🌿 National Park · Wallonia · Ardennes
Wallonia's first national park (2023) · 30,000 ha of Ardennes nature · Wild meanders, otters, beavers, kingfishers.
An exceptional territory in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, protected and promoted since 2023.
For millennia, the Semois has been sculpting the Ardennes hills into majestic meanders.
The Semois Valley National Park is the first national park recognized by the Walloon Region. Officially created in 2023, it covers approximately 30,000 hectares of Ardennes valley, between Tintigny in the east and Bohan in the west — a ribbon of wild nature of nearly 100 km along the river.
Its deep looping meanders, visible from the famous belvederes of Membre, Vresse and Botassart, are recognized among the most beautiful landscapes in Belgium. The Semois flows through a setting of deciduous forests — beech, oak, hornbeam — which are adorned with flamboyant colors in autumn.
This territory already benefited from partial protection via the Natura 2000 network and the Haute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Nature Park. The national park status now reinforces this protection and structures a visitor reception that is respectful of the ecosystems.
National park soundscape
Birdsongs, lapping of the Semois, wind in the beeches — authentic sounds recorded in the heart of the park.
Meanders, wildlife, forests, and activities along the Semois.
The exceptional water quality of the Semois and the integrity of the Ardennes forests promote a biodiversity rare in Western Europe.
Lutra lutra
Symbol species of the park, successfully reintroduced. The Semois is one of the last Walloon strongholds for the otter. It hunts at dawn and dusk — the muddy banks reveal its characteristic footprints.
🔴 Strictly protected speciesAlcedo atthis
An electric blue and orange flash along the banks. An indicator of water quality — its presence proves a healthy river. Kayakers frequently cross paths with it during morning trips.
🟡 Annex I protected speciesCastor fiber
Reintroduced since the 1990s, the beaver reshapes the banks and creates wetlands favorable to many other species. Its dams and lodges are visible on some tributaries of the Semois.
🔴 Strictly protected speciesFalco peregrinus
Nests on the Ardennes sandstone cliffs overlooking the Semois. Returned naturally after the ban on organochlorine pesticides. Its dives at over 300 km/h fascinate hikers and ornithologists.
🔴 Strictly protected speciesSalmo trutta
The Semois is classified as a salmonid zone (class A). The brown trout, demanding in water quality and coolness, is present in the most preserved areas of the park. Fishing is allowed there with a permit.
🟡 Regulated fishing zonePhengaris alcon
A rare butterfly linked to gentian wetlands. Its presence in the national park testifies to the integrity of the valley's meadows and peat bogs. Its complex life cycle involves ants of the genus Myrmica.
🔴 Natura 2000 priority species
The best way to experience the Semois national park.
Navigating on the Semois in the national park means accessing landscapes inaccessible from the trails: the wild meanders, the banks inhabited by otters and kingfishers, the forests that lean towards the water. Every turn reveals a new painting.
The Kayak Semois Ardenne nautical base, set up in Vresse-sur-Semois right in the heart of the park, offers trips suited for all levels:
Navigation is allowed between 2.2 and 50 m³/s. Outside this range, navigation is prohibited for your safety and the protection of wildlife (nesting areas). Check the real-time water level before you go.
Everything you need to know before visiting Wallonia's first national park.
The Semois Valley National Park is the first national park in Wallonia (Belgium), officially created in 2023. It protects approximately 30,000 hectares of Ardennes landscapes along the Semois river, between Tintigny and Bohan. It is classified for its wild meanders, deciduous forests, exceptional biodiversity (otter, beaver, kingfisher, peregrine falcon), and emblematic panoramas. Access is free and open all year round.
The Semois Valley National Park was officially recognized by the Walloon Government in 2023, making it the very first national park in Wallonia. This status follows years of consultation between riverside municipalities, the Walloon Region, and nature protection associations. The Semois already benefited from partial protection via the Natura 2000 zone status.
The Semois Valley National Park encompasses 7 municipalities: Vresse-sur-Semois, Bouillon, Herbeumont, Chiny, Florenville, Tintigny, and Daverdisse. These entities are crossed by the Semois over a distance of about 100 km of protected waterway. Each municipality contributes to the management of the park and the welcoming of visitors.
The biodiversity is exceptional: European otter (Lutra lutra) — symbol of the park, successfully reintroduced; Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) — its dams create wetlands; kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) — indicator of water quality; peregrine falcon nesting on the cliffs; brown trout in class A waters. The river is also the habitat of the Alcon blue, a priority Natura 2000 butterfly.
Yes, kayaking and canoeing are allowed on the Semois in the national park, subject to compliance with the flow rate between 2.2 and 50 m³/s. The Kayak Semois Ardenne nautical base in Vresse-sur-Semois offers kayak trips starting at €18. It is one of the best ways to discover the wild meanders and observe wildlife (otters, herons, kingfishers) inaccessible from the trails. Check the real-time water level.
Several entry points: Vresse-sur-Semois (heart of the park, starting point for hikes and kayaking, via N95 from Bouillon or E411 exit 25); Bouillon (eastern gateway, accessible by train to Bertrix + bus); Florenville (southern gateway, SNCB train station with Brussels connections); Tintigny (eastern gateway). By car from Brussels: E411 towards Arlon, about 1.5 hours. The park is fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists via the RAVeL network.
Allowed: hiking (>300 km of marked trails), kayaking/canoeing (subject to flow conditions), cycling on the RAVeL, wildlife observation and nature photography, fishing with a Walloon fishing license in authorized areas, picnicking in dedicated areas. Prohibited or regulated: wild camping, campfires, picking protected species, motorized vehicles off-road, disturbing protected species (nesting areas).
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A kayak trip is the most immersive way to explore the wild meanders of the national park. Otters, kingfishers, beavers — nature reveals itself when you glide silently on the Semois. Nautical base in Vresse-sur-Semois, starting from €18.
Rated 4.6/5 based on 1,282 reviews
« 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! »