Himalayan footbridge and Rocher du Chat in Sainte-Cécile

Car park and access information: the official car park is currently under construction on Rue d’Herbeumont. The start and finish points of the route will be slightly altered once it opens. For the time being, please park on the street, whilst respecting the neighbourhood and the Highway Code. Crossing the footbridge is completely free of charge.

(S/E) Follow the road to the entrance to the forest, then continue straight on along the stone path to the footbridge.

(1) Cross the 185-metre-long suspension bridge, which hangs 30 metres above the River Semois. On the other side, turn right and climb to the top of the path.

(2) Start of the Rocher du Chat circular path. Turn right, then immediately left, following the Yellow Rectangle sign No. 16. Continue along this forest path until you reach the road.

(3) Turn left onto the road, taking care to watch out for vehicles.

(4) Leave the road at the junction by turning left to re-enter the woods. Continue to follow the signposts, keeping to the left, then carry on straight ahead towards the signs indicating the viewpoint.

(5) At the sign, turn right to reach the Rocher du Chat. Caution: the rocks can be slippery in wet weather.

(6) Retrace your steps.

(5) Join the main path on the right and follow it for about 300 metres.

(7) Take the hairpin bend to the left. Follow the path, which remains flat, to the junction you passed on the way out.

(2) From there, turn right to reach the footbridge and retrace the route you took at the start of the walk in the opposite direction to return to the starting point (S/E).

Regulations and safety on the footbridge: crossing is free of charge but subject to strict rules:

• Weather: crossing is prohibited in bad weather (strong winds, heavy rain, black ice, snow, etc.) as the deck can become very slippery and dangerous.

• Fear of heights: the footbridge consists of steel grating, which creates a striking sensation of vertigo, and it tends to sway when several people are on it at once. Best avoided if you suffer from vertigo.

• Dogs: strongly discouraged, as the mesh in the floor grating is not suitable for their paws (risk of injury).

• Mountain bikes: permitted only when riding dismounted.

Hunting season: a large part of the route passes through the forest. In autumn and winter, it is essential to check the dates when the woods are closed before setting off by consulting the official ChasseOnWeb website .

Notes / alternatives

It is possible to extend the route by several kilometres: at , by continuing straight on to descend along the Semois (always following the Yellow Rectangle No. 16 markings), you will also reach the (1).

• Along the route:

  • The Sainte-Cécile Himalayan Footbridge: a spectacular suspension bridge over the Semois.

  • The Rocher du Chat: a magnificent schist outcrop rising to an altitude of 420 metres, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view from a height of nearly 140 metres over the meandering Semois.

  In the immediate vicinity:

  • The village of Chassepierre: listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, famous for its picturesque charm by the river and its street arts festival in August.

  • Florenville: ideal for a break, with its many terraces and restaurants. Don’t miss the belvedere at Florenville Church (open in summer), which offers an incredible 360° panorama from the top of the tower, 50 metres high (232 steps to climb!).

  • La Roche à l’Appel in Muno: a remarkable geological site and an impressive nature reserve in the heart of the forest.

  • Herbeumont

    • The ruins of Herbeumont Castle (be sure to take the superb Promenade des Crêtes walk).

    • The Libaipire viewpoint, which offers a unique panoramic view of the castle.

  • The village of Matton-et-Clémency (France): Situated just across the border, a beautiful village full of character that’s well worth a visit for its well-preserved heritage. Don’t miss its Arboretum and its magnificent traditional wooden waterwheel, which feeds the pond.