Travel Guide to Dinant, Belgium

Ra's Travel Guide to Dinant

The birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone; a complete travel guide to Dinant.

Table of Contents

A small city in the south of Belgium near Namur, the capital of Wallonia, which is in the French-speaking part of the country. Dinant’s name comes from the Celtic “Divo Nanto,” meaning “Sacred Valley,” since the city is located on the banks of the River Meuse. The location of Dinant makes it perfect for a day trip from Brussels or Luxembourg. A very picturesque town with pastel-colored houses contrasting the dark Gothic-style church and citadel. Use this comprehensive travel guide to Dinant to plan your trip.

Getting to Dinant, Belgium: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

Traveling to Dinant is easy from Brussels and Luxembourg, with direct trains running every day. If you’re traveling from Brussels, there’s a direct train to Dinant from Bruxelles-Luxembourg station, which takes about an hour and a half. While there are no public transportation routes or international company routes for direct transport to Dinant, for those feeling adventurous, you can take a combination of two or three buses to travel to Dinant. On the plus side, many excursion travel companies offer day trips to Dinant or day trips to Dinant and Luxembourg, which is the option that I took to visit Dinant.

If you’re traveling from Luxembourg, you can either opt for the travel company excursion to arrange the transportation for you or take a combination of either two buses or two trains, which will bring you to Dinant within 3.5 hours.

For efficient route planning, cost evaluation, and consideration of various transportation methods, I often rely on Rome2rio. This invaluable tool provides comprehensive information, offering insights into possible route combinations and suggestions for strategic stops along the way, ensuring a tailored and well-informed travel experience. Link to Rome2rio

Where to Stay in Dinant, Belgium?

Dinant is a smaller city, which means that there are limited accommodation options available. In and around the city, you'll find hotels, Airbnbs, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. It's important to note that prices may vary depending on the time of year and during Dinant’s festivals and city events, such as the jazz festival.

When I visited Dinant, it was on a day trip from Brussels. Depending on your travel style and goals, you can definitely explore Dinant in just one day or opt to spend a few days relaxing in the city. As a very energetic traveler who tends to move quickly, I found that a day trip was sufficient for me.

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Getting Around Dinant, Belgium

Car

While it is possible to rent a car in Dinant, it isn’t really necessary to have one unless you plan to explore other cities around Belgium. Dinant itself is quite compact and walkable, with most attractions easily accessible on foot. However, if you do decide to rent a car, it can provide flexibility for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns.

Bus

Dinant is served by TEC (Transport En Commun), which operates bus services connecting Dinant with other towns and cities in the region. You can find information about bus routes, schedules, and fares on the TEC website or at local bus stations. The bus network provides convenient transportation options for those wishing to explore beyond Dinant and visit nearby attractions or towns.

Taxi

While Dinant is small and walkable, taxis are available for those who prefer not to walk or need transportation for specific reasons. Local taxi companies offer services within the city and can also provide transportation to nearby areas. Ordering a taxi in advance can often result in better rates, and it's advisable to confirm the fare and ensure that the meter is running during the journey.

Bike

Exploring Dinant by bike is a popular option for visitors looking to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace while taking in the picturesque surroundings. Several bicycle rental companies in Dinant offer day rentals and guided bicycle tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings on two wheels. Cycling along the scenic riverbanks and through charming streets is a delightful way to experience the beauty of Dinant.

Walking

With its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets, walking is undoubtedly the best way to explore Dinant. The city's main attractions, including the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the Citadel of Dinant, and the Maison Adolphe Sax, are all within walking distance of each other. Strolling along the River Meuse promenade offers stunning views of the city's skyline and iconic landmarks, while discovering the various saxophone sculptures dotted around the city adds a unique charm to the walking experience.

What to Do in Dinant, Belgium?

River Cruise

Experience the serene beauty of Dinant and its surroundings with a scenic river cruise along the Meuse River. These cruises, available during the warmer months of the year, offer a leisurely way to admire the picturesque landscapes and iconic landmarks of the region. For information on rates and availability, visit www.Evasion.be.

Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant

Also known as the Notre Dame of Dinant, this cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, that has an iconic 16th-century pear-shaped bell tower, and is a prominent part of the city. In the church are beautiful stained glass windows and a documentary about the history of the church. Entry to the church is free, but not available during services.

Citadel

Built-in 1815, this fortress is the most popular place to visit in Dinant. It overlooks the city and is part of the “Meuse Citadels,” with the two others located in Huy and Namur. The original citadel was built in 1040 by the Prince-Bishop of Liège but it was destroyed. Over the centuries it was rebuilt many times and it wasn’t until 1819 when the Dutch army entered the city that the citadel was rebuilt into the one standing today. To get up to the top, you must pay 11 euros to enter and either walk up the 405 steps or take the cable car to the top.

Charles de Gaulle Bridge

The main bridge in Dinant is dedicated to Charles de Gaulle when he was shot in the leg during the major battle in Dinant in August 1914. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I, a statue of Charles de Gaulle was erected on the bridge in 2014. Today, there are colorful saxophone statues designed by the members of the European Union (EU) as a tribute to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone who was born in Dinant.

Maison de Monsieur Sax

Discover the birthplace of Adolphe Sax and learn about the life and legacy of the renowned inventor at Maison de Monsieur Sax. This museum, housed in Sax's family home, offers fascinating insights into the history of the saxophone. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the bronze statue of Adolphe Sax outside the museum.

Maison Leffe

Belgium is known for its Trappist beer, which is brewed by monks in monasteries. One of the most popular brands is Leffe and the museum dedicated to the history of the beer and beer-making process is located in Dinant. Embark on a self-guided tour of the museum for 7 euros and receive beer tastings at the end.

Bathtub Regatta

During the month of August, catch a glimpse of the famous Dinant Bathtub Regatta. The vent is exactly what it is, people racing in bathtubs decorated to the year’s theme, and propel themselves down the Meuse River. The regatta started in 1982 after a Belgian man heard the story of a Frenchman sailing down the river in a tub. Dinant’s famous chef, Alberto Serpagli, found 40 abandoned tubs and sold them at the local market. If you’re in Dinant on August 15th, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Dinant Cookie

The “Couque de Dinant,” is famous for being one of the driest and hardest cookies ever made. The cookie was first made in the 15th century when the town was besieged by Charles the Bold and there was a lack of food in Dinant. People in Dinant created the cookie based off of what was left available in the town, flour and honey. Using those two ingredients, the cookie is kneaded by hand before it’s flattened, pressed into different shapes, and then baked at 250 – 320 degrees Celsius.

War Memorial of 1914

Visit the War Memorial of 1914, which was revealed in 2014 to mark 100 years since Dinant lost many of its innocent citizens to the First World War. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of August 23rd, 1914 when the Germans invaded Dinant and executed 674 civilians. At the memorial is information about the tragedy and see pictures the Germans took during the invasion.

Merveilleuse Cave

Embark on an underground adventure at the Merveilleuse Cave, located just a short walk from the city center. Explore this captivating limestone cave system, adorned with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, and marvel at its natural beauty. Be sure to check the opening hours, as they may vary seasonally.

Dinant offers a charming blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness waiting to be explored. From its picturesque river cruises and historic landmarks to its culinary delights and quirky events like the Bathtub Regatta, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. Use this comprehensive travel guide to Dinant to plan your unforgettable journey and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting Belgian city.

Travel Tip

If you’re visiting Dinant in July, be sure to attend the city’s big jazz festival and celebrate the history of the saxophone in jazz.

My Playlist for Dinant, Belgium

"J'aime La Vie" by Sandra Kim

"Rhythm Inside" by Loïc Nottet

"Alors on danse" by Stromae

"Les yeux de ma mère" by Arno

"Quand les hommes vivront d'amour" by Raymond Lévesque

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