FABULOUS VIEWS IN THE ARDENNES
Escape to the ridges of Frahan.
Shadow the meanders of the Semois in this magnificent route.
Luxembourg Province: 11km/4 hours Start-Finish: Parking at Corbion Town Hall (in front of ‘Le Relais’ pub/restaurant)
THIS HIGHLY VARIED walk takes you first to the Preacher’s Pulpit, a steep overhang above the Semois river and the ruins of Montragut Castle. The remains are sparse, but the views are impressive. The route takes in other great viewpoints before arriving at Frahan, lying at the extremity of a classic Semois meander. On the opposite bank you’ll discover the charming former tobacco-making village of Poupehan. Then you cross the Semois again to begin a final climb to Corbion, renowned for its culture as well as tobacco manufacturing.
ROUTE/POINTS OF INTEREST
From the car park (S) the walk runs first to the left, then right into Rue Paul Verlaine. It continues straight ahead to the Rue Croix de Poupehan, as far as a wooden cross and a rest area. Next it turns left (wooden panel ‘Chaire à Prêcher’) (1). Then a small path (No 1) goes down to the left between two boulders. Just after the boulders it turns sharply left and returns to the parallel main road, with corresponding signage. Descend on this broad forest track as far as the crossing with the N893. Cross the road and keep going as far as the junction. Turn left at the junction and follow the signs or the wood panel (Crêtes de Frahan). The forest road runs parallel to a stream. At the next turn, continue straight ahead. Upon reaching the next fork, keep going straight alongside the stream – don’t cross the bridge and ignore the wooden panel (Crêtes de Frahan) that indicates a right turn. The two roads lead to the same point, but the one running by the river is by far the prettier of the two. Follow it in the direction of the Semois as far as a small path (white and red GR signage) which climbs to the right. The path bypasses the mountain to rejoin the main road. At a crossing between two massive rocks, the path climbs steeply again ( look out for sign No 1). After about 10 minutes you arrive at the highest point, Montragut Castle (2). The path continues to the crest (3) crossing rocks and woods. Just before Frahan, it drops in a series of loops as far as the village. Keep left, pass the church and turn right onto the main road where you will descend as far as the river. Cross the bridge then leave the red rectangle (No 1) and turn right on the path by the Semois towards Poupehan. From here, the signage is unreliable, but stay on the main path and keep straight ahead to arrive at Poupehan (4). Follow the main road to the right and cross the Semois. Cross the bridge, turn left past the Notre Dame de l’Ourthe cave. At the first crossing, turn right back to Corbion.