Vresse in the Valley of Semois – The old tobacco villages of Semois

An uncomplicated, well-marked hike that mostly follows the course of the Semois and offers plenty of nature and ancient cultural landscapes. Starting from the painter's village of Vresse, the path leads over the old stone bridge "Pont St. Lambert" (18th century). Following the course of the Semois, it goes through the forest and over open fields to the viewpoint Naglémont at 340 m, the highest point of the tour. The view from up here extends far over the valley of the Semois, with the two villages of Alle and Mouzaive in the foreground and vast forests in the background. The region is characterized by tobacco cultivation. On the following, gently ascending paths, one repeatedly encounters traces of agricultural history, old tobacco drying sheds, and "tobacco villages" like Mouzaive or Laforêt. In some places, it seems as if time has stood still. Just before Laforêt, it is worth taking a look at a so-called "Pont de claies," a primitive bridge made of woven willow branches that allows crossing the river during the summer months. A detour into the village of Laforêt is worthwhile just for the many old Ardennes houses and tobacco warehouses that still stand here. Laforêt is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.