To the south of Belgium, in the region of Wallonia, the Meuse River is located, which runs through forests and hills of the Ardennes, following its course, you will find one of the most beautiful localities of the country called Dinant, which is known as the Daughter of the Meuse.
This is a small city of about 15.000 inhabitants that can be traveled on foot and offers countless places of tourist interest. Dinant looks like a postcard and its architecture and landscapes are unbeatable. It is located an hour and a quarter away by train from Brussels.
Among the most iconic places in this beautiful city is the Collegiate Church of Our Lady, which has a very special dome shaped like a bulb and a monumental stained glass window in blue tones that is one of the highest in Europe.
The Citadel is a fortress that is reached after climbing 408 steps, but you can also reach it by the cable car located in the center of the city and from where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Meuse.
Also Charles De Gaulle Bridge, which connects the two shores, it is a very unique place as it is decorated with colorful saxophones decorated by different countries as well, and it is a tribute to Adolphe Sax’s hometown, inventor of the saxophone.
You can visit Monsieur Sax’s Maison, Adolphe Sax’s birthplace, where you will learn about the history of the saxophone from its origin to the saxophone we know today. During the summer Jazz Nights festival is celebrated, which makes Dinant a meeting point for music lovers in Europe.
Our Lady of Leffe Abbey, is another pride of the city, which gives rise to the most famous beer in Belgium and can be tasted in the most famous breweries of the place that are La Caracole and Le Bocq. You can also visit some of the nearby castles such as Celles Vêves Castle, Lavaux Sainte Anne Castle and Freÿr Castle.
If you love nature, Furfooz Natural Park and Natural Reserve, is a protected area where the flora and fauna of the region are preserved, where you can take a 4-kilometer tour through nature, visit the archaeological park and discover the fort and the Roman baths, besides admiring the caves and caverns inhabited thousands of years ago.
Another place to be in contact with nature is Grotte La Merveilleuse, which are impressive caves where you can see countless stalactites and very impressive waterfalls. But if you prefer a different ride, an excellent place, is Dinant Aventure, with a shallow river ideal for kayaking and allowing picnic and barbecues in some places.
If you have doubts about the areas to visit, Maison du Tourisme offers all the information you need and will explain in detail how to get to places of interest, their schedules and help you plan your trip in the best way.
ALFA