The Semois for fishing, kayaking, transporting wood, doing laundry... and fishing for pearls!

The Semois is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful rivers in the Ardennes. Its winding path and picturesque surroundings have long inspired artists. Poets have sung about it, and painters have captured its beauty—locals and visitors alike.

However, the Semois can also be fierce, with floods and drownings reminding everyone of its raw power.

Economic Significance:
Historically, the river was vital for energy (via water mills), transportation of logs, fishing, and later for tourism: campsites, hotels, kayaking, and angling are all part of its legacy.

Fishing:
Fishing has been a major pastime for locals. The river once had a vast fish population, though this has declined due to various causes: poor bank management, drought, pollution, dams, and natural predators like herons, cormorants, and raccoons. The Department of Nature and Forests (DNF) now restocks the river with hatchery-bred fish.

Lost Traditions:
In the past, people crossed the river using fords or boats operated by a ferryman. Washing clothes in the river was also common. Women would scrub laundry on stones or planks. Eventually, public washhouses (lavoirs) were built—some of which still exist.

Folk Tales:
The river has inspired many legends, including that of Nignan, the last pearl fisherman. The story sounds fantastical, but it’s rooted in truth—the Semois was once home to the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), with millions found in the mid-20th century. Some claim that during WWII, the mussels were collected with shovels and fed to pigs. Conservation programs are now working to restore the species’ habitat.