The Craft

Raw Milk: The Decision
That Changes Everything

Choosing raw cow's milk is the central paradigm of the Semois Cheese Dairy. Unlike pasteurization, Isabelle and Jose preserve the bacterial and enzymatic integrity of their raw material. The result: aromas of undergrowth, hazelnut, and wildflowers impossible to reproduce industrially.

The microbial flora reflects the natural diet of the herds grazing on the Semois slate meadows. In the aging cellar, these indigenous microorganisms orchestrate proteolysis and lipolysis, releasing aromatic volatile compounds that form the signature of each cheese.

The milk is sourced exclusively from local farmers, ensuring maximum freshness and full traceability. A true short supply chain rooted in the Ardennes soil.

Artisanal raw milk cheeses
Raw milk from the Semois · Artisanal cellar aging

Local Sourcing

Milk collected exclusively from farmers in the Semois valley.

Pure Raw Milk

No pasteurization — local microbial flora is the secret to the flavors.

Handcrafted

Every cheese wheel is shaped manually by Isabelle and Jose in Sugny.

Local Hub

The shop also brings together regional honey, meat, eggs, and bread.

📷 La Fromagerie en Images

Tome de la Semois — fromage artisanal au lait cru, Sugny
La Tome de la Semois, fleuron de la fromagerie
Fromages frais et affinés de la Fromagerie de la Semois
Gamme variée : pâtes pressées et fromages aromatisés
Rouge Ardennais — fromage de caractère, Fromagerie de la Semois
Le Rouge Ardennais, caractère et terroir ardennais
Fleuri Macu — fromage à croûte fleurie, idéal au barbecue
Le Fleuri Macu, star du barbecue ardennais

🧀 Tommes & Pâtes Pressées

Le cœur de métier — des fromages d'affinage au caractère bien trempé.

Tome de la Semois — artisanal cheese
👑 Flagship
Uncooked pressed cheese

Tome de la Semois

The absolute signature of the dairy. Recognized by the GAL Ardenne, the Tome de la Semois is an uncooked pressed cheese with a natural rind. Its aromas of undergrowth, hazelnut, and wildflowers tell the story of the valley's slate meadows.

Mild to sharp flavor, natural rind
🥛 Ingrédients : Raw cow's milk, salt, rennet
Accord Bière Leffe Brown

Shared terroir. The caramelized malt perfectly matches the hazelnut notes of the cheese.

Cheese board · Ardennes fondue
Tome with Fenugreek
🌿 Spiced
Flavored pressed cheese

Tome with Fenugreek

Craftsmanship off the beaten path. Fenugreek seeds are added before aging, creating a complex flavor profile: walnuts, celery, and sweet spices.

Nutty · Celery · Sweet spices
🥛 Ingrédients : Raw cow's milk + fenugreek seeds
Accord Bière Caracole Ambrée

The biscuit bitterness of the beer harmonizes with the sweet spices.

Aperitif board · Salads
Rouge Ardennais
🏔️ Character
Aged pressed cheese

Rouge Ardennais

The Rouge Ardennais has a rustic and distinct identity. Its specific aging process gives it a unique personality: for those who love cheese with character.

Rustic character · Firm paste
🥛 Ingrédients : Raw cow's milk, artisanal aging
Accord Bière Rochefort 8 or Chimay Blue

Strength against strength. Powerful Trappist beers hold their own against the Rouge Ardennais.

Strong cheese board
Fleuri Macu
🌸 Versatile
Bloomy rind cheese

Fleuri Macu

The star of the Ardennes barbecue. The Fleuri Macu is similar to Camembert in texture but distinguished by delicate floral aromas. Placed on the grill, it holds its structure while melting inside.

Floral aromas · Ideal for cooking
🥛 Ingrédients : Raw cow's milk, white rind cultures
Accord Bière Saison Règal

The freshness of Saison beers balances the creaminess of the Macu.

Barbecue · Fondue

🥛 Fromages Frais & Maquée

Pureté lactique et fraîcheur du lait cru local — à consommer rapidement, à savourer souvent.

Plain / Maquée

Pure milk, creamy texture. The culinary base.

Culinary base, desserts

Garlic & Herbs

The great aromatic classic. Ideal for aperitifs.

Aperitif, spreads

Tomato Basil

Sunny Mediterranean notes, perfect with raw vegetables.

Summer, salads

Onion Paprika

Sweet and colorful flavor. A touch of heat.

Cheese board, wraps

Mexican

Spicy to seduce adventurous palates.

Dynamic aperitif

Shallot

Subtle flavor. Elegant accompaniment for salads.

Salads, side dish

La maquée (fromage blanc traditionnel wallon) est fabriquée à partir des résidus de la caille — ainsi la fromagerie valorise l'intégralité du lait, de la phase solide à la crème. Rien n'est gaspillé dans un vrai circuit fromager artisanal.

🍺🧀 Pairings: Beer × Semois Cheese

Two treasures of the valley united in a terroir pairing. Here are the matches our kayak teams recommend after every trip down the river.

Tome de la Semois (aged)
Leffe Brown 6.5°
★★★★★

A shared terroir pairing. The caramelized malt and vanilla notes of Leffe Brown highlight the hazelnut and undergrowth aromas of the Tome.

Tome with Fenugreek
Caracole Ambrée 7.5°
★★★★☆

Fenugreek calls for amber. The biscuit bitterness and citrus notes of Caracole Ambrée harmonize perfectly with the sweet spices.

Rouge Ardennais (aged)
Rochefort 8 — 9.2°
★★★★★

Strength against strength. The power of Rochefort 8—raisins, caramel, cocoa—stands up to the Rouge Ardennais without overwhelming it. For thrill-seekers.

Fleuri Macu (fresh)
Blanche de Namur 4.5°
★★★★☆

Freshness and creaminess. The citrus and wheat notes of Blanche de Namur balance the creamy texture of the Macu. The summer pairing of the Ardennes.

Maquée Nature
Saison Règal / Estivale 5-6°
★★★★☆

Lightness at its best. The fruit and floral spices of Saison beers accompany the pure lactic taste of the maquée. Serve on bruschetta with forest honey.

Garlic & Herbs Fresh Cheese
Leffe Blond 6.6°
★★★☆☆

The ultimate aperitif. The malty roundness and slightly spicy notes of Leffe Blond pair with fresh herbs without conflict. Simple and universally loved.

✨ The Golden Rule of the Semois

Semois Cheese + Semois Beer = Perfect Match. Leffe, born in Dinant 25 km away, and Tome de the Semois, born in Sugny — same valley, same water, same terroir. The local supply chain extends right onto the table.

🗺️ Explore the Ardennes Beer Route →

🤝 A Hub for Local Artisans

The shop on Place Paul Dubois doesn't just sell cheese — it's a true Ardennes terroir cooperative.

BIO Meat Packages

Local breeders from Vresse-Bièvre. Orders available by phone.

Farm Eggs

Local and traceable. Available in the shop during business hours.

Artisanal Bread

Partner bakery from the Ardennes. Perfect with cheeses.

Forest Honey

Ardennes beekeeping. Local honey highlights fresh cheeses.

Herbs and Condiments

Local specialties to complete your Ardennes basket.

Farm Products

Handcrafted products from partner producers in Bièvre and Monceau.

🍽️ Taste Semois Cheeses at a Restaurant

⭐ Ambassador

Au Petit Chaudron

Bohan-sur-Semois

Isabelle Demat's most loyal ambassador. Tome de la Semois and Macu are regularly on the menu—a culinary experience that elegantly completes the local production cycle.

Taverne de Rochehaut

Rochehaut

Exceptional views of the Semois loop, offering Sugny cheeses to accompany a glass of Ardennes beer.

La Petite Etable

Semois Valley

One of the establishments actively promoting local cheese culture, creating a virtuous link between agriculture and tourism.

📍 Practical Information

📫 Contact

Place Paul Dubois 201
5550 Sugny (Vresse-sur-Semois)
Province of Namur, Belgium
fromageriedelasemois@hotmail.com
www.la-yauge.be

🕐 Shop Hours

Day Hours Audience
Thursday 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Local customers
Saturday morning 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Market & Weekly
Saturday afternoon 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tourists
💡 Outside these hours: orders by phone. Payment in cash or local currency L'Ardoise.

👀 Guided Tours

Educational tours are organized by reservation only. Groups are limited to 3–5 people to ensure a quality experience and respect the farm's working rhythm. Ideal for families and foodie groups.

📧 Book a Tour
🍯 Beekeeping Terroir

Semois Honey —
The Yellow Gold of the Ardennes

The Semois valley, the backbone of the eponymous National Park, stretches over 167 kilometers of meanders through a territory where forest covers 75% of the land. This configuration imposes a unique floral signature on the region's honeys: a succession of wild blooms that produce polyfloral honeys of exceptional aromatic complexity.

Hawthorn, dandelion, brambles, lindens, wild clovers, oak and beech honeydew — Ardennes bees forage in a territory of floral richness that few regions in Europe can rival. The National Park has recorded 188 species of bees on its territory, accounting for half the species present in Belgium.

Since February 2025, honey from this region enjoys official European recognition: the Walloon Honey PGI (IGP Miel Wallon), guaranteeing production, harvesting, and packaging in Wallonia under the strictest quality standards.

Walloon Honey PGI — Recognized by Europe Protected Geographical Indication · Since February 2025
Jar of Ardennes honey — artisanal honey from the Semois valley
Semois Honey — harvested in the meadows and forests of the Ardennes
Ardennes spring honey — light and floral
Spring Honey · Floral & Delicate
Ardennes forest honey — dark amber, rich in minerals
Forest Honey · Amber & Mineral

🌸 vs 🌲 — Spring or Forest?

The Ardennes beekeeping cycle produces two main families of honeys with radically different characters.

Spring Honey

Harvested · May – June

Sourced from undergrowth and permanent meadow blooms: hawthorn, dandelion, wild fruit trees. Its high glucose content causes rapid crystallization, which the beekeeper controls to achieve a creamy and spreadable texture.

🎨 ColorLight to straw yellow
🧈 TextureCreamy · rapid crystallization
👅 TasteSweet, floral, slightly fruity
⚗️ MineralsModerate
💊 BenefitsEnergizing, soothing (coughs)
✨ Ideal uses: Morning toast · Ardennes herbal tea · Plain yogurt · Light vinaigrette · Maquée + honey (the perfect local spread!)

Forest & Honeydew Honey

Harvested · Summer – Early Autumn

A unique product from brambles, lindens, clovers, and a proportion of oak and beech honeydew. This honeydew—secreted by aphids consuming forest sap—is collected by bees until autumn, giving the honey a robust flavor profile highly sought after by connoisseurs.

🎨 ColorDark amber to almost black
🧈 TextureThick · slow crystallization
👅 TasteIntense, woody, undergrowth notes
⚗️ MineralsVery high (K, Mg, Fe)
💊 BenefitsPowerful antioxidant · Remineralizing
✨ Ideal uses: Strong cheese board · Honey-marinated meat · Ardennes gingerbread · Honey beer · Tome de la Semois + forest honey (ultimate pairing!)

🐝 The Valley's Honey Producers

Three exemplary hives shaping the yellow gold of the Ardennes near the Semois river.

⭐ 230 Hives

Peter Otte

📍 Graide (Bièvre)

Professional beekeeper Peter Otte is the cornerstone of Ardennes beekeeping. With 230 hives, he practices complete vertical integration: from colony management to processing high-value products. His estate features the "Jardin des Hiboux", an associated tourist facility combining direct sales and education on avian and apiary biodiversity.

Products

  • 🍯 Terroir Honeys: Ardennes, Graide, wildflower, acacia, linden, chestnut
  • 🌼 Raw Products: Fresh/dried pollen, royal jelly, propolis
  • 🍞 Specialties: Vinaigrettes, mustards, gingerbread, honey cookies
  • 🍺 Beverages: Mead and artisanal honey spirits
  • 🧴 Cosmetics: Beeswax and honey-based care
Online Shop →
🌿 Certified BIO

Les Butineuses

📍 Monceau-en-Ardenne

Katia Stilmant and her daughter run this organic beekeeping business focused on respecting the bee's biological rhythms. Every batch undergoes rigorous analysis by the certified CARI laboratory, guaranteeing exemplary traceability. Their honey is sold at the Semois Cheese Dairy in Sugny — the direct link between artisanal cheese and local honey!

Products

  • 🍯 Spring and summer wildflower honey
  • 💊 Royal jelly, bee bread, propolis (PROPOLIA range)
  • 🍷 Honey wine (mead), elderberry and currant syrups
  • 🐝 Swarms and mated queens (on reservation)

Points of sale: Semois Dairy (Sugny) · Ferme de la Yauge (Nafraiture) · GAC Gedinne · Carrefour Market Bièvre · Online

lesbutineuses.be →
🍽️ Used by Chefs

Fou d'Abeilles

📍 Sugny (Vresse-sur-Semois)

The hyper-local honey of Sugny. Fou d'Abeilles' apiaries are located right in the valley, just meters from the Semois Cheese Dairy. This honey is favored by chef Sébastien Vandiste at "Au Petit Chaudron" in Bohan and the team at "Charme de la Semois" in Alle-sur-Semois — locations that also serve Isabelle and Jose's cheese. The local terroir circle is complete.

Where to find it

  • 🏠 Antoine-Muller Butchery, Bohan
  • 🛒 Ma P'tite Épicerie, Rochehaut
  • 🏞️ Vresse-sur-Semois Tourist Office
  • 🧀 Semois Cheese Dairy, Sugny

Walloon Honey PGI

Protected Geographical Indication · Since February 2025

A historic milestone for the sector: Walloon Honey obtained European PGI recognition in February 2025, driven by the PROMIEL non-profit and the CARI laboratory. This label protects against fraud and promotes the expertise of Walloon beekeepers.

Specification Criteria

Water content: ≤ 18 % Guarantees microbiological stability and prevents fermentation.
HMF: ≤ 20 mg/kg Certifies the honey hasn't been overheated—enzymes and vitamins preserved.
Crystallization: ≥ 95% < 0,20 mm Fine and homogeneous texture required.
Pollen tracer: Specific to Walloon flora Proves the geographical origin of the honey.
Heat treatment: Max 60°C · 5 min Remelting allowed under very strict conditions.

The Black Bee of the Ardennes

Apis mellifera mellifera is the only native honey bee in Belgium, hardy and perfectly adapted to the cold and damp Ardennes climate. Today, it is threatened by hybridization with imported, short-term more productive breeds.

The Ourthe Country GAL leads an ambitious program: distributing selected queens (covering 70% of costs for beekeepers), installing biodiversity log-hives, and setting up mating stations in Wibrin and the Belval Estate to guarantee the species' genetic purity.

🌿 The National Park in Action

  • 📊 188 bee species recorded — half of Belgian species
  • 🌱 100 ha of edges restored for floral resources
  • 🌳 287 ha of forests in strict reserve · Hollow trees preserved
  • ✨ Fight against light pollution · "Starry Sky" label for pollinating moths

🏅 2025 Honey Competition — Ardennes Region

🥇 Gold
Johan Arnould · Bastogne Dominant rapeseed honey
🥈 Silver
Christophe Braconnier · Les Bulles Dandelion honey
🥉 Bronze
Gérard Ska · Maissin Wildflower · Walloon Honey PGI label

🍯 × 🧀 — Honey & Semois Cheese Pairings

Sugny's honey producers and cheesemakers Isabelle and Jose are already collaborating — "Les Butineuses" honey is sold at the Semois Cheese Dairy. Here is how to pair them.

Tome de la Semois (aged 4–6 months)
Forest Honey (Oak Honeydew)
★★★★★

The absolute terroir pairing. The woody intensity and minerals of the forest honey respond to the undergrowth and hazelnut notes of the aged Tome. Two expressions of the same Ardennes landscape in a single bite.

Place a drop of honey directly on the slice of Tome. Serve with rye bread and a Leffe Brown.
Fleuri Macu (fresh)
Spring Honey (Hawthorn & Dandelion)
★★★★★

Sweetness meets freshness. The floral creaminess of the Macu and the clear spring honey intertwine with natural elegance. Both share floral notes from the Semois meadows.

On toasted bread: Melted Macu + a drizzle of spring honey + crushed walnuts. Served with a Blanche de Namur.
Maquée Nature (fresh cheese)
Wildflower Honey (Les Butineuses)
★★★★☆

Perfect simplicity. The lactic purity of the raw milk maquée calls for the sweetness of wildflower honey. A pairing that has existed since humans started keeping cows and bees in the same meadows.

Maquée + honey + wild fens blueberries = the ultimate Ardennes breakfast.
Tome with Fenugreek
Chestnut Honey (Peter Otte)
★★★★☆

Spices versus bitterness. The chestnut honey, slightly bitter and highly aromatic, contrasts with the sweet-spicy notes of fenugreek to create a bold and memorable pairing.

For adventurous palates. Accompany with a semi-dry mead from Peter Otte.
Rouge Ardennais
Forest Honey (Beech Honeydew)
★★★★☆

Rustic meets rustic. The bold character of Rouge Ardennais is contained and revealed by the mineral richness of beech honeydew. The slight bitterness of the honey cuts the fat and opens new nuances.

On dark Ardennes bread with crushed peppercorns. A glass of Rochefort 8 completes the pairing.
Garlic & Herbs Fresh Cheese
Linden Honey (Peter Otte)
★★★☆☆

The refreshing surprise. A touch of linden honey on fresh herb cheese brings a sweet hint that reveals and amplifies the garlic and chive aromas. A must-try in summer.

As an aperitif spread on crostini. Top with fresh elderflowers in season.

Found your favorite honey & cheese pairing? Combine it with an Ardennes beer from our guide.

🍺 View the Ardennes Beer Route →

🗺️ Where to Find Semois Honey

A dense network of shops and farms to bring home your jar of Ardennes honey.

📍 Sugny

Semois Cheese Dairy

Monceau Honey (Les Butineuses), local cheeses — the perfect combination in Sugny

🕐 Regular shop hours
📍 Vresse-sur-Semois

Tourist Office

Honey from Sugny, Monceau, Bièvre — selection of regional producers

🕐 Open according to season
📍 Nafraiture

Ferme de la Yauge

Les Butineuses honey, dairy products and Ardennes terroir

🕐 Direct farm sales
📍 Bohan

Antoine-Muller Butchery

Fou d'Abeilles local honey — the honey used by the chef at Au Petit Chaudron

🕐 Butcher shop hours
📍 Rochehaut

Ma P'tite Épicerie

Selection of artisanal honeys from the region

🕐 Village grocery
📍 Bièvre

Carrefour Market & Butchers

Full range from Les Butineuses and Peter Otte — local retail distribution

🕐 Store hours
📍 Graide

Peter Otte — Jardin des Hiboux

Full direct range + apiary visit + bee and bird education

🕐 By appointment / variable hours
🌐 Online

lesbutineuses.be

Online ordering from Les Butineuses — delivery across Belgium

🕐 lesbutineuses.be

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The Semois Cheese Dairy is located at Place Paul Dubois 201 in Sugny, in the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois, Namur province. It sits in the heart of Sugny village, just steps from the church, along the Semois river. From Bouillon (30 min), Namur (1h15), or Dinant (45 min).
The shop is open on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM, Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Saturday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Outside these hours, orders can be placed by phone at +32 471 21 86 99. Payment is available in cash or the local currency L'Ardoise.
The dairy produces two main families: tommes and pressed cheeses (Tome de la Semois, Tome with Fenugreek, Rouge Ardennais) and bloomy rind cheeses (Fleuri Macu), as well as a range of fresh cheeses (plain maquée, garlic and herbs, tomato basil, onion paprika, Mexican, shallot). All made from raw cow's milk.
Yes, by reservation only and for groups of 3 to 5 people maximum. These educational tours allow you to discover the cheesemaker's work and the importance of raw milk. Contact Isabelle and Jose at +32 471 21 86 99 or by email to organize your visit.
Artisanal honey from the region is available directly at the Semois Cheese Dairy in Sugny (Les Butineuses honey from Monceau), at the Vresse-sur-Semois Tourist Office (various local honeys), at Ferme de la Yauge in Nafraiture, and at Antoine-Muller Butchery in Bohan (Fou d'Abeilles honey from Sugny). For a complete range, Peter Otte in Graide also offers a shop and apiary tours at Jardin des Hiboux.
The Walloon Honey PGI is a Protected Geographical Indication recognized by the European Union since February 2025. It guarantees that the honey is produced, harvested, and packaged in Wallonia according to strict criteria: water content ≤ 18%, HMF content ≤ 20 mg/kg (certifying no overheating), fine and uniform crystallization, and a pollen spectrum specific to Walloon flora. This label protects against fraud and certifies the authenticity of Ardennes honey.
The best pairings: Aged Tome de la Semois with forest honey (oak honeydew) — absolute terroir pairing, both have undergrowth notes. Fleuri Macu with spring honey (hawthorn and dandelion) — mutual floral freshness. Plain maquée with wildflower honey from Les Butineuses — perfect simplicity. Tome with Fenugreek with chestnut honey (Peter Otte) — spices versus bitterness for complex flavor lovers.
The Semois Cheese Dairy in Sugny and Kayak Semois Ardenne in Vresse are neighbors in the same valley! Combine a kayak trip in the morning with a dairy visit in the afternoon: a complete and memorable Ardennes day. Sugny is about 5 km from the kayaking starting point in Vresse-sur-Semois.
Several restaurants serve Isabelle and Jose's cheeses: Au Petit Chaudron in Bohan is the most loyal ambassador, with Tome de la Semois and Macu regularly on the menu. Taverne de Rochehaut and La Petite Etable also participate. The virtuous circle: discovery at the restaurant → purchase at the Sugny shop.

🛶 + 🧀 The Perfect Ardennes Day

In the morning, embark on a kayak trip down the Semois with Kayak Semois Ardenne in Vresse. In the afternoon, open the door to the Semois Cheese Dairy in Sugny (only 5 km away!), and leave with a fresh Tome and herb fresh cheese. In the evening, open a Leffe Brown. The Semois in all its glory.

🛶 Book my Kayak
★★★★★
4.6/5
Based on 1,356 customer reviews
🏆
Excellence
2024
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Verified Reviews
100%
N
Nathalie Frédéric ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very good, cheap and very friendly welcome. Thank you, because for my first time kayaking, I love it. I recommend it. See you next time 👍🙂

M
Marlène Régibo ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Contrary to other published opinions, we were very well received, the team is very friendly and the kayak rental is cheaper here than elsewhere. We recommend Kayak Ardenne!

K
Konrad ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fantastic campsite, affordable prices and adorable staff!

L
Lauranne Arimont ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Top, very friendly and good service. Correct prices.

L
Loan ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

We stayed 1 night in a tent and did the 11km kayak descent. Helpful and super friendly staff. Perfect organization for arrival on the Semois and reception after the descent. Thanks for everything!

K
Kelly Watillon ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We were able to enjoy this day thanks to the lady at the kayak bar! Without knowing it, we hadn't booked. She found a last minute solution! Top thanks again! Thanks to her and also to the drivers who brought us back.

A
Arthur Pinter ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent kayak rental on the Semois. Different routes possible for short or long distance depending on the wish. The staff is very friendly and advises you perfectly!

L
Laurie Rainbow ✓
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Magnificent canoe descent (17km), the service is very good, we wait little even at arrival thanks to the driver and his wife who willingly answer our questions and calls. In addition, the small cafe with terrace is very pleasant. The night at the campsite was perfect.