Routes, river scenery and art give you several different ways to plan a day in Tournavaux. The cycling route and walking trail differ in length and time required; the Semoy flows through a rocky gorge as well as a broad floodplain. The Totem de la Semoy adds a cultural touch. This lets you tailor your choice to your preferred activity, interest in the landscape and appreciation of art.
Cycling through Tournavaux
The Voie touristique Trans-Semoysienne runs from Monthermé to Les Hautes-Rivières through Tournavaux. It is designated as an easy, 18.8-kilometre greenway cycling route, taking two hours. Parts of the route follow a former railway line, and it is three metres wide. These details give you a clear idea of both the time required and specific features of the route.
Along the Trans-Semoysienne, 18 information boards describe the municipalities and their cultural and natural heritage. If you are interested in local history and nature as well as cycling, they offer an additional point of interest. The route is therefore defined not only by its length and duration: the municipalities and their heritage are also part of its story.
Gorge, rocks and floodplain
Roche aux Corpias, also known as Roche aux corbeaux, overlooks the Phade Gorge. In the gorge, the Semoy rushes between quartzite boulders; Roche aux Corpias also offers a viewpoint over the Semoy Valley. The viewpoint draws your gaze across the valley, while the description of the gorge highlights the river flowing between the boulders.
Climbing is possible at Roche aux Corpias, and the site is accessible. If you plan to climb there, check local conditions beforehand. Between Tournavaux and Haulmé, the Semoy opens out into a large floodplain. It is the largest plain in the Semoy Valley. The gorge with its quartzite boulders and the open floodplain represent different landscape forms along the Semoy.
Walking trail and artwork
The La plaine de Tournavaux walking trail is four kilometres long, takes about one hour and 30 minutes, and is rated easy. White and red, as well as yellow, markings guide the way. You can compare its duration with that of the two-hour cycling route: according to the stated times, the walk takes about half an hour less. This gives you a concrete comparison of the time needed for two different activities.
The Totem de la Semoy consists of seven metal totems. It is a work by artist Jean MOMRETTE and landscape designer Marc SOUCAT. For travellers interested in art and landscape design, the installation offers a distinct cultural point of interest alongside Tournavaux's nature and route-related attractions.
Note for paddlers
At the landing stage by the Tournavaux bridge, you must get out because there is a weir 300 metres downstream. Check the current river signage before paddling.
Discover more destinations: Canton of Signy-L'abbaye, Semuy, Saint-Laurent, Harricourt, Les Hautes Rivières, Bourg-Fidèle, Remilly-Aillicourt, Lançon.
See the overview of the wider area: Ardennes.
