Sentier Lamirant et le point de l'Épine — boucle depuis Bouillon dans le parc national de la Vallée de la Semois

From Bouillon we follow the Semois downstream along a pleasant, flat hiking trail, with views of the monastery of Cordemois. We add a little climb to the viewpoints L'Epine, des Augustins and Pic de Diable, on the rocky ridge of the Tombeau du Géant. Thanks to the suspension bridge we get dry feet on the other side of the Semois. A tough zigzag climb and then a pleasant forest path lead us to the Belvédère. From the tower you have the most beautiful panorama of Bouillon. We descend steeply along the cote d'Auclin and cross the Semois. After the tunnel there is another climb to our accommodation.

The plan this year is to explore Belgium. We have never been there before and are starting with the Ardennes. Boullion is the first home base, there is a mighty fortress there. But our route mainly takes us around it. Along the Semois out of Bouillon, up to the observation tower, over to the suspension bridge at the l'Épine mill and back again. Beautiful path and landscape with wonderful views! We may visit the fortress next time. Goodbye 🖖🏼

Ascent to the belvedere, steep and descent on the Cordemois footbridge as well. 1 or 2 walking poles can help ;-)

Today we got up early because Bouillon near the French border was on the program and we had a few kilometers to drive. We wanted to use the morning rain to visit a museum there and have a coffee before we wanted to hike along the river with its viewpoints. That's the plan. Getting up early worked and we arrived in Bouillon. The place is known for its castle, the largest in Belgium. It belonged to the crusader Godfrey of Bouillon, who set out from there on his crusade. To finance this, he leased the castle. However, he never saw her again because he died in Jerusalem. We've already visited enough castles, so we excluded this one. First we looked for a café - and didn't find one or they were closed or they were chip shops. But after that we were not at 10 o'clock. So first to the museum. It's not big, but we thought it was interesting. Admission: 15€! You had to buy a pass for four attractions, even if you only wanted to see one. Non merci, we declined. It was raining harder now. We finally found an open door at the Maison du Tourisme, where we vented our frustration to the young woman and made suggestions for improving tourism. It was now 11 a.m., actually all the cafés should be open now, she explained to us. So back over the bridge and yes there was one open where we could sit outside under an umbrella. However, we had to buy the croissants ourselves in the bakery around the corner. At least the long-awaited coffee. Actually, I also wanted to rummage through a bookstore - but there weren't any. We had had enough of Bouillon for a long time, so the idea came up to drive to the nearest French town. Sedan was only 15km away! The rain let up, but the urge to move still had to be satisfied, so we started our hiking tour in the opposite direction to where we had planned to climb the lookout tower in the sun at the end. All was well with hunting signs warning of closures for the coming week. We shortened the tour by a river loop because we still wanted to go to Sedan in the afternoon. Arriving at the observation tower, we met several cars, barking dogs and a group of hunters drinking, from which an angry man broke away and asked us if we hadn't seen the signs. They would hunt and shoot now. We said no and explained that there were no barriers from our direction and that signs could be seen. After a short discussion, we were allowed to quickly climb the tower and we were then assigned a path on which we had to return to the valley immediately. Below from this side we saw a small sign and tape. But the other side was definitely not closed off and the lady in the tourist information didn't point this out to us either, although we were talking about hiking trails around the place. There still seems to be room for improvement in the information. The path was very nice and the panoramic view from the tower was worth it. So we were quite satisfied. Luckily the hunt hadn't just started yet. I would also not have liked to be chased, possibly in a line of fire, or attacked by the dogs... So happily back to the car and off to France. https://www.komoot.de/tour/958214959

Hike in the surroundings of Bouillon, first part easy on the side of the Semois, after the bridge, the climbing started when we entered the forest. Nice viewing points over there! Especially the one of the "Belvedère d'Auclin"

Nice tour! After a steep climb and a great view from the lookout tower, a leisurely walk along the banks of the Semois.

It is mainly climbing and descending. Suitable for the experienced hiker.

Pearls of the Semois - Bouillon Day 2/5. Dawn breaks into our hotel room. Up early, ready to rub our legs. From the buffet area, the 'Belvedere de Bouillon' shines on top of the crest of the ridge. The morning sun reflects invitingly off the eight-story watchtower. A hearty breakfast behind the teeth and ahead with the goat. Our search for 'Pearls on the Semois' starts in the shadow of the castle on the Esplanade of Godfrey. We salute the petrified Godfrey on his pedestal and leave the greatest 'Pearl of the Semois' behind us. The Cordemois bridge, which resembles a medieval bridge, ensures that we cross the peaceful Semois on dry feet. Along a narrow forest road that rises sharply up the hillside, with a gradient of more than 20% in certain areas, we finally reach the Belvedere. The burnt sugars are replenished before we climb the 161 steps. On the eighth floor, we are rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view. From a height of 410 meters we have a clear view of the next pearls to be discovered. Our search continues under the protection of mainly spruce trees. These coniferous trees have been part of the legends in the Ardennes forests for more than a hundred years. When the sun's rays cross the tops of the tall spruce trees, another world comes to life. The walk becomes a search for pearls in our own imagination. The peaceful deserted forest gets something magical, even mysterious, due to the exceptional orange light. A golden halo on a stone or on old moss-draped tree stumps takes on another dimension. In the falling sunlight you can even untangle Elves who come to life on their petrified benches. Squirrels don't have time to play tag, but collect their last fruits to get through the upcoming winter. Wonderful to wander around here, each in our own fantasy, descending to the meander of the Semois. The idyllic location, Moulin de Rivage, brings back fond memories for my wife. In the past, she and her friends have had memorable moments here. Casual and brash, timeless pearls have been created here in their spirits. There is a time of coming and going. With a lot of fantasy and imagination, where bathing women like middle-aged pearl divers braved the Semois at full moon, we retrace our steps. Lips closed, silently by my side, arm in arm… warm, on to the next highlight. The stored pearls in her memory will never fade or see the light of day. The famous Passerelle de l'Epine, 55 m long, takes us to the other side without any problems. Musing along the river bank, we enjoy the valley where the Notre-Dame de Clairefontaine Abbey has a strong presence and tries to keep everyone passing by on the right path. The chapel bell chimes, a call for midday prayer. Cistercian sisters hurry to their date with the Lord. Here we walk a thin line between the spiritual and legends. Rocher du Pendu gives us one last legendary highlight of the day. Overlooking the valley of the Semois, we relive in our minds the legend of this rock that began with a farmer from the nearby village of Corbion. After the farmer had sold his cattle at the market of Bouillon and had lingered longer than reasonably and had spent the money from this sale, he did not dare to face his wife's protests. Out of fear, he hanged himself from the top of the rock. With a legend that still lingers for a while, we return with a backpack full of 'Pearls of the Semois' to the largest 'Pearl of the Semois - Bouillon'. Tired but satisfied, we enjoy this Ardennes condiment in our hotel bed. In our next stage, we take a closer look at the city of Bouillon historically.