Sainte-Cécile Himalayan footbridge
activity in Sainte-Cécile
A 185-metre suspension bridge about 30 metres above the Semois. Free, open all year, with a 6 km forest walk. 50 minutes from ArdenNest.
The Passerelle himalayenne at Sainte-Cécile is a pedestrian suspension bridge 185 metres long and one metre wide, about 30 metres above the river Semois. It links the Sainte-Cécile forest with the Domaine des Épioux, in the Parc national de la Vallée de la Semois. The bridge is free, open all year and was inaugurated on 20 June 2026.
What to expect
Between two concrete pillars you step onto a steel grating and walk over the treetops to the other side. The bridge sways with everyone who crosses it. Halfway, you look straight down at the Semois. On the far side you go down to the riverbank, where there is a quiet picnic spot among the oaks.
Practical information
- Parking: large, free car park on Rue d'Herbeumont, 6820 Sainte-Cécile (GPS 49.7385, 5.2442). Fills up quickly on sunny weekends.
- Walk: green loop of about 6 km (two hours), yellow loop of 9 km. Take a photo of the map at the start; the waymarking isn't clear everywhere.
- Access: free, no booking needed. Closed in storms, strong wind, frost or ice.
- Dogs: on a lead. Cyclists: dismount on the bridge.
- Pushchairs and wheelchairs: not suitable, the forest paths have slopes and stones. A baby carrier is fine.
- Official loops: on the Parc national de la Vallée de la Semois website.
Getting there from ArdenNest
50 kilometres, about 50 minutes. The easiest way: the N95 through Bièvre to Bouillon, the N89 towards Florenville and the N83 to Sainte-Cécile. Then the Rue d'Herbeumont to the car park. Put the car park into your satnav, not the bridge: the bridge itself can only be reached on foot. Open the route in Google Maps.
Bouillon Castle is on the way. And after the walk: the café-restaurant La Forgerie on the village square of Sainte-Cécile, two minutes further, with a terrace under the trees.
Rocher du Chat and the Domaine des Épioux
On the far side lies the Domaine des Épioux, a large forest estate within the national park. This is also where you'll find the Rocher du Chat, a rocky outcrop with views over the Semois. After the bridge, follow the yellow rectangle no. 16: from the car park the loop is almost 8 km with about 280 m of climbing, around three hours' walking (route on Visorando).
About the bridge
The bridge was designed by the engineering firm Ney & Partners. It cost around 1.4 million euros, largely funded by Tourisme Wallonie, and was inaugurated on 20 June 2026. The deck is a one-metre-wide steel grating strung between two concrete pillars on the slopes. On the Sainte-Cécile side it joins the GR 16, on the Épioux side the GR 129.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Sainte-Cécile footbridge cost?
Nothing. The bridge and the car park are free, and you don't need to book.
How far is the bridge from the car park?
About a kilometre and a half, along a flat forest track. A sign reading "Passerelle himalayenne piétons" shows the way.
Is the bridge suitable for children?
Yes, for children who can walk. Hold their hand on the bridge. With a buggy or pushchair we advise against the walk.
Does the suspension bridge move?
Yes. It is a suspension bridge: it sways slightly when people walk on it. If you're afraid of heights, take a look from the pillars first.
Can you reach the footbridge in a wheelchair?
No. The forest paths to the bridge have slopes, roots and stones, and the bridge itself can only be reached on foot.
Where is the Rocher du Chat?
On the far side of the bridge, in the Domaine des Épioux. From the car park, the loop across the bridge and past the Rocher du Chat is almost 8 kilometres.
How far is Sainte-Cécile from ArdenNest?
50 kilometres, about 50 minutes' drive via Bouillon.
From ArdenNest
We walked the loop ourselves on 4 October 2026. Our full story, with photos, the picnic spot and a drink afterwards, is in our journal: walk to the Sainte-Cécile suspension bridge.
— Recommended by Bieke & Christophe, your hosts at ArdenNest
Practical info
from the house
50 min
Address
Rue d'Herbeumont, 6820 Sainte-Cécile (Florenville)
Opening hours
Always open, free. Closed in storms, strong wind, frost or ice.
Highlights
The Himalayan footbridge at Sainte-Cécile is 185 m long and hangs about 30 m above the Semois. We walked the 6 km loop: parking, route, picnic spot and tips.
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