The Lesse and Semois Cycle Route is a relaxed 178 km round trip through both the French and Belgian Ardennes. The route leads along the limestone hills of the Lesse via the meandering Semois and through the narrow valley of the Meuse. With beautiful panoramas, wooded slopes and historical sites along the way. The round trip can be conveniently split into 5 stages, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing, hiking and “pauses gourmandes. Strap in for this cross-border tour.
Stage 1: Givet - Daverdisse (40 km), through the valley of the Lesse.
Climb to the citadel
We start our adventure in Givet, France, but feel free to kick off your journey anywhere along this loop! Nestled along the Meuse River, Givet boasts the impressive Fort de Charlemont, a citadel built in 1555 by Charles V, strategically positioned with the river as its natural shield. Today, this historic stronghold attracts tourists instead of soldiers, and the hike up is a fantastic warm-up for your calves! Explore its fascinating 800-meter corridor, 3 kilometers of trenches, and an abandoned village with 48 buildings. Plan for about 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the tour!
Limestone plateaus, forests and ridges
From Givet, the route smoothly traces the Lesse River to the Belgian pilgrimage town of Beauraing and the narrow limestone Plateau de Calestienne. As you head toward Daverdisse, enjoy a scenic bike path along the Almache River. The journey requires a bit more effort as you climb through the woods to the ridges, but a delightful descent awaits into the Semois valley, where the shimmering river reveals itself.
Along the Lesse
Via Wellin and Neupont, the route takes the valley of the Lesse to Daverdisse, the end point of this first stage and a pleasant village to park your bike. Those who want to stretch their legs for a change will find plenty of hiking opportunities here.But you can also satisfy your hunger with local delicacies in the Moulin de Daverdisse hotel surrounded by green forests.
Stage 2: Daverdisse - Vresse-sur-Semois (40 km), the valley of the Lesse
Scenic and picturesque
From Daverdisse you continue your route through the valley of the Lesse to the lively painter's village of Vresse-sur-Semois. Merely by looking around you will understand why this place was a popular destination for landscape painters.
Stage 3: Vresse-sur-Semois - Monthermé (30 km), winding through the valley of the Semois
Panoramic picnic
The third stage marks the transition from the Belgian to the French Ardennes. The bike path (the 'Transsemoysienne') follows the Semois river to Monthermé, where the river meets the Meuse. Wherever you look you see wooded hills and rocky slopes.
Experience the dynamic beauty of the river as its twists and turns reveal breathtaking views. Don't miss the iconic Point du Vue du Jambon, nestled between Membre and Bohan - a spot that playfully nods to the renowned Ardennes ham. So why not lean your bike against a tree, unpack a picnic, and soak in the stunning sight of the impressive 2 km bend in the Semois River?
Via the legendary Roc la Tour
As you navigate the winding curves, the river sweeps you into France, revealing breathtaking landscapes of towering slopes and tranquil scenery.
Watch the video with an impression of the route:
Stage 4: Monthermé - Fumay (31 km), land of legends
The narrow valley of the Meuse
From Monthermé, the route takes a turn into the narrow and steep valley of the Meuse, which here winds its way between densely wooded slopes.
The valley reaches a depth of up to 300 meters, exuding an enigmatic atmosphere with its shadowy trees and areas of fog in the early morning.
As a result, the area is rich in legends, one of which is that of the Dames des Meuses - three massive rocky hills surrounded by dense, dark forests through which the river flows. According to the tale, these three rocks represent the sisters Berthe, Hodierne, and Ige, who were unfaithful to their husbands while the men were away on a crusade with Godfrey of Bouillon in 1050.
As punishment, they were put to stone by God!
Stretch your legs and pedal up the mountain!
As a carefree cyclist, you can enjoy the ride to Revin, an old industrial town rich in mining and literary history. For a scenic hike, ascend the 450-meter Malgré-Tout mountain, where George Sand set her novel “Malgrétout”. Don’t forget to pack the book in your pannier!
Aerial flight over the Meuse
End point of this fourth stage is the town of Fumay with its cozy marina, which used to be used for the supply of slate from the mines. Today it is mostly pleasure boats that moor in front of the cozy waterfront terraces.
Are the kids along on cycling vacation too? Then this is the moment to reward their efforts with a visit to Terraltitude, whose top attraction is the giant zip line of 1.2 km on which you whizz across the Meuse at a speed of over 100 km/h.
Stage 5: Fumay - Givet (32 km), enjoy a little more
Whoever wants to get off the bike in Haybes can choose between the terrace or a walk through the woods
Woods or terraces?
From Fumay, the Meuse valley gradually widens and the route continues along the unspoiled banks of the Meuse to Haybes, also called Haybes-la-Rose or Haybe-la-Jolie. It just goes to show how charming this town is. If the pale pink slate roofs, the charming village square and the wooded surroundings don't already tempt you to take a break, the lovely terrace of the B&B Clos Joli will. You won't be the first cyclist to linger here longer than planned to enjoy the local menu and the view of the Meuse River. You well deserve it, right?
Explore the rich historical heritage
After a refreshing break, continue your journey to Vireux, home to the collegiate church of Vireux-Molhain, the oldest known structure in the area. Be sure to check out the archaeological sites of a former Roman camp located on the nearby slopes, as well as the medieval remnants of impressive fortifications. The church in Hierges is also worth a visit. After a few final kilometers of cycling, you'll pass through Ham-sur-Meuse, and soon the valley will expand, with the castle of Givet appearing in the distance, signaling the conclusion of this scenic route through the most beautiful rivers and valleys of the Ardennes.
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Practical Information:
- Total length: 178 km
- Duration: +/- 18 hours
- Start and finish: Givet
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
