Nestled between the Meuse River and limestone cliffs, this Belgian town is known for its hilltop citadel, Gothic church, and as the birthplace of the saxophone inventor.
Dinant, a small Belgian town, sits between the Meuse River and limestone cliffs. The Citadel, perched on a rocky outcrop, dominates the skyline. Along the riverbank stands the Gothic Notre Dame Collegiate Church with its bulbous spire. As the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, Dinant honors its musical legacy with saxophone sculptures throughout the town.
Exploring Dinant's Iconic Landmarks
You can reach the Citadel of Dinant by cable car or by climbing 408 steps. From the top, you'll see expansive views of the Meuse Valley. Built in the 11th century, the fortress now contains a museum about the town's past, including its involvement in World War I. At the cliff's base, you'll find the Notre Dame Collegiate Church, a 13th-century Gothic structure with a pear-shaped bell tower added in the 16th century.
Discovering Dinant's Musical Legacy
Visit the Maison de Monsieur Sax, a small museum in Adolphe Sax's birthplace. Here, you can learn about the inventor's life and the saxophone's development through interactive exhibits. As you walk across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, you'll see colorful saxophone sculptures, a playful nod to the town's musical roots.
Savoring Local Delicacies
Dinant offers unique local foods. Try the Couque de Dinant, an extremely hard honey-sweetened biscuit dating back to the 1466 siege. These ornate cookies often serve as decorative souvenirs due to their hardness. For a savory option, taste the Flamiche Dinantaise, a cheese and egg tart made with local Boulette de Romedenne cheese. You can also try Leffe, a Belgian abbey beer with origins in Dinant's Leffe Abbey.
Exploring the Meuse Valley
The Meuse River, flowing through Dinant's center, provides opportunities for outdoor activities. You can take a river cruise to see the town from the water or rent a kayak to explore the surrounding area. Just outside town, you'll find the Grotte La Merveilleuse, showcasing stalactite and stalagmite formations and offering a cool environment on warm days.
Visiting Nearby Castles
The area around Dinant has several interesting castles. You can visit the Castle of Freÿr, 6 kilometers from Dinant, a Renaissance château with formal French gardens and 300-year-old orange trees. Inside, you'll see 18th-century furniture and Venetian chandeliers. For a different experience, explore the ruins of Montaigle Castle, situated on a rocky spur about 20 kilometers from Dinant.
Getting to and Around Dinant
You can reach Dinant by train, with regular connections from Brussels (about 2 hours) and Namur (30 minutes). The town is compact and easy to walk around, with most points of interest along the riverfront and in the old town. If you're driving, you can park near the Citadel, which gives you easy access to the cable car and the town center below.
