Nestling between the Meuse and its impressive rocks, Dinant charms us from the moment we arrive with its almost unreal setting. It was here that Adolphe Sax was born, and the music still seems to float in the air. The town of just 12,000 inhabitants, spread over twelve villages, exudes friendliness. We stroll between citadels, castles and gardens, discovering mysterious caves, surprising museums and even a traditional brewery where everything is made over a wood fire. Here's a closer look at the Walloon city's must-sees.
1. Climb the citadel of Dinant
Climbing the 408 steps up to the citadel of Dinant is quite an adventure! Fortunately, the cable car takes us effortlessly to the top. Up there, we discover this impressive fortress, built in the 11th century and remodelled in the 19th, which watches over the Meuse valley. We stroll through its gardens, visit the weapons museum and the reconstructions, before immersing ourselves in the poignant tales of August 1914. Then came the magic moment: the view over Dinant and the river... Simply breathtaking! To extend the tour, we opted for a package that included a boat trip on the Meuse in addition to the cable car and the tour. We absolutely loved it!
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2. The majestic Notre-Dame collegiate church
Facing the Meuse, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame in Dinant impresses from the first glance. Its bulbous bell tower, planted at the foot of the cliffs, seems to defy time. Built in the 13th century on the ruins of a Romanesque church destroyed by a landslide, it has stood the test of time, surviving wars, fires and looting. Stepping inside, we are captivated by the light of the stained glass windows, including the famous Ladon stained glass window, one of the largest in Europe. Despite its modest dimensions, the space exudes a quiet majesty typical of Mosan Gothic art. Its slender columns, Romanesque bas-reliefs and eleventh-century baptismal font are reminders of the richness of a preserved past. And when viewed from above the citadel, the collegiate church stands out in all its splendour. A true emblem of Dinant!
3. Grotte la Merveilleuse, a spectacular visit
Discovered in 1904 on the left bank of the Meuse, the "La Merveilleuse" cave lives up to its name. The beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites is almost unreal. The great hall, all in white, reveals its limestone concretions in the form of waterfalls and draperies, a veritable spectacle of nature. In less than an hour, the visit plunges us into a magical, silent and luminous universe. After climbing the 120 steps back into daylight, you can extend your visit with a peaceful boat trip, the perfect complement to this underground escapade. A must-do!
4. Meet a Belgian genius in the house where Adolphe Sax was born
Strolling through the centre of Dinant, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, we came across the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Behind its discreet facade, this little house-museum plunges us into the fascinating world of this Belgian genius. The exhibition, which is both fun and interactive, lets us listen to different types of saxophone and their sounds, from jazz to classical, while revealing other little-known inventions and delightful anecdotes about his life. In front of the entrance, the statue of Adolphe Sax, seated on a bench, seems to welcome us with music. To continue, just look up at the Charles de Gaulle bridge , where two rows of colourful saxophones complete the tribute to the city's native.
5. The Maison de la Pataphonie, a musical escape in Dinant
As soon as we arrive in one of Dinant's oldest houses, we enter a world where everything becomes music. The Maison de la Pataphonie is a space for sound creation and another tribute to the man from the town. Here, the wild luthier Max Vandervorst has transformed everyday objects into astonishing instruments: cans, tubes, wood and plastic start to sing in his hands. We try out the aero-percutophone, discover the large sampler and remain fascinated by a strange instrument with no name, pierced by 54 holes. The experience is fun, creative and open to all (from five years upwards). You'll leave with your ears full of unusual sounds and the desire to turn your kitchen into a musical workshop. A must try!
6. The Maison du Patrimoine médiéval mosan, a dive into history
We then pushed open the door of the Maison du Patrimoine médiéval mosan (House of Mosan Medieval Heritage) and, it has to be said, it was immediately charming. Housed in the superb 16th-century "Spanish House" in Bouvignes near Dinant, it invites you to travel back in time. Between art objects, archaeological remains and interactive devices, we follow the course of the Meuse and rediscover the richness of its medieval history. Children and adults alike will be enthralled by the game, with its scale models and ancient tales. Every year, a temporary exhibition is added to the tour. You'll leave feeling like you've travelled through the centuries to the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful medieval cities.
7. The Wall of the Fusillés, a heavy history
As we walk through Dinant, we still feel the weight of its history. Here, in August 1914, 674 inhabitants were executed by German troops during the invasion. Near the old prison, along the wall of the Tschoffen estate, but also on the banks of the Meuse, whole families were mowed down. Faced with these places, silence is imposed, heavy with emotion. In 1927, a bronze plaque sculpted by Franz Huygelen was erected to honour their memory. Even today, we regularly attend moving commemorations, recalling this tragedy that the city has never forgotten.
8. What can you do in Dinant? See the Rocher Bayard, a spectacular rocky spire
Just a few minutes from the centre of Dinant, we're going to admire the Rocher Bayard, a majestic 35-metre rock needle, isolated from the rest of the cliff. It's hard not to be impressed by this natural formation sculpted by history. It is said to have been opened by the troops of Louis XIV to cross the Meuse - but legend prefers a more poetic version: the Bayard horse, with a powerful leap, split the rock in an attempt to escape from Charlemagne. Somewhere between reality and myth, this giant of stone retains a fascinating aura.
9. An excursion to Namur: what to do during your stay in Dinant
Half an hour from Dinant, we'll be taking a trip to Namur, a Walloon city nestling between the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Unique in Wallonia because of its position at the confluence of two waterways, the city has a rich historical and architectural heritage. Once a strategic stronghold of northern Europe, Namur still bears the traces of its past, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. Today, it's easy to explore on foot, with its charming little streets and charming riverbanks. We also follow the signs tracing the history of the First World War forts before sampling the local specialities: Wépion strawberries, Bister mustards, Biétrumés and Flawinne kisses. In the citadel, we also breathe in the delicate fragrances created at the Guy Delforge perfume workshop. Then it's time to think about taking our discovery of Belgium a step further, with a visit to the must-sees of Liège.
10. Discovering Belgian beer
What kind of beer? Blonde, dark or red, there's no escaping it in Belgium! At the bar or on the terrace, we raise our pints to a tradition that's as lively as it is tasty. Whether you prefer it light or full-bodied, bitter like an IPA or sweet and fruity, each sip reveals a centuries-old know-how. We discover abbey beers, brewed in the peace and quiet of monasteries, and characterful 'specials'. With nearly 500 varieties, each rooted in its own region, we'd probably need to make several trips to explore every nuance. But never mind: between two tastings, we learn to recognise the malts, the hops, the aromas... and to savour the Belgian art of good bubbles. Cheers!
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11. What to do in Dinant Enjoy Belgian gastronomy
Let's put an end once and for all to those who reduce Belgium to mayo fries and beer! Yes, we love crispy cones and craft beers, but local gastronomy goes far beyond that. Here, culinary traditions are rich, inventive and refined. Between Flanders and Wallonia, there's a real taste for the table, driven by passionate chefs and generous cuisine. From carbonnades flamandes to spéculoos, from moules-frites to Belgian chocolates, we loved every speciality we tasted.
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Where to stay in Dinant?
- The most peaceful
Nestling on the banks of the Lesse and on the edge of the forest, the Castel de Pont-à-Lesse is a hotel housed in the former castle of Pont-à-Lesse and offers a peaceful, leafy setting. You can also take advantage of its vast park classified Natura 2000 and enjoy gourmet cuisine accompanied by fine wines, after a moment of well-being in the indoor swimming pool. Are you tempted? Go here to book your stay!
- The most luxurious
Set in a former convent perched on the heights of Dinant, La Merveilleuse is a boutique hotel combining historic charm and contemporary elegance, bookable here. Its glass-roofed restaurant and "Les Bains de Dinant" spa add a touch of well-being and refinement to the experience.
- Family-friendly
Next door to La Garçonnière de Wiertz, A l'ombre de la croisette is a large manor house that can accommodate up to 14 people and offers modern comfort with four bedrooms, as many bathrooms and a whirlpool bath in the heart of Dinant.
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