A new car park is available at the starting point
🧭 Full details of this walk: here you’ll find a detailed description, advice based on site reconnaissance, points of interest, the IGN map and any updates to the route.
From the Himalayan Footbridge to the Rocher du Chat
This 12.5 km circular route starting from Sainte-Cécile takes you to explore the new Himalayan-style footbridge overlooking the Semois, before heading into the magnificent forests of the Épioux estate.
Three superb viewpoints line the route: the Castelain, the Vanne des Moines and the spectacular Rocher du Chat.
The return journey follows a lovely moss-covered path before passing under the footbridge and then crossing it a second time. A very varied walk that alternates between forests, panoramic views, rocky outcrops and the river.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 7.91 mi -
Average duration: 4h 55 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,483 ft -
Descent: - 1,493 ft -
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Highest point: 1,427 ft -
Lowest point: 919 ft
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Country:
Belgium
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Area: Massif des Ardennes -
City:
Florenville -
Start/End: N 49.738513° / E 5.244278° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,198 ft - Car park
- 1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 1,168 ft - Barrier
- 2 : mi 0.88 - alt. 1,007 ft - Le Castelain
- 3 : mi 1.7 - alt. 1,053 ft - Footbridge - Semoy (rivière)
- 4 : mi 2.92 - alt. 965 ft - Viewpoint at La Vanne des Moines
- 5 : mi 3.73 - alt. 1,234 ft - Roche du Chat
- 6 : mi 4.6 - alt. 1,332 ft - Meussin-East Wood
- 7 : mi 5.61 - alt. 1,175 ft - Fork in the road
- 8 : mi 6.06 - alt. 974 ft - Semoy (rivière)
- S/E : mi 7.91 - alt. 1,204 ft - Car park
Notes
Reviews and comments
5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
5 / 5
Blue Bear
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Sep 18, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A really lovely walk. Varied and enjoyable. Partly along the River Semois, partly through the woods. The elevation gain is quite significant, with several lovely descents – and consequently some steep climbs – but it remains physically manageable for someone in good shape. There are some stunning views of the Semois at various points.
You might spot some Corsican mouflons (I was lucky enough to see a herd of six), as well as the local flora and fauna.
Thank you for sharing.
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Other walks in the area
Himalayan footbridge and Rocher du Chat in Sainte-Cécile
Visorando Member
4.88 mi
+928 ft
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
Discover one of the region’s must-do walks, starting from the charming village of Sainte-Cécile!
Ideal for visitors and lovers of stunning panoramic views, this superb circular route starts at the beginning of Rue de la Belle Hôtesse. Right from the start, you’ll cross the famous Sainte-Cécile Himalayan footbridge. Suspended above the Semois, it offers a unique experience at a height of 30 metres.
The trail then winds its way into the magnificent Gaume forest for a lively yet accessible circular route. You’ll climb up to the famous Rocher du Chat, a spectacular rocky viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the valley. After taking in the stunning scenery, the return journey is a leisurely stroll through the woods, before crossing the footbridge once more to return to the village.
An unmissable, fun and photogenic walk for visitors!
The Himalayan-style footbridge over the Semois
11.59 mi
+1,243 ft
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Let’s set off to discover the treasures and natural beauty of the Semois in its entirely wooded stretch between Sainte-Cécile and Herbeumont. As well as views of various meanders and the medieval castle of Herbeumont from the heights, the walk follows the river upstream for several kilometres before reaching the Himalayan-style footbridge, which was opened in early summer 2026. Although the route follows the left bank exclusively, crossing the Semois back and forth at height on the footbridge is an experience not to be missed (except for those prone to vertigo).
Walk through the Sainte-Cécile forest, between the rocks and the Semois
4.90 mi
+686 ft
-682 ft
2h 50
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
Discover the rocky outcrops of the Rocher du Saltire, and perhaps its heather depending on the season, as well as the view over the Semois from Le Castelain.
A short stretch of the Semois via the GR®16
4.91 mi
+371 ft
-367 ft
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
Starting from Azy, a hamlet in the municipality of Florenville, discover the Semois, the Dolmen d'Azy and the Point de Vue de Bohahan.
The Roche du Chat viewpoint and the Vanne des Moines
5.85 mi
+781 ft
-791 ft
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
From the Roche du Chat viewpoint via the Vanne des Moines, a short forest trail starting from Les Epioux.
A walk through the woods of the Semois, a leisurely stroll.
14.54 mi
+1,880 ft
-1,860 ft
8h 20
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
Hike in the Épioux region, above Chassepierre, between Chassepierre and Herbeumont. The route follows the Semois for much of the way, through sun-dappled forests, peaceful riverbanks and secluded footpaths. With its significant elevation gain, the route alternates between steep climbs and gentler sections, offering beautiful views of the valley. You’ll also come across a few unusual sculptures along the way, which add an artistic touch to this immersion in nature.
Between the Semois, streams and forest via the circular route of the Épioux
13.45 mi
+1,683 ft
-1,686 ft
7h 40
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Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
A complete and accessible hike in the heart of Les Épioux. From the car park, you descend towards the Semois to follow the river along an almost flat section. The route then alternates between quiet roads, forest paths and beautiful climbs, notably towards the Château des Épioux and the wooded heights.
You descend towards the Semois through the trees, following increasingly mossy streams, before reaching the Vanne des Moines and climbing towards the Roche du Chat.
In the forest between Herbeumont and Chiny, starting from Les Épioux
12.80 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,375 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
Explore the forest to discover the Roche Perette and then the Rocher du Chat viewpoint, follow the Semois twice and finish at the château and the Épioux pond.
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