One of the most picturesque towns in the Ardennes, Dinant (62 mi/100 km southeast of Brussels) is sandwiched between the Meuse River and a backdrop of cliffs. Atop those cliffs is a citadel that can be reached by climbing 420 steps or (more easily) by cable car. In summer, we recommend taking a boat trip along the river.
The hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, Dinant has the onion-domed Church of Notre Dame and the fascinating La Merveilleuse cave (impressive white stalactites and waterfalls). Just outside town is Rocher Bayard, a 130-ft/40-m rock pillar. A bit farther afield, north of Dinant in Annevoie, are spectacular 18th-century water gardens, with 20 ornamental lakes and ponds fed by water jets. The Castle of Celles-Veves, a magnificent feudal castle in Celles-Houyet, 6 mi/10 km southwest of Dinant, is also worth visiting.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.