Things to do in Dinant : must-see activities and places to visit
You really won't have enough time in one day to discover the Meuse city !
The list of sites and attractions is long. Between nature and places steeped in history, you'll be spoiled for choice . And don't forget the Meuse River, which awaits you for an river cruise . If these discoveries whet your appetite, the city's restaurants and taverns will welcome you with open arms.
When the weather permits, do not hesitate to stroll along the promenade : you will not fail to fall under the spell of this pearl of the Meuse that is Dinant .
To help you organize your stay, we have grouped the activities and places to discover into four categories:
- Places to see and visit in the city of Dinant
- outdoor activities to discover the city or its region
- local cuisine and regional products
- Must-see sites to visit in the region (less than 20 km from Dinant )
You will see for yourself: one day will not be enough !
Ready? Then let's go for this tourist overview of Dinant : starting of course with the city of Dinant !
More tourist information is available
In both cottages, we provide you with information about places to visit and discover in Dinant and the surrounding area. You will also find the Dinant Tourist Office's tourist guide .
We are of course happy to provide you with information.
Dinant Tourist Office offers a wide range of tourist activities in the Dinant .
Do you want to visit the city of Dinant in 1 day?
Do you only have one day to visit Dinant ?
No worries! We offer a program to visit Dinant in 1 day .
Discover it and embark on a virtual exploration of the Meuse city. The program includes the must-see sights in Dinant, if you only have one day.
Are you visiting Dinant and it's raining?
Rain is nothing unusual in Belgium, and therefore not in Dinant either. However, that's no reason to stay indoors, waiting for the first break in the clouds.
If the weather is not kind during your stay, discover the possible activities in Dinant during rainy weather .
Things to see and visit in Dinant
The citadel of Dinant
From the city centre, you have two options to reach the top of the Citadel:
– gravel the 408 steps of the staircase;
– to take a seat in one of the gondolas of the oldest cable car in Belgium.
The fortress has a history spanning 10 centuries . It houses a museum that traces its main dates.
And up there, the highlight is obviously the breathtaking view you have of the city of Dinant and the Meuse valley.
A must-see place: we invite you to discover it through our tour of the Citadel of Dinant .
One last point: you can access the Citadel from the rear: easier, but without the charm of the staircase or the cable car.
The Collegiate Church of Our Lady
It is certainly the bulbous bell tower that characterizes it the most (a water pot, Victor Hugo would say of it).
In the Mosan Gothic style , this church remarkably illustrates the religious architecture of the Principality of Liège, on which Dinant .
Built in the 12th century on an old place of worship, it experienced many vicissitudes during its existence, due to the wars that struck the city.
Although its exterior dimensions are not imposing, due to the relative smallness of its location, the interior gives an impression of grandeur.
Paintings, some attributed to Antoine Wiertz, a local boy, decorate the interior.
Learn more about the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant.
The Croisette and the Charles de Gaulle Bridge
The Charles de Gaulle Bridge spans the Meuse River. Its interest lies in the saxophones that adorn its sides. Try to identify which countries they represent…
Once you've crossed the bridge, on the Collegiate Church side, you'll notice the walkway that runs alongside the Meuse River. In summer, the square is filled with the terraces of the neighboring cafes and taverns. Welcome to the Croisette , one of the city's most recent major developments.
The perfect place for a stroll or simply a walk. It's also where you'll find the docks for the boats that invite you on a cruise.
Mr. Sax's house
Adolphe Sax is a famous son of Dinant , and the city owes him a great deal. The saxophone is one of the city's emblems.
On the street that bears his name, you can sit next to the brilliant inventor of the saxophone. Or at least next to his statue.
This is one of the places where the most photos are taken: the father of the saxophone lets you sit next to him.
And right behind it is Mr. Sax's House : this place is dedicated to him and his invention.
Created at the initiative of the Adolphe Sax Association, the house is not a museum: it is an interpretation center for his work.
If you wish to discover Dinant and Adolphe Sax , follow the itinerary proposed by the International Adolphe Sax Association.
The House of Pataphony
In one of the oldest houses in the center of Dinant , the Maison de la Pataphonie welcomes you for an excursion into a land where sounds are out of the ordinary.
This journey in Pataphony allows you to discover provinces with unsuspected sonic riches , such as Saxofolie (dedicated to Adolphe Sax) or Aqualubia (where sounds do not hesitate to get wet).
Original sonic discoveries, made possible thanks to instruments that are anything but ordinary.
An idea for an activity with family or friends, when the weather conditions are not conducive to a walk.
Please note: it is necessary to book your ticket via the homepage of the Maison de la Pataphonie website .
River cruises
Another must-do when visiting Dinant : a cruise on the Meuse.
Two companies offer these excursions, with two types of cruises;
– Dinant to Anseremme (duration: 45 minutes, round trip)
– Dinant to Freÿr (duration 2 hours, round trip)
Combined tickets (with a visit to the Citadel of Dinant or the castle of Freÿr) are possible.
Information can be found on the websites of the two companies: Dinant Évasion and Les Croisières Mosanes .
Finally, you can rent a small electric boat accommodating a maximum of 7 people. Service offered by Dinant Nautique .
The Marvelous Cave
The Grotte la Merveilleuse in Dinant is less well known than the caves of Han, which were carved by the Lesse. It was a river that was at the origin of this one.
This cave was discovered by chance at the beginning of the 20th century . A providential blow of a pickaxe, during the construction of a local railway line.
The cave can be visited without a guide: you can wander through the approximately 650 meters of galleries accessible to the public, spread over three levels.
Throughout the chambers, you can admire stalactites , stalagmites and other calcite cascades .
The visit is relatively easy. However, be aware: to exit the cave, a staircase of 120 steps awaits you.
Information regarding visiting hours Dinant Tourist Office .
The Bayard Rock
If you stay at Gîtes Kangourou Dinant , you'll be able to see the Rocher Bayard right from your doorstep. This tourist attraction is located opposite our cottages, on the other side of the Meuse River.
The existence of this rocky spur is attributed to a blow from the hoof of the legendary Horse Bayard , carrying off the four sons of Aymon .
In this article from the gîte's notebooks, we tell you about the origin of this natural curiosity, the Rocher Bayard .
We also present 6 ways + 1 forbidden way to visit it .
The ruins of Crèvecoeur and the Museum of Mosan Medieval Heritage
Located in Bouvignes, on the left bank of the Meuse and not far from Dinant , the ruins of Créveceoeur and the Maison du Patrimoine Médiéval Mosan (MPMM) take you back to the Middle Ages.
The ruins of Crévecoeur are open to the public free of charge throughout the year. You can read an article about the tragic history of Crévecoeur .
As for the MPMM, it is housed in the Maison Espagnole, a splendid example of medieval architecture. In addition to its permanent collections, the MPMM regularly hosts exhibitions. For more information, contact the Maison du Patrimoine Médiéval Mosan (House of Mosan Medieval Heritage ).
Leffe Abbey
The Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey is probably less well known than the beer that borrows its name and which is currently widely marketed, in Belgium and internationally.
Even though Leffe beer is no longer brewed by the Abbey, it was originally produced here… as early as 1240, it seems.
Recognized as an independent abbey in 1200 , the site has undergone numerous transformations. Its current buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Visits are possible on Saturdays and Sundays, only in July and August.
Things to do in Dinant : outdoor activities
Hiking
Dinant and its region are a paradise for hikers . There are many trails that allow you to discover breathtaking views of the Meuse , charming spots along the river... There is something for every leg.
Just so you know: given the valley's topography, the climb can be quite steep. This only adds to the charm and enjoyment of the hike!
We have dedicated an entire page of our website to hiking : we invite you to browse it.
So, shall we meet in Dinant for a hike?
Bike tours & mountain bike trails
Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in the Dinantregion.
The city on the Meuse River lies on the EuroVelo 19 – Meuse by Bike route . In Dinant , connections are possible with other cycling routes. You will find all the information on the official Ravel Network website .
In addition to the Ravel network, over 2,000 km of cycle routes are signposted thanks to the numbered junction system . Visit the Namur Province cycling website .
Of course, mountain biking enthusiasts will find ideal terrain for practicing their sport in the Dinant .
Other outdoor activities await you
Rock climbing in Freÿr
If you enjoy climbing , the Belgian Alpine Club awaits you at what is probably the most renowned outdoor climbing spot in Belgium: the Freÿr rocks ! Information is available on the Belgian Alpine Club website.
Dinant Adventure
Dinant Adventure Park Dinant no including the longest suspension bridge in Belgium. An outdoor activity for thrill-seekers!
Horse riding
The Belle Vue riding school invites you to discover the region… on horseback!
Electric scooters and mountain bikes
Trot-e-fun invites you to discover the region using all-terrain electric scooters .
Discover the local gastronomy in Dinant and the regional produce
What are the local culinary specialties Dinant ?
We present them to you here.
Looking for a good restaurant ? Check out our blog post on the 10 best restaurants in Dinant and make your choice!
The Dinant pastry
Above all, don't bite into that biscuit : you might break your teeth!
Because this hard biscuit is enjoyed like a caramel : by sucking on it.
Its recipe? Primarily wheat flour and honey. With spices and sugar, according to the manufacturer's secrets.
Dinant couque at Maison Collard as well as at Maison Jacobs (both of these stores are located on rue Grande).
This biscuit is an excellent snack for endurance athletes . Hikers are advised to keep a piece in their bag.
In the entrance hall of Gîtes Kangourou, we've hung several Dinant : a way of paying homage to this jewel of local gastronomy. The Dinant is also an original decorative object … provided you can resist the urge to eat it, of course.
The flamiche
Another unmissable culinary tradition of Dinant : flamiche.
Unlike the couque, you have no problem eating it. However, it's not a light dish… and certainly not low in calories.
Just imagine: eggs, butter and the famous Romedenne cheese, a cheese from the region.
In short, start with one neighborhood…
Want to know more? Read our blog post dedicated to flamiche , this culinary specialty of Dinant and the folk traditions that accompany it.
The Caracole Brewery
While Leffe most well-known beer originating from Dinant Brasserie Caracole also deserves considerable attention .
Beyond the quality of its beers – at least for enthusiasts – the brewery is notable for its old-fashioned brewing techniques: in copper vats , heated with wood !
The Caracole brewery can be visited , with or without tasting of Troublette , Saxo , Caracole or Nostradamus , to name only the main local beers.
We actually visited it for you: discover our visit to the Caracole Brewery on our blog.
Other local specialties to discover
The Mosan Orchards and Apiary
Apples, pears, honey, and other artisanal products are for sale in the shop. A place where the bees reign supreme.
Information: www.vrm.be
Warnant Snail Farm
Located in the Molignée valley since 1988, the Escargotière de Warnant raises snails and prepares them in a traditional way.
Visit possible: www.escargotiere.be
Sommière Cheese Factory
The Sommière cheese dairy is located at Ferme d'en-Bas in Sommière. It produces a hard cheese made with raw milk, available in various flavors: plain, chive, fenugreek, Italian, etc
Products are available for sale at the cheese shop and at many local retailers.
Bon Baron Castle
This vineyard covers 17 hectares between Namur and Dinant . It produces around twenty wines (white, red and sparkling), using an approach that respects nature.
The winery is located in Sorinnes (visits and tastings possible).
Wave Distillery
It is also in Sorinnes that Wave Distil, active in the aging of spirits, .
Things to see and discover in the Dinant region (within 20 km)
Castles and historical heritage
Freÿr Castle
Located on the banks of the Meuse, Freÿr Castle and its gardens provide a remarkable setting. Recognized as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia, it delights history and culture enthusiasts.
Information: www.freyr.be
Vêves Castle
Classified as an exceptional monument, the Château de Vêves is a fine illustration of 15th century military architecture.
Information: www.chateau-veves.be
The ruins of Poilvache
Less than 5 km from Dinant, the ruins of Poilvache are located on a rocky spur overlooking the Meuse. It is a remarkable collection of medieval ruins.
Information: www.poilvache.com
The ruins of Montaigle
Another medieval fortress in the region, the Château-fort de Montaigle, is located in the Molignée valley. It was destroyed by the troops of King Henry II of France, who also sacked Bouvignes and Crèvecœur.
Information: www.chateau-fort-de-montaigle.be
Exceptional villages and places
Waulsort and its Belle Époque villas
Less than 10 km from Dinant, Waulsort is full of villas built at the end of the 19th century, when the area became a popular holiday destination. A marina has been developed on the right bank of the Meuse.
And Waulsort is worth a visit for its Water Ferry, which is still in operation from April to the end of September.
Maredsous Abbey and Maredret Abbey
In the Molignée Valley, Maredsous Abbey was founded in 1872 by Benedictine monks, who are still present. A welcoming place, the site is frequented throughout the year, particularly because of its cafeteria. While beer is no longer brewed on-site, some of the cheese continues to be matured within the Abbey walls.
Nearby, the Maredret Abbey also offers monastic accommodation.
Valleys and nature
Furfooz Nature Park
In the Lesse valley, near Dinant, the Furfooz nature reserve is of geological and archaeological interest.
Occupied since prehistoric times, due to the presence of caves, the site offers remains from the Roman era.
A 4km circuit allows you to discover the park.
Please note : in order to preserve the site, the daily number of visitors is limited!
The Molignée Valley and its railbikes
The Molignée gave its name to a charming wooded valley, a paradise for hikers and lovers of walks.
The valley is home to the abbeys of Maredsous and Maredret, as well as the ruins of Montaigle.
On a section of a former railway line, railbikes allow you to explore a 14 km stretch of the valley by pedaling. A sporty and original way to discover it!