Walking route to discover Dinant : from one lock to another, along the Meuse

Here is a walking route to discover Dinant

This short loop hike (a little less than 10 km) presents no difficulties: most of the route takes place along the Meuse, on the towpath.

Its distinguishing feature? 

Discover Dinant on foot, passing through two locks and over a bridge. A route in the shape of the number 8, albeit largely distorted.

The starting point?

The starting point is right outside the Gîtes Kangourou Dinant, of course. However, you can also start this route from Dinant train station (if you're using public transport to get Dinant). Or even from Anseremme.

 Ready for the hike to the two locks of Dinant, passing by the Charles de Gaulle bridge?

From Neffe to Anseremme, via the lock

Leaving the Gîtes Kangourou Dinant, with your back to the house, turn left. Continue until you reach the junction with the Pont Cajot road, which runs alongside the pétanque court.

You can reach Anseremme by following the Meuse River. However, there is no towpath between Neffe and the Anseremme lock. The suggested route requires a little more time (and effort): it has the advantage of avoiding road traffic. This is also the route we recommend for all walking trails leading from Neffe to Anseremme.

The trail is little known: it is nevertheless worth the effort.

Rue du Pont Cajot leads to the tunnel under the railway line: go through it. On the other side, turn left, towards some houses and warehouses. The tarmac soon gives way to a gravel path that runs alongside a warehouse on the left, parallel to the railway line. Follow this construction site, which climbs slightly to pass under the imposing Charlemagne Road viaduct. 

Directly above the viaduct, ignore the path that climbs to the right. Continue straight ahead: the path will now descend. Admire the view of the Meuse River and Île d'Amour (Love Island). Cross the bridge over the railway line and reach a paved road below, near a secluded house: turn right. This quiet path leads you to another railway bridge: this one spans not only the road you are on, but also the Meuse River, close to the lock.

After passing under the railway bridge, turn left to reach the road and the Meuse River. Locate the lock you now need to cross. There are two footbridges, open or closed depending on river traffic. Beyond the first lock chamber, a staircase awaits you, and a path leads you to the second part of the lock. 

Once you arrive at this spot, you can see the village of Anseremme, and the Sainte-Anne church towards which you are heading.

Anseremme is located at the point where the Lesse flows into the Meuse. It is also a very popular spot for tourists who enjoy kayaking down the Lesse… when the weather and water level permit.

Walking along the left side of the church and the square, head towards the bridge that spans the Lesse River at its confluence with the Meuse. Don't hesitate to step slightly off the road, near the church, to admire this ancient stone bridge. A hidden staircase, located near the first arch, allows you to return to the bridge. 

From Anseremme to Dinant via the towpath

After crossing the bridge over the Lesse, head towards the towpath of the Meuse.

No cars on this part of the route: bicycles, other pedestrians… and Egyptian ducks or barnacle geese. 

High in the sky before you, the Charlemagne viaduct stands majestically. Shortly before passing well beneath this road structure, take a look at Île d'Amour. It's not deserted, as evidenced by a small house at its tip.

After passing the island and under the viaduct, you'll reach Rocher Bayard. If you'd like to learn more about this geological phenomenon, check out our article on Rocher Bayard .

Why not take advantage of your visit to photograph it? It's imposing, and you might even see a truck driver hesitating to enter between the two rock faces… Some even reverse! 

Returning to the towpath, continue your walking route to discover Dinant on foot. Very soon, the road veers away from the towpath: houses are built right by the water. Most are raised off the ground and protected by walls: a way to combat flooding. During periods of high water, it is common for the towpath to be underwater where you are standing.

Most of the time, however, the towpath can be walked without boots.

 The church you can now see on your right, bordering the towpath, is that of Saint-Paul des Rivages, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

On the other side of the Meuse, you can see a church: this is the Church of Saint-Lambert, located in Neffe. You will pass by it on the way back.

A little further on, the road returns to the vicinity of the towpath. A wall serves as a flood barrier. Follow it until you reach the Dinantcasino. Admire the green space created at the foot of the wall by volunteers.

If you wish, you can leave the towpath and stroll through the streets of Dinant's town center. The plan is to rejoin the route at the Charles de Gaulle Bridge. Otherwise, stay on the towpath and continue your walk.

This section of the towpath is quite charming. You'll notice the river cruise boats when they're docked. You'll then arrive at the Croisette, a pedestrian area along the Meuse River in the heart of Dinant, at the foot of the Citadel. When the sun is shining, it's a very popular and busy spot. 

When the weather is nice, La Croisette also offers many terraces for having a drink or a meal.  

Here you can discover two iconic buildings of the city of Dinant :

– the former Bethlehem convent, converted into a Leffe brewery;

– Villa Mouchenne.

Head towards the bridge, and cross it.

Then, turn right, continuing along the Meuse River. You'll pass the Tourist Information Center and the iconic "DINANT" sign, a popular spot for photographers and selfie enthusiasts. Take a moment to admire the Collegiate Church, the Citadel, and the colorful riverside houses on the opposite bank.

Then, continue your journey towards the lock.

Once you've passed through the lock, you'll reach a large supermarket. Turn left onto Rue du Moulin. To go around Leffe Abbey, take Rue Gustave Poncelet.

Don't bother trying to visit Leffe Abbey: the opening hours are strict. 

Poncelet Street leads to a parking lot, not far from the lock. Continue along Saint-Pierre Street to Patenier Square. Then continue along the small street: it will take you to the foot of Saint-Jacques Street, near a fountain adorned with a saxophone.

On your left, take Rue Adolphe Sax and go to the bench where the illustrious man is seated with a saxophone. It's right in front of the house that pays tribute to him. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the renowned dinantnative.

Then retrace your steps to take a small pedestrian path that leads you back to the river. Walk along the quays and terraces to reach the bridge. 

If you missed them on your first visit, take a look at the saxophones displayed on the bridge. And don't forget to salute General de Gaulle, whom you passed earlier. Let's hope he's recovered his hand and his sword.

Return to Neffe via Burinfosse

As you cross the bridge, you will cross the Meuse for the third and final time. At the crossroads near the bakery, ignore the road that branches off to your left, running alongside the Meuse. We recommend a more peaceful route. 

Continue straight ahead towards a small roundabout. There, turn left onto Rue de Philippeville. Shortly before the railway tunnel, turn left towards Maison Leffe. The path climbs slightly.

You can take the opportunity to visit this former convent, converted into a temple in honor of Leffe, the famous beer once brewed in Dinant.

To the left of the building, a path leads off: take it.

We've already taken this particularly rugged forest path. It leads you back to Neffe. After scrambling through the woods, you'll reach a residential area. After passing the third house along the path, turn left down towards the railway line. Cross it and continue on your way: your steps will lead you towards the Meuse River.

You have no choice: returning means taking this road that runs alongside the Meuse. Passing by the Saint-Lambert church, visible from the other bank.

Just a little more effort, and you're back at Gîtes Kangourou Dinant !