Valleys of the Meuse and the Semoy
Over millions of years, the Meuse and Semoy have carved out and shaped the Ardennes Hills. It is their work that has given rise to these fabulous landscapes which in turn have given birth to many legends.
The Meuse Valley
For more information
Office de Tourisme Meuse et Semoy (Tourist Office Meuse & Semoy)
Place Jean-Baptiste Clement
08800 Monthermé
Tel: 03 24 54 46 73- Fax: 03 24 54 87 88
http://meuse-semoy-tourisme.com/
Val d'Ardenne Tourisme
Place du Château
08320 Vireux-Wallerand
Tel: 0810 810 975 - Fax: 03 24 42 92 41
www.valdardennetourisme.com
Between Charleville and Givet, the Meuse crosses the Ardennes Hill for nearly 90 km in a steep valley with many a many meander, testimony to the power of erosion.
It highlights some fantastic scenery which is accessible by car or on foot, a beautiful day out. These landscapes are a perfect setting for hiking and mountain biking. Since 2008, the Transardennes greenway has been set up to enable visitors to discover (over 83 km) the course of the river.
The Semoy Valley
The Semoy is the main tributary of the Meuse in the Ardennes: it rises in Arlon in Belgium and joins the Meuse at Monthermé. Its extraordinarily sinuous route cuts through the forest plateau and opens up a number of viewpoints (Margot Rock at Les Hautes-Rivières; Le Liry at Haulmé).
The river is the ideal setting for outdoor leisure activities, in particular canoeing and kayaking, while the rocks that stand high over it (Roc la Tour, Roche aux Corpias) are the perfect introduction to climbing.