Do you have a day in Dinant and are wondering what to see Dinant How to visit Dinant in one day ? What are the must-see places in the city ? If you don't plan to spend more than a day there, you've come to the right place to discover the essentials of this Meuse city.
If you stay in one of our two Kangaroo Cottages, you will find tourist information in the welcome pack to help you plan your visit to the city. We are also available to advise you on the main places and attractions in Dinant and the surrounding area.
In this article, we suggest a itinerary for visiting Dinant one-day. Of course, the itinerary can be spread over two days, allowing you to enjoy some relaxation time at your accommodation. But it's perfectly possible to complete this itinerary in a single day, without even having to leave early or rush!
Follow the guide for a selection of activities and places to visit in Dinant in 1 day!
Itinerary for visiting Dinant in 1 day
Here's what we suggest for visiting Dinant in one day. No rush, and you won't miss any of the essentials. Of course, you can adapt this itinerary to suit your preferences… or the weather.
This program is available year-round, although some activities are reduced outside the tourist season. We encourage you to check availability before your visit, depending on the time of year.
In summary, here are the different stages of this minimal visit to the beautiful Meuse city of Dinant :
In the morning (approximately 3 hours – minimum 2 hours):
- Visit to the Citadel of Dinant
- Visit to the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame
- Mr. Sax 's house
- Discovering saxophones on the Charles de Gaulle bridge
- Stroll along the Croisette and explore the inner courtyard of's town hall Dinant.
Lunch break in the city center
Afternoon (approximately 3 to 4 hours – minimum 3 hours)
- Cruise on the Meuse
- An alternative to river cruises: electric boat
- Leffe House
- Option 1: Walk to Rocher Bayard
- Variant 2: The House of Pataphony
End of day : snack on the Croisette or meal in a restaurant.
In the rest of this article, discover the detailed program for visiting Dinant in 1 day.
In the morning, we recommend the must-sees of a visit to the city of Dinant : the saxophones of the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, the Citadel and the Croisette.
We complement these three major places in Dinant with the House of Mr. Sax (and the bench on which the illustrious dinantnative sits), the Collegiate Church of Our Lady and the inner courtyard of the Town Hall.
The Saxophones of the Charles de Gaulle Bridge
To start the visit, why not linger at the Charles de Gaulle Bridge? What is the significance of this bridge?
Saxophones, of course! You can have fun guessing which countries they represent. And it's also a beautiful spot for photos or selfies, with the Collegiate Church, the Citadel, or the Meuse River as a backdrop.
On the other side of the bridge, to the right, you'll find the statue of Charles de Gaulle, unveiled in 2014. It depicts him at the age of 24, when he fought in Dinantduring the First World War. Unfortunately, the French statesman has lost his hand and his sword.
The Citadel of Dinant
Isn't it impressive, seen from the center of Dinant ? Absolutely. And the view that awaits you at the top of the Citadel is just as impressive!
How to get to the Citadel of Dinant ?
You have three options to get to the Citadel of Dinant:
– the cable car (fee applies), at the foot of the Citadel, near the Collegiate Church
– the stairs, also at the foot of the Citadel (access to the approximately 400 steps is free, but you must pay the entrance fee)
– from above, by car, via rue Saint-Jacques and rue Pont d'Amour (the preferred route if you are travelling by car. Parking is much easier there than in the centre of the city – especially during tourist season).
In addition to offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Dinant, the Citadel invites you to discover thetumultuous military history of the region. Dinant has indeed paid a heavy price during the wars that have marked its history.
To plan your visit (opening hours, prices, etc.), please visit the Citadel Dinant. No need to be an early bird for this visit: the citadel opens at 10:00 AM. Allow approximately one hour for the visit.
The Collegiate Church of Our Lady
The third stop on our tour of Dinant is the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame. Open daily and free of charge, the church may seem small at first glance, nestled at the foot of the rocky cliff and the Citadel. You'll change your mind once you're inside.
From the outside, observe the bulbous bellflower that crowns it. At the beginning of the 20th century, this bulb caused quite a stir in the local community dinantgenerated a great deal of controversy. A real local squabble!
Dating from the 12th century in its original form, the religious building has suffered numerous destructions, given its proximity to the Citadel and the conflicts that engulfed it. It is a remarkable example of Gothic religious art in the Principality of Liège.
Inside, don't miss the paintings by Antoine Wiertz, a local artist.
Mr. Sax's House
After visiting the Collegiate Church, take Adolphe Sax Street to the right.
You'll recognize Mr. Sax's house by the bench on the sidewalk in front of it. A visitor sits there year-round: the inventor of the saxophone himself. Or at least his statue.
You can visit Mr. Sax's house. It's where he was born in 1814. Entry is free, and it's not a museum in the traditional sense. You'll quickly see everything there is to see.
Don't hesitate to join the selfie or portrait trend with the inventor of the saxophone, by sitting next to him on the bench. A typical Dinantto share on social media.
Then return towards the Charles de Gaulle bridge. Either by going up Rue Adolphe Sax, or by taking a pedestrian passage opposite the square next to Mr. Sax's house. This passage leads you to the banks of the Meuse, on the Croisette: further on, you will reach the bridge via a wide staircase, near the Leffe café.
Stroll along the Croisette and the inner courtyard of the town hall
Your steps now lead you back near the Collegiate Church. To the left of the bridge, a wide staircase allows you to reach the banks of the Meuse, and more specifically the famous Croisette of Dinant. This significant development reclaimed some land from the river.
When the weather permits, this area comes alive, thanks to the many terraces where it is pleasant to have a drink or a bite to eat, by the Meuse river.
If your legs and your schedule allow, walk along the Croisette toTown Hall Dinant, near the river cruise docks.
Since 2014, the inner courtyard of the town hall has housed the " Monsieur Sax's Clepsydra". This is a glass artwork, created by Master Glassmaker Bernard Tirtiaux, to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of the inventor of the Saxophone.
Now, isn't it time to take a break for lunch ? In the city centre, you have plenty of choice when it comes to eating.
Beforehand, we invite you to check the departure times of river cruises, and even to book your tickets.
Wherever you have settled for your lunch break, we suggest you resume your tour for the afternoon, around 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm.
Unless you want to shorten the program of the visit that awaits you.
First, it's the perfect time for a post-meal cruise. Several departures are scheduled for early afternoon.
Cruise on the Meuse
A river cruise is a must-do in Dinant. If you have the opportunity, hop aboard one of the cruise boats, which you'll find docked on Rue Winston Churchill. During the season, departures are frequent.
For a traditional river cruise, you have two options:
– the route Dinant – Anseremme (to the lock – round trip duration +/- 45 minutes)
– the route Dinant – Freyr (to Freyr Castle – round trip duration +/- 2 hours).
Two companies operate these cruises (frequency varies according to the seasons).
IMPORTANT: During the summer season or periods of high tourist traffic, it is best to book your tickets in advance. You will find useful information on the Croisières Mosanes and Dinant Evasion.
If you have the opportunity (your time and budget), opt for the long-duration cruise, which takes you to Freyr Castle and its climbing rocks.
Alternative: electric boat tour on the Meuse
From April to October, it is possible to rent a small electric boat without a license. Rentals are available near the Charles de Gaulle bridge (a second boarding point is located in Anseremme – but this takes you out of the way of visiting Dinant in 1 day).
This boat can accommodate a maximum of 7 people. The closer you get to this number, the lower the rental cost will be for you. The price remains higher for 2 or 3 people.
This small electric boat allows you to take a one-hour tour on the Meuse, between the two locks. At your own pace.
Find out more on the company Dinant Nautique.
The Leffe House
Back on dry land, walk to the Leffe House.
Located high up on the left bank, the building that houses Maison Leffe was shown to you during the river cruise. It is the former Bethlehem convent.
To get there on foot: cross the Charles de Gaulle bridge and continue straight ahead to the roundabout. There, turn left onto Rue Bribosia. Shortly before the railway tunnel, turn right onto Charreau des Capucins.
Along the way, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the city center, the Meuse River, the Collegiate Church, and the Citadel. The path climbs slightly to reach Maison Leffe.
The Leffe House is a must-visit for beer lovers, especially those who appreciate this now widely consumed product. After the tour and perhaps a tasting, you'll be an expert on this hoppy brew.
To prepare for your visit, consult the Maison Leffe.
With this itinerary, your day is already well underway. Especially since we're not suggesting a rushed tour. It would be a shame not to enjoy the charm and tranquility of the Meuse River as it flows peacefully, or the quiet, picturesque atmosphere of Dinant.
If you don't like beer (at least not Leffe) and you're a bit claustrophobic (or allergic to stairs), we present two alternative options to this program:
– a walk to the Rocher Bayard
– a visit to the House of Pataphony
Option #1: Walk to Rocher Bayard
You saw Rocher Bayard during the cruise .
We invite you to explore it on foot, leisurely following the towpath. Please note: this round trip is approximately 3.5 km. But it's completely flat!
As you now know, this rocky spire of more than 30 meters is not due to a kick from the legendary horse Bayard, but rather to the explosives of Louis XIV's pyrotechnicians.
Nevertheless, the Rocher Bayard remains a must-see in Dinant. And when you're at the foot of the rocky outcrop, it's truly impressive.
If this rock formation interests you, discover everything about it by reading the article we have dedicated to Rocher Bayard.
And if it fascinates you even more, why not stay in one of the Kangourou Dinant cottages? You can admire it at will through the window :-).
Option #2: Visit to the House of Pataphony
It's an unexpected place. A perfect activity idea with children, or on a rainy day (which sometimes happens in Dinant). A slightly magical place that stimulates the senses – especially hearing – and fosters creativity.
This visit will surprise you. Or more precisely, astonish your ears, as the sounds are improbable, as are the instruments that produce them.
A place that exists nowhere else. In a way, a legacy left here by the genius of Adolphe Sax.
Please note: it is necessary to inquire about visits by consulting the website of the Maison de la Pataphonie.
Why limit yourself to visiting Dinant in just one day?
We have now reached the end of the program to visit Dinant in 1 day.
It's too short, isn't it?
There are so many interesting places to discover in Dinant, such as Bouvignes or the Anseremme nature reserve . So many other activities to enjoy, like kayaking down the Lesse River or taking a stroll in Furfooz Park . Not to mention visiting the castles of Freyr or Vêves a little further afield, or exploring the ruins of Poilvache or Montaigle .
In short, why not stay in Dinant for more than just one day? For example, by planning a weekend stay? Or even three or four days?
There is no shortage of comfortable accommodation options in Dinant, especially at Gîtes Kangourou Dinant !
Finally, if you would like to enjoy a good meal in Dinantbefore leaving at the end of this day of discovery, check out our selection of the 10 best restaurants in Dinant.
Thank you for your visit and see you soon!
Dinant, a welcoming region
Whether you are looking for a place to settle down and relax, or you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, Dinant and its region are full of possibilities.
From rock climbing in Freyr for climbing enthusiasts to the numerous hikes in the Lesse valleys, the possibilities are endless. Not forgetting water sports like kayaking or water skiing. Or discovering local products, whether it's beer… or snails.
To discover all the activities, consult our complete guide: What to do in Dinant.
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