Serenity on the Semois

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Of course! The Semois is a fascinating river, and here are a few random and surprising facts about it: * A river that takes its time: Although its source in Arlon and its confluence with the Meuse at Monthermé (in France) are only about 80 km apart as the crow flies, the Semois stretches for 210 km thanks to its countless meanders! * Geological curiosities: Pebbles found on terraces more than 100 meters above the current bed of the Semois show that a river once flowed there, suggesting significant geological changes over time. * Inverted water quality: Unlike most rivers where water quality tends to deteriorate downstream, the Semois's water quality has the unique characteristic of improving as it flows! Similarly, its mineral content decreases from upstream to downstream, which is the opposite of what is usually observed. * Surprising plants: Calcicolous plants (those that thrive in limestone) can be found along the Semois River in the Ardennes, which is surprising since the Ardennes is generally known for its acidic soils. * Different origins: The Semois does not rise on the Ardennes plateau like most rivers on the right bank of the Meuse. It begins its journey in Lorraine, a lower-lying region. * An atypical gradient: Usually, a river's gradient decreases downstream. The Semois, however, has steeper gradients downstream than upstream after more than 80 km of its course! * A tributary larger than the "true" river? At Tintigny, the Rulles, a tributary of the Semois, drains a larger catchment area than the Semois itself, which has led to the question of which of the two is the "true" Semois. * The Giant's Tomb: One of the most famous views of the Semois is the "Giant's Tomb" in Botassart, where the river makes an impressive meander, encircling a wooded hill that resembles a tomb. * A local duck: There is a breed of domestic duck, the Semois duck, which was developed in the Belgian Semois region. * The beaver is back: The European beaver is thriving along the Semois, and traces of its presence can often be seen (gnawed trees, slide trails, etc.). * The Wavy Bridges: In Vresse-sur-Semois, you can still see the last "Wood Bridge" in the region, a temporary wooden bridge that is installed every summer for pedestrians. * Literary influence: The Semois Valley inspired poets like Arthur Rimbaud, who came here to recharge. The Semois is truly a river full of surprises and contrasts, offering magnificent landscapes and remarkable biodiversity!