GR 16 Semois

The GR 16 is the long-distance trail along the Semois, from Arlon in Belgium to Monthermé in France, over 200 kilometres through the Ardennes valley. This route is the middle section, from Bouillon to Chassepierre, 65.3 kilometres in three stages.

The first day drops from the castle of Bouillon to the river and follows the Semois between woods and rock to Dohan, a village on one of the sharpest bends of the river. The second runs along the meanders to Herbeumont, with the castle ruin above the village and the river curling below it. The third is the longest and ends in Chassepierre: a village of painters, with the church above the river and houses set against the slope.

The landscape is forest, river and rocky slopes, with short but steady climbs and descents. The paths are good, but muddy after rain and slippery on the slate.

Practical. The route is waymarked with white and red stripes and the number 16. Bouillon is served by bus from Libramont, Chassepierre by bus from Florenville. Libramont and Florenville are on the railway; Bouillon and Chassepierre themselves have no station. The stages end in Dohan and Herbeumont, where there is an inn and a campsite. Spring and autumn are the best months; in summer the valley is green and cool, in autumn the mist hangs over the river.