Dinant | a complete travel guide to Belgium’s charming sax city
Dinant is one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets located in the lush Ardennes region. It’s a picturesque riverside town overflowing with charm, history, and music. Perched along the banks of the Meuse River, this quaint city is famed for its striking cliffs, iconic Citadel, and being the birthplace of the saxophone.
Dinant effortlessly combines historic wonder with laid-back vibes. Whether you’re exploring medieval landmarks, cruising down the river, or tasting indulgent local specialities, this little city promises delightful surprises. Overall, you’ll find colorful waterfront houses reflecting on serene waters, dramatic limestone cliffs as a backdrop, and delicious Belgian treats around every corner!
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Quick Facts & How to Get There
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (April to October) is ideal for sunny river cruises, kayaking, and hiking adventures. Winter months are cozy but quiet — perfect if you prefer smaller crowds.
Currency: Euro (EUR). Most places accept cards, but cash is handy for local cafés and markets.
Language: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A friendly “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) always makes a good impression!
Getting to Dinant
By Train: Dinant’s train station connects easily to Brussels, Namur, and other Belgian cities. The scenic train ride from Brussels takes about 90 minutes.
By Car: Driving offers flexibility, especially if exploring the beautiful Ardennes region. Parking is available near the river and the city center. Check out Rentalcars.com for options!
Getting around in Dinant
Dinant is quite small and best explored on foot. However, for a unique perspective, river cruises and bike rentals are fantastic options:
River Cruises: Hop on a leisurely boat ride along the Meuse River for breathtaking views.
Bikes: Renting a bike lets you explore scenic trails and nearby charming villages.
Top Experiences You Can’t Miss
Explore the Dinant Citadel
Dominating the skyline, the Citadel is an absolute must-visit. Take a scenic cable car ride (like we did!) or tackle the 408 steps to reach stunning panoramic views and fascinating historical exhibits, including an immersive walk-through experience of WWI trenches.
Marvel at the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame
This stunning Gothic cathedral, with its bulbous bell tower, is instantly recognizable and beautifully reflects off the Meuse.
Learn about saxophone history at Maison de Monsieur Sax
Dinant is proud to be the hometown of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Visit this charming museum dedicated to his life and musical legacy.
Chase adventure at the Grotte la Merveilleuse
Explore the spectacular caves filled with mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites. This is a must do if you are a big into nature!
Cross the Charles de Gaulle Bridge
Adorned with colorful saxophone sculptures that represent famous cities from all around the world, this bridge celebrates Dinant’s musical heritage. Plus, it is the perfect spot for some good selfies!
Hike or Kayak in the Ardennes
Surrounded by stunning nature, Dinant offers great trails and kayaking adventures along the Meuse.
Visit Château de Walzin
A fairy-tale castle that is dramatically perched atop cliffs overlooking the Lesse River. Above all, it offers dreamy views and perfect photo opportunities.
Take the family to Château de Vêves
Picture-perfect, this medieval castle surrounded by enchanting forests offers guided tours and family-friendly activities. When we came, we enjoyed a coffee while watching children dressed in medieval costumes playing renaissance style games! Therefore, we highly recommend a visit here if you are traveling with little ones.
Discover Château de Freÿr
Nicknamed Little Versailles, this elegant château boasts beautiful gardens and historic interiors, perfect for garden enthusiasts and history buffs.
Enjoy a Guided River Cruise or Castle Tour
Don’t have a whole lot of time but want to see has much as you can? Combine several highlights with a guided boat tour along the Meuse River or an organized excursion to the area’s most enchanting castles.
Food & Drink: Where to Eat
Dinant offers delightful Belgian cuisine and local specialties you must try:
Couques de Dinant: These hard, decorative biscuits have a sweet honey flavor — perfect as souvenirs (just don’t break your teeth!).
Maison Solbrun: Famous for its delicious pastries, chocolates, and couques.
Le Trois: A cozy restaurant offering traditional Belgian dishes and river views.
Chez Bouboule: Known for excellent mussels and fries —Belgium’s iconic combo.
Café Leffe: Bask in a riverside terrace and taste local beers, including the famous and delicious Leffe, which originated nearby.
Where to Stay
Dinant has charming accommodation for every style:
Riverside Hotels: For gorgeous views and easy access to attractions.
Historic B&Bs: Cozy, character-filled accommodations ideal for romantic getaways.
Countryside Lodgings: This is what we went for! Ideal for nature lovers, people looking to relax ,and those wanting to explore the Ardennes.
Fun Facts & Cultural Tips
Musical Legacy: As I’ve mentioned a few times already, Dinant celebrates its saxophone heritage everywhere as it should! A fun idea: try and make it a goal to spot all 60 giant sax statues scattered around town.
Couques Tradition: Don’t bite directly into Couques de Dinant because you might just chip a tooth! These biscuits are traditionally broken into pieces to eat slowly.
Beer Culture: Dinant is near the famous Leffe Abbey, the birthplace of one of my personal favorite beers! Sampling local brews is practically mandatory here. However, if you are more of a non-drinker, they do offer 0% alcohol options as well.
Language Tips: Locals appreciate efforts to speak French, even if basic —“S’il vous plaît” (please) and “Merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) will earn smiles.
Wrap-Up
Dinant is a dreamy destination blending natural beauty, historic charm, and a melody of local culture. Whether you’re hiking, savouring Belgian cuisine, or exploring riverside treasures, every moment here feels enchanting.
Time to pack your bags and experience the irresistible magic of Belgium’s charming sax city!
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