Descents, flat sections, ridges, water and forest: a true distillation of the Ardennes (Gaume), varied and balanced, between river, undergrowth and open landscapes.
Between the Semois, streams and forest via the circular route of the Épioux
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.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 13.45 mi -
Average duration: 7h 40 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,683 ft -
Descent: - 1,686 ft -
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Highest point: 1,427 ft -
Lowest point: 915 ft
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Country:
Belgium
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Area: Massif des Ardennes -
City:
Florenville -
Start/End: N 49.755403° / E 5.281981° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,417 ft - Path
- 1 : mi 0.54 - alt. 1,191 ft - Les Mauleûs
- 2 : mi 1.08 - alt. 935 ft - Roche du Chat - Semoy (rivière)
- 3 : mi 2.52 - alt. 1,371 ft - Intersection
- 4 : mi 3.56 - alt. 1,237 ft - Etang des Epioux
- 5 : mi 6.22 - alt. 961 ft - Semoy (rivière)
- 6 : mi 7.52 - alt. 1,342 ft - Fourche
- 7 : mi 9.96 - alt. 935 ft - Semoy (rivière)
- S/E : mi 13.45 - alt. 1,417 ft - Path
Worth a visit
Other walks in the area
A walk through the woods of the Semois, a leisurely stroll.
Visorando Member
14.54 mi
+1,880 ft
-1,860 ft
8h 20
Difficult
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.
The Roche du Chat viewpoint and the Vanne des Moines
5.85 mi
+781 ft
-791 ft
3h 20
Moderate
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.
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.
Walk through the Sainte-Cécile forest, between the rocks and the Semois
4.90 mi
+686 ft
-682 ft
2h 50
Moderate
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.
From the Himalayan Footbridge to the Rocher du Chat
7.91 mi
+1,483 ft
-1,493 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
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.
Himalayan footbridge and Rocher du Chat in Sainte-Cécile
4.88 mi
+928 ft
-935 ft
3h 05
Moderate
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
-1,217 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Florenville (Province de Luxembourg)
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).
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