Nestled on the banks of the Meuse River in Wallonia, Belgium, Dinant is a charming town that punches above its weight in terms of sights and history. With its dramatic cliffs, quaint architecture, and cultural heritage, Dinant offers a delightful escape for travelers seeking a Belgian adventure beyond the usual tourist hotspots. I flew into Charleroi airport and took the train to Namur where I changed to arrive in Dinant. I used Trainline to buy my tickets and check my routes.

A Fairytale Setting

Dinant’s fairytale-like qualities are undeniable. The town itself is a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, all huddled beneath the watchful gaze of the imposing Citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, with its bulbous copper dome, adds a touch of grandeur to the scene. Head inside to see the impressive interior with its huge stained glass window.  Make sure you cross to the opposite side of the river for amazing pictures and a Dinant sign.

A Musical Legacy

Music lovers will be particularly drawn to Dinant. The town is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. His legacy is celebrated throughout Dinant, with saxophone statues adorning the streets and a museum dedicated to his life and work.

The museum is free and you won’t spend more than ten minutes there, but it’s a fun addition to the sightseeing!

Views From the Citadel

Dinant is compact and easily explored on foot. Start your day with a visit to the Citadel, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding valley. Test your fitness by taking the stairs up to the castle! The museum at the top is free and pretty interesting. There’s a small cafe and toilets in the courtyard too.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Meuse River, or perhaps enjoy a boat cruise. Foodies can indulge in Dinant’s culinary specialties, such as “couque de Dinant,” a heart-shaped gingerbread cookie. Head over to the Leffe monastery, in July and August you can take a tour every Sunday at 3pm. Outside of that you can call to arrange.

In the evening I sat by the river basking in glorious sunshine and drinking a local beer, Croisette de Dinant. I was so relaxed watching the boats go up and down. On the way back to my hotel there was a cute little cafe where I got fries and another Leffe. The quintessential Belgian meal.

A Perfect Day Trip

Dinant’s manageable size makes it a perfect day trip destination from Brussels or other Belgian cities. However, if you have more time, a longer stay allows you to soak in the town’s charm and explore the surrounding countryside at a more relaxed pace.

I spent a couple of nights here doing just that. Spending half a day walking along the Meuse river south past Rocher Bayard, an impressive rock formation. I ended up at Walzin Castle, perched up on a sheer rock face. I wandered back to Dinant through cute farming villages and across wooded hills.

After Dinant I stopped by the Herge museum in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve on my way back to Charleroi. Herge is the creator of Tintin! Then I stopped for one night in Charleroi, and I’ll be honest,  there wasn’t a lot going on there. Charleroi is a super cheap airport to fly in and out of though.

Published by Tom

Wanderluster, forever day dreaming of my next destination. Nurse by day, gay, geek, love sports and marvel comics. Determined to visit every country in the world! View all posts by Tom