4 routes from 7 to 17 km starting at Alle-sur-Semois and Poupehan, in the heart of the Natura 2000-listed National Park. Instant online booking.
All starting from Alle or Poupehan, with identical put-in and take-out points by kayak or canoe. Durations estimated from the current flow (2.2 m³/s): check the live Semois water level before booking.
Family
A perfect introduction to kayaking on the Semois. This 7 km route crosses the calm stretches of the National Park, ideal for families with children. You will pass beneath the legendary Laforêt wattle bridge, before landing at Vresse-sur-Semois.
Leisurely
Dive into the heart of the Semois Valley National Park. Between Alle and Membre the river meanders between wooded hills, with unique chances to spot grey herons and traces of the European beaver.
Panoramic
Admire the Frahan slate ridges from the water. This route offers spectacular views over Rochehaut and the most deeply cut meanders of the Ardennes Semois. Discover the story of these landscapes in our Semois Encyclopedia.
Adventure
A total immersion in the Membre-Bohan Nature Reserve. This wild 17 km route takes you far from any road, through dense forests, steep cliffs and the old Semois tobacco-drying barns. A must for nature lovers.
Kayak or canoe? The routes and put-in points are the same. The wider, more stable two-seater canoe reassures families, while the more agile kayak lets everyone set their own pace.
RTM Brio and DAG Optimo sit-on-top kayaks are unsinkable and self-bailing. On the day, you can track your position with GPS Semois, the river's « Waze ».
Two questions come up before every booking: how much time to allow, and how much it costs. Here are the benchmarks to pick the right route without paying more than necessary.
1h30 to 2h00. The family best-seller: steady current, a few playful stretches and no risk of boredom for children.
2h30 to 3h00. One of the wildest stretches, through the nature reserve: the ideal compromise for half a day.
3h00 to 3h30. The loveliest meanders with a few small currents and no technical difficulty: the most popular route.
4h30 to 6h00. For fit paddlers: an early start is advised, with active breaks so you do not miss the last shuttle.
After a few rainy days the current carries you and saves time; at low water everything depends on your paddle. Check the live water level before booking.
Allow about 4.5 km/h on average. After 3 hours fatigue slows the cadence: alternate effort with 10-minute breaks.
A headwind can double the time needed to cross an exposed bend; in a heatwave, swimming stops lengthen the trip by about a third.
Kit and briefing (10 to 15 min), shuttle (20 to 40 min) and a picnic (about 45 min): build them into your plan, as the shuttles stop at the end of the day.
The price depends mainly on the length of the route and the type of boat. It starts at €26.40 per person; the kayak, paddle, life vest, briefing and return shuttle are always included. Up-to-date prices for each route appear in the cards above, and the full price list details every option.
July and August weekends are the busiest. On weekdays, or in June and September, the river is calmer and availability is wider.
Booking online secures your slot, your gear and the shuttle, and saves you a wasted trip if the river is full.
There is no point paying for the 17 km if you are a beginner: 7 or 10 km is just as enjoyable, at a much lower price.
In a two-seater, children benefit from reduced rates. Ask about group offers for several participants.
A Semois in flood may close navigation: check the water level so you do not travel for nothing.
Our campsite on the Semois offers kayak + overnight packages on favourable terms.
We renew the gear every season, give every paddler a certified life vest and include a return shuttle, so everything is handled and you can simply enjoy the river. Here is what to know before you put in.
We mainly paddle RTM Brio (two-seater) and DAG Optimo. These sit-on-top kayaks are unsinkable and self-bailing: maximum safety, even on a first try, plus good support over long distances for any build.
Every participant gets a certified life vest in their size (XS to XXL), compulsory for all, and a light asymmetric paddle that limits fatigue. The safety briefing and paddling technique tips are given at the start.
A minibus shuttle takes you back to the start or finish point after the descent. It comes with every booking, with no surcharge and no separate reservation.
Bring drinking water (1.5 L/pers.), sunscreen, a hat and a picnic. Dry barrels for your belongings are provided by us, and the routes are lined with plenty of rest areas and permitted banks for the lunch break. Take all your litter back with you.
Quick-drying synthetic clothing and closed shoes that can go in the water. Avoid cotton, since it stays cold once wet; in cool weather, a windbreaker comes in handy.
Paddle with torso rotation, not only your arms. Keep your back straight and your knees slightly bent so you become one with the kayak, and anticipate the bends. You will find all the details in our paddling technique guide.
Never leave your kayak in the middle of a strong current, and keep your vest closed. The Semois is shallow (often less than a metre): stand up, bring the kayak to the bank to empty it, then carry on.
The flow is often lively and nature bursts into green. This is the best time to watch nesting birds along the banks.
Calm water and refreshing swim stops make it ideal for families. It gets busy, so book ahead.
On a much quieter river, morning mists and the glowing colours of the Ardennes forests make an unforgettable sight.
To pick your date, read our guide on when to paddle down the Semois, month by month.
As a committed player in the Semois Valley National Park, we raise awareness of local biodiversity. Four simple gestures are enough to protect the river's fragile beauty.
The price depends on the route (7 to 17 km) and starts at €26.40 per person. The kayak, paddle, life vest, briefing and return shuttle are included in every booking.
Allow 1h30 for the 7 km route (Alle → Vresse) up to 4h30-6h00 for the long 17 km route (Alle → Bohan). Water flow, wind and breaks all change the duration.
Go on a weekday or outside peak season, book online in advance and choose a route that suits your level: 7 or 10 km costs much less than 17 km.
The Semois is wilder and less busy than the Lesse. For a detailed analysis, see our full Lesse vs Semois comparison.
Yes, particularly at weekends and in summer. You will find more details on our full FAQ.
Absolutely. The Semois is a calm river, and the 7 km route (Alle → Vresse) is especially well suited to young children. Everyone must wear the life vest.
Yes, on board and free of charge. For more stability, we recommend placing your dog between your legs in a two-seater kayak.
Yes, the routes are lined with plenty of rest areas and permitted banks. Just be sure to leave with all your litter, to protect this listed site.
Don't panic: the Semois is shallow (often less than a metre). Stand up, bring your kayak to the bank and empty it, then get back in. In any situation, the vest keeps you afloat.
No. It is a leisure activity open to anyone in normal physical condition, and the current helps you along. For a first time, choose the 7 km route (Alle → Vresse).
A tip for the big day: you can track your position on the river with GPS Semois, real-time river navigation, the Semois's collaborative « Waze ».
Compare and choose your descent. Equipment and return shuttle included; online you only pay the platform fee — the balance is paid on site.
ℹ️ Platform fee detailsSPW readings updated every 15 minutes
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