From 7 to 23 km of wild water in the Semois Valley National Park. Kayak, paddle, life jacket and return shuttle included. Open April to October. From 26,40€ / person.
Six routes for every level: from a 1h30 family outing to a 6h30 sporting full-day adventure. All through the protected landscape of the National Park.
7 kmEasy
The ideal route for families and beginners. Seven kilometres of calm river between the forested meanders of the Semois. The current carries your kayak naturally. Perfect first kayak trip with children from age 6.
10 kmEasy
The most spectacular views in the valley. You paddle under the famous Tombeau du Géant, one of the finest viewpoints in the Ardennes. Ideal for photos and families wanting to enjoy the wild nature.
11 kmEasy
Our most popular route. Eleven kilometres combining the best of the Semois: wild meanders, ancient oak forests, sleepy Ardennes villages. Paddle under the Tombeau du Géant and through Alle-sur-Semois.
14 kmIntermediate
Fourteen kilometres through the most protected zones of the National Park, where grey herons, kingfishers and otters are sometimes visible from your kayak. An intense nature experience for sporty families and groups of friends.
17 kmIntermediate
The great Ardennes adventure. Seventeen kilometres arriving majestically by kayak at the foot of Bouillon Castle. Also discover our routes from Bouillon.
23 kmExpert
The queen of Semois kayak trips. Twenty-three kilometres for paddlers who want to experience the Semois from start to finish. A full day through gorges, spectacular meanders and picturesque villages. For physically fit kayakers only.
Answer a few quick questions and we will match your group with the perfect kayak route on the Semois.
Take the kayak quizThe Semois is a Class I river (easy), perfectly suited to families and beginners with a calm, steady current. Difficulty mainly depends on the live water level (flow rate), the wind and the air temperature.
Calmer, shallower river. Ideal for first-timers and children, though some rapids may require you to step out and walk your kayak a few metres.
The sweet spot. A helpful current carries your kayak with a few easy riffles. Pleasant for families and sporty paddlers alike.
Strong, fast current reserved for experienced paddlers. During floods, navigation may be suspended by the operator for everyone's safety.
Check the river before you book on our live Semois water-level page.
We renew our equipment regularly to guarantee an optimal experience on the water. Our kayaks are stable, sturdy and suitable for every body type.
We mainly use RTM Brio (double) and DAG Optimo models. These "sit-on-top" kayaks are unsinkable and self-bailing, offering maximum safety even for complete beginners. Their ergonomic backrests provide perfect support over long distances.
Every participant receives a CE-approved life jacket fitted to their size (XS to XXL) and a light, asymmetric paddle that limits muscle fatigue on longer routes. A waterproof barrel keeps your belongings and phone dry.
Drinking water (1.5 L per person), sunscreen, a hat and a picnic. We provide waterproof barrels to protect your belongings.
Synthetic, quick-drying clothes and closed shoes that can get wet (mandatory). Avoid cotton, which stays cold once wet.
Paddle using your torso rotation, not just your arms. Keep your back straight and anticipate the bends of the river.
Your life jacket is your best ally. Never leave your kayak in the middle of a fast current; if you capsize, the Semois is shallow — simply stand up.
The flow is often lively and nature bursts into green. The best time to watch nesting birds along the wild banks of the Semois.
Calm waters and refreshing swims. Ideal for families, but remember to book ahead as the river is busy in peak season.
Morning mists and the glowing colours of the Ardennes forests create an unforgettable, almost mystical atmosphere on the water.
A wicker-and-timber footbridge unique in Belgium, rebuilt by hand every summer at Laforet — one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia". A timeless sight you glide past from your kayak.
Relics of the golden age of tobacco growing in the valley, these wooden buildings dot the banks between Alle and Bohan, a living testimony of the Semois' rural past.
The Tombeau du Géant ("Giant's Tomb") and the Rocks of Frahan hide age-old tales that you uncover as you slide silently down the river.
The Semois is more than a river — it is a biodiversity sanctuary classified Natura 2000. Paddle silently and you become the guest of a fascinating wild world.
The river's blue jewel nests in the steep banks. Listen for its shrill call and watch for its lightning-fast flight skimming the water.
Successfully reintroduced, the beaver shapes the landscape. You will spot its dams and the trunks gnawed into "pencil" shapes along the banks.
This emblematic Semois fish is a sign of pure water. Its silvery scales shimmer beneath the surface of the riffles as you pass.
A few kilometres away, visit the ruins of Orval Abbey and taste its world-famous Trappist beer.
Do not miss local cheeses and artisanal honey from the valley — the perfect reward after a day on the water in the Ardennes.
Near Bouillon, Cordemois Abbey offers a setting of absolute serenity on the banks of the Semois, ideal to unwind after your descent.
Certified information sources:
Help us protect the fragile beauty of the Semois by following these simple rules.
Take all your rubbish back with you, even organic waste.
Avoid shouting so you do not stress the wildlife.
Only land in the authorised areas.
Never chase birds or animals along the river.
We handle your transfer to the start or back from the finish in a comfortable minibus — included in every booking.
Recent kayaks, certified life jackets and free paddling advice so you get the most out of your descent.
As a committed actor of the Semois National Park, we raise awareness of the valley's exceptional biodiversity.
Our navigation data and environmental commitments are based on the official tourism and environmental authorities of Wallonia.
Noté 4.6/5 sur 1282 avis
« A perfect family day on the Semois. The welcome at Kayak Semois Ardenne is warm, the equipment is spotless (the kayaks are modern and clean), and the free shuttle system is superbly organised. A must-visit in the Ardennes! »
« Beautiful kayak trip on the Semois starting from Vresse! Very friendly staff and excellent shuttle service. The riverside campsites along the Semois are also a must for nature lovers. »
« Superb 11 km kayak descent starting from Alle-sur-Semois. The wild nature of the Ardennes is magnificent in the spring sunshine. Very competitive prices compared to the competition. We'll be back! »
« Wonderful experience! The kayak tour on the Semois was perfectly organised. The team is very helpful and speaks good German. The scenery of the Belgian Ardennes is simply breathtaking. »
« Excellent kayak rental service and great campsite on the banks of the Semois. The prices are very fair and the atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented. The little terrace bar is perfect for a refreshing drink after the effort. »
« A fantastic last-minute welcome even though we hadn't booked in the middle of August. Life jackets and waterproof barrels are provided free of charge. Very safe descents, ideal with children! »
« Top-tier kayak rental on the Semois river. Extremely friendly staff, well-maintained kayaks, and a reliable shuttle. The viewpoints along the river are absolutely stunning. Highly recommend this local business! »