The Semois

Key facts

• Length: approximately 210 km
• Source: Arlon, Province of Luxembourg
• Mouth: Meuse at Monthermé (France)
• Main towns: Florenville, Bouillon, Herbeumont
• Known for: scenic beauty and tobacco cultivation in the Semois Valley

Course and geography

The Semois rises near Arlon on the Belgian Lorraine Plateau and flows westwards through deep, wooded valleys. The river carves spectacular meanders through the Ardennes, particularly around Bouillon, where it encircles the castle, and near Herbeumont. Just before the French border, it forms the border with France and flows into the Meuse at Monthermé.

Nature and landscape

The Semois Valley is rich in biodiversity, with forests, limestone grasslands and riverbanks that are home to rare flora and fauna. The landscape is characterised by misty mornings, rock formations and steep slopes. The river is popular with walkers, kayakers and nature lovers seeking the tranquil atmosphere of the Ardennes.

Culture and heritage

The region around the Semois has a strong cultural identity, partly due to the traditional cultivation of ‘tabac de la Semois’, a local tobacco variety renowned since the 19th century for its aromatic quality. Villages such as Corbion and Bohan have preserved this craft as part of their heritage.

Tourism and recreation

The Semois is a major attraction for recreation in Wallonia. Activities such as kayaking, fishing and walking draw visitors to picturesque villages and viewpoints such as Rochehaut. The river symbolises the unspoilt nature and charm of the Belgian Ardennes