Footbridge above the river Semois inaugurated, Florenville (BE)

The new footbridge is a Himalayan suspension bridge. Thanks to its transparency and the numerous openings in both the steel grating deck and the mesh guardrails, it blends harmoniously into its spectacular natural surroundings. The bridge was inaugurated on Saturday, 20 June in the presence of Valérie Lescrenier, Wallonia’s Minister of Tourism, and has been in use since that day. The footbridge is 185.5 m long, with a passage width of 1 m and crossing the Semois around 36 m above. Its structure consists of four locked-coil cables supporting steel cradles, which in turn carry the steel grating deck that forms the walking surface.

The Semois river separates the hiking trails located in the Epioux nature reserve, and the left bank (on the Sainte-Cécile side) which is bordered by the GR16. The footbridge enhances the existing network of footpaths, thus multiplying the possibilities for walking and mountain biking. The footbridge also makes it possible to create loops, shortcuts and links between the various landscape and fishery sites (Epioux and Conques ponds, etc.) and heritage sights.

The new footbridge serves as a striking landmark in the Semois Valley, promoting hiking in the area and boosting local tourism. Ney & Partners is the architect and engineer of this bridge.

In collaboration with De Graeve, Tri-Monta, with support of Idelux. Commissioned by the city of Florenville. The project has been largely financed by the Walloon Region.

Copyright image: Ney & Partners