Laforêt, authentic village in the Semois valley

Laforêt has been recognised as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie since 7 October 1955 — making it one of the oldest members of the network. Situated on the left bank of the Semois, just a few minutes from Bohan, it is the only village in the region to have retained the almost medieval atmosphere of the old Ardennes. Quiet winding streets, slate-roofed houses, old wash houses and the famous Pont de Claies make Laforêt one of the most photogenic destinations in the Semois Valley.

What makes Laforêt special?

The charm of Laforêt lies in the details. The roofs are covered with faisiaux — irregular slates that preserve the village’s rustic, authentic character. The barns are still adorned with lucky hearts and protective symbols. The doorways are strikingly low, a reminder of the small stature of the villagers two centuries ago. At the village entrances, large round abreuvoirs (drinking troughs) stand like silent sentinels, and scattered throughout the village you can spot old séchoirs à tabac, reminders of the tobacco cultivation that once underpinned Laforêt’s prosperity.

Places of interest in Laforêt

The Church of Sainte-Agathe (1779) is a destination in its own right: it houses a modern Stations of the Cross by the renowned Vresse artist Jacques Vander Elst. The old smithy, dating from 1880, with its anvils and original tools, offers a vivid glimpse into the village’s artisanal past. A 2 km interpretive trail with information panels takes you past all the small points of interest — washing places, drinking troughs, drying sheds — and reveals the history of the village.

The Pont de Claies — a unique seasonal bridge

One of the most remarkable sights in the entire Semois Valley is the Pont de Claies at Laforêt. It is not a permanent bridge, but a rustic seasonal bridge that is rebuilt every spring and dismantled again at the end of summer — with woven panels of hornbeam branches resting on fragile pillars on the riverbed. At low water, it allows walkers to cross the Semois to Vresse. A prime example of living intangible heritage that has inspired painters and photographers for generations.

Walking around Laforêt

The 1 km village walk is a great place to start — short enough to combine with another village on the same day. For those who want to explore the Ardennes in more depth, there is the Promenade des Légendes: a 2 km circular route through the woods of Laforêt, dedicated to local myths and tales. The 9.5 km walking route connecting Laforêt with Gros-Fays takes you past two of the Plus Beaux Villages in a single day — a classic. View walking routes in this area.

Laforêt from Bohan

Laforêt is just a 10-minute drive from your holiday home. From Bohan, you can also walk or cycle to Laforêt — depending on the season, via the Pont de Claies. Half a day is more than enough for a leisurely visit, including a stroll through the village, a visit to the church and a coffee.

View other villages around Bohan.