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4FNPJT#PUBTTBSU 4FOTFOSVUI-BGPSÐU.PV[BJWF/PJSFGPOUBJOFA Drive Along the Semois f
The River Semois flows westwards across
the southern parts of the Belgian provinces
of Luxembourg and Namur into France,
where it joins the River Meuse. Along much
of its course, the river cuts an exaggeratedly
serpentine path through a dramatic land-
scape of steep and forested hills. The roads
that wind through these valleys have plenty
of stop-off points from which to admire the
breathtaking scenery and panoramic views.228 BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG REGION BY REGION
Jambon de la Semois 1
Signposted from the road, a high viewpoint
offers the first glimpse of the river below.Membre (^2)
This small resort village
is also a gateway to
the Parc Naturel de
Bohan-Membre.
Vresse-sur-Semois (^3)
Located close by the
river, this attractive
village is the main
visitors’ centre for the
Namur sector of the
Semois valley.
Rochehaut 4
As its name suggests,
Rochehaut (High Rock)
provides a fine vantage
point. Nestling below, in
a curve of the river, is the
pretty hamlet of Frahan.
Poupehan 5
Marked paths lead up to various spectacular
viewpoints, such as the Chaire à Prêcher
(Pulpit), where, in medieval times, Peter
the Hermit is believed to have called the
populace to participate in the First Crusade.
Corbion 6
Like many of the villages,
Corbion retains the quiet
charm of its agricultural past.
The buildings are universally
roofed in locally-mined slate.
Bouillon 7
The largest town at the heart of
the valley is dominated by a
medieval fortress (see pp232–3).
Tombeau du Géant 8
A detour through upland
pasture and woodlands leads
to a famous viewpoint, just
past Botassart. Below, the
river sweeps around a
forested hillock known as the
Giant’s Tomb (see pp174–5).
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp271–3 and pp297–9