Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the roadside parking by the Tombeau du Géant viewpoint at the end of Botassart, follow the red rectangles numbered 4. A stony track drops gently south-west, then a narrow path runs along the steep slope to two rock lookouts over the Semois, the Rocher des Gattes and Lyru. A lane between fields and a forest road bring you back up towards the viewpoint. From there follow the number 5: a steep path goes down through the forest to the river and the old Moulin du Rivage, then the way turns upstream beside a brook and climbs back through the woods to the village chapel, just short of the start.
It is 5.7 km round with 257 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: forest tracks and paths, with a steep, stony descent to the river and a long climb back.
The descent to the mill is slippery when wet. The lookouts are on high rocks with long drops, so keep children close. The hunting season in Wallonia runs from October to the end of January: on hunt days forest paths here can be closed, so check ChasseOnWeb for your date and obey any red notice at the edge of the woods.
Park at the roadside spaces by the viewpoint. There is no railway station nearby.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- From the viewpoint at Botassart the Semois loops almost all the way round a steep wooded hill, the Tombeau du Géant (the giant's tomb)
- Local legend says a giant lies buried under the hill
- The walk joins two short loops of the Bouillon tourist office, waymarked with red rectangles numbered 4 and 5
- The Moulin du Rivage is an old mill by the river, with picnic tables
Getting there
Start: Tombeau du Géant viewpoint, Botassart. 49.82139, 5.04438
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Tombeau du Géant viewpoint: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.