.
15-minute drive away. Classified historic monument. Combine kayaking and medieval history.
DISCOVER THE MILLENNIUM FORTRESS OF THE BELGIAN ARDENNES!Artistic escape room + works by Albert Raty. Perfect after your descent.
VRESSE ART INTERPRETATION CENTER – ARTISTIC ESCAPE GAME & ALBERT RATY WORKS!The most photographed panorama on the Semois. Accessible by kayak or electric mountain bike.
JAMBON VIEWPOINT ON THE SEMOIS – EXCLUSIVE ACCESS!Stay riverside. Open year-round. Dogs welcome. From €11/night (pitch only).
CAMPING ALLE-SUR-SEMOIS – KAYAK DEPARTURE 50 METERS AWAY! RIVERSIDE PITCH!The Semois won’t wait for you. But it will stay with you… forever.
⭐ 100% FREE SHUTTLES • ⭐ PREMIUM EQUIPMENT • ⭐ BELGIUM’S LOWEST PRICES