Tournavaux: Cycling Route, Semoy Landscape and Art

When planning a stay in Tournavaux, two questions can help you get started: would you rather focus on cycling or a walk, and are you more interested in river scenery, rock formations or art? Each of these themes has specific points of interest: the Trans-Semoysienne, the La plaine de Tournavaux walking trail, the Roche aux Corpias and the Totem de la Semoy. The stated distances and durations make it easy to distinguish between the two trail options.

Comparing the Cycling Route and Walking Trail

The Voie touristique Trans-Semoysienne runs from Monthermé to Les Hautes-Rivières via Tournavaux. It is designated as an easy cycling route of the Voie verte type and is listed as taking two hours and covering 18.8 kilometres. Part of the route follows a former railway line, and it is three metres wide. This gives you a clear idea of the timeframe, distance and type of route when planning a bike ride.

The route brochure describes 18 information panels along the Trans-Semoysienne, providing information about the municipalities and their cultural and natural heritage.

The La plaine de Tournavaux walking trail is four kilometres long, takes about one hour and 30 minutes, and is classified as easy. It is marked in white and red and in yellow. The comparison of durations is straightforward: the cycling route is listed as taking two hours, while the walk takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Based on the stated times, the walk is around half an hour shorter; the two options also differ in how you get around.

Rock, River and Floodplain

The Roche aux Corpias, also known as Roche aux corbeaux, offers a viewpoint over the Semoy valley. It rises above the Phade gorge, where the Semoy rushes between quartzite blocks. Climbing is possible at the Roche aux Corpias; the site has been developed for visitors. Check local conditions before climbing.

Between Tournavaux and Haulmé, the Semoy opens out into a large floodplain. La plaine de Tournavaux is the largest plain in the Semoy valley. This places the rocky gorge scenery of the Roche aux Corpias alongside the open river landscape as distinct nature themes.

The Totem de la Semoy

The Totem de la Semoy consists of seven metal totems. It is a work by artist Jean MOMRETTE and landscape designer Marc SOUCAT. Alongside the trails and landscapes, this brings a specific work of art into focus, with both artistic roles represented in its authorship.

Note for Paddling Trips

At the landing stage by the Tournavaux bridge, you must get out because there is a weir 300 metres downstream. Check the current signs along the river before paddling.

Discover more destinations: Chatel-Chéhéry, Vireux-Wallerand, Brécy-Brières, Givet, Houdilcourt, Hannappes, Étrépigny, Moiry

For the wider travel overview: Ardennes.