Routes

Packrafting on the Semois (Ardennes) – The most beautiful route around Bouillon

10 April 2025 Sanne

Packrafter on the Semois: A packrafter paddles on the peaceful Semois, surrounded by dense forests and hills of the Semois Valley National Park.

Why packrafting on the Semois is so special

Packrafting on the Semois River in the Ardennes is one of the most beautiful packraft adventures in Belgium. The river meanders through dense forests, rocky slopes and historical sites such as Bouillon. During this packraft route you combine hiking and packrafting in the Vallée de la Semois National Park. In this guide you will discover the route, practical tips and how to easily rent a packraft for your adventure.

The preparation

Rent now your complete packraft equipment at Rent a Packraft and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Once you receive your packraft equipment at your door, the adventure can truly begin. Just check that you have everything: packraft, paddle, life jacket, dry suit, waterproof bag? The time has come! Start checking the weather forecast in the morning. A sunny day is ideal, but be prepared for the changeable Ardennes. Dress in layers so you can easily take off or add a piece of clothing, depending on the temperature. Put on hiking boots with a firm grip, this will prevent you from slipping while hiking. Make sure you bring enough snacks and water and a basic first aid kit (blister plasters, tick pliers, disinfectant wipes, painkillers,…). Also be sure to bring lunch; there are no places to eat on this route. The final check: before you head out, check that this section of the Semois is accessible today for packrafters. You check this here. A dark green color code means everything is approved and the adventure can begin. Don’t forget technology, either! Make sure your phone is properly charged and bring a full power bank. No selfie or navigation needs to be an obstacle during this amazing experience.

Starting point: Château de Bouillon

Park your car and make sure you have everything with you. We are already walking directly past Château de Bouillon and Bastion de bourgogne. Château de Bouillon is an impressive medieval castle that traces its origins back to the 8th century. The castle was once owned by Godfrey of Bouillon, an important figure during the Crusades. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and architecture of the time. Bastion de burgundy, a strategic part of the castle, strengthens its defensive capabilities and was built in 1680. This bastion, with its robust walls and views of the surrounding forests, offers visitors a magnificent panorama. Together, Château de Bouillon and Bastion de bourgogne are a symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. We walk across the bridge and immediately turn left. There you can see the spot where we will enter the water. The route we paddle on the Semois is 15.4 km.

Exploring the Semois Valley

Before heading up the river, we get out our packraft gear. Using the air bag, you’ll quickly inflate your packraft. Make sure the paddle is snug and put on your life jacket. If you go packrafting in a cold season, be sure to wear a dry suit. The water is cold and hypothermia happens quickly. Don’t forget to put your most important things in a waterproof pouch. Is everything back in the backpack that should be in it? Then you can now attach it to the front of the packraft. Be sure to check afterwards to make sure everything is secure. Here we go! Shortly after we left, we encounter the first rocks in the water. From 3.48 km you can see on the right side the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Clairefontaine. This abbey was founded in 1845. Cistercian nuns still live there, living according to the Rule of Benedict.

A kilometer further on, you sail under a beautiful suspension bridge. You will walk over this later. Just after that you have a sloping mini-dam. Keep to the right before the dam, then sail straight to the dam and continue along the left side. Between 6 and 7 km there are rocks in the water again, so do stay alert. As we paddle on, we watch the river make its way through the mysterious hills and green landscape. We are surrounded by the tranquility of nature. In this nature you can also find the famous “ladder walk. Other names are: walk 43 or Les Échelles de Rochehaut. The inhabitants of Rochehaut used ladders to hide among the rocks during World War II. We sail from mile 12 to 13 along this historic escape route. Shortly thereafter, we see a large campground on the right, we are almost there. Keep right on the Semois, paddle under the bridge and immediately after the bridge is our disembarkation point.

Step by step: a journey through the National Park

We arrived in Poupehan. You can picnic here or pack up right away and go picnic at a place with a nice view along the way. That choice is entirely up to you. Enjoy the beautiful nature and panoramic views (Point de vue de Clerneau – around 20 km). After the descent, we come to the suspension bridge we saw earlier: La passerelle du Moulin de l’Épine. This magnificent 55-meter pedestrian bridge, inaugurated in 2020, is one of the longest in Wallonia. The suspension bridge spans the Semois allowing us to reach the other side of the bank and continue our walk. Through untouched nature we walk back towards Bouillon. At 22.9 km (no. 78) you have a watchtower: Belvédère de Bouillon. This tower is no less than 31 m high. Do you still have enough Energy to clamber up eight floors and 161 steps? Yes? Then you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Bouillon! From here we make our final 1.4 km through the forest back toward the parking lot.

Start your Semois adventure: rent your packraft now!

After a day paddling on the Semois River and a delightful hike through the Semois Valley National Park, it’s clear that this area puts you in touch with nature in a unique way. Are you ready for your own adventure? Then rent your complete packraft equipment from Rent a Packraft today. They have everything you need to fully enjoy your time on the water. Get ready to experience the beauty of the Semois River for yourself!