Things to do in Dinant

Located 90 kilometers south-east of Brussels, the town of Dinant is nestled within the narrow banks of the Meuse River with the Citadel of Dinant perched more than 100 meters above on a cliff. The towns location upon the river supplied an important means for transporting raw materials and goods along the water and allowed the towns people to flourish in metalworking. Unfortunately, this also contributed to frequent invasions including the most savage attacks by the army of Charles the Bold in 1466 and the German army on 15 August 1914, during which the Lieutenant Charles de Gaulle was wounded.

Begin at the city's landmark Gothic-style Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant on the riverbank and admire its iconic 16th-century bell tower. Then climb 408 steps, dating from 1577, located next to the church, and arrive at the Citadel of Dinant. If the walk up isn't your cup of tea, you can choose to instead ride in a comfortable cable car offering spectacular views over the town. Inside the Citadel you'll experience how the structure evolved from a fortification, after the town was granted to the Prince-Bishop of Liège in the eleventh century and reconstructions by Vauban to the he Great War and WWI.

Take a stroll across the main bridge in Dinant is called 'Charles De Gaulle' commemorating the previous president's presence in battle and check out the brightly decorated saxophones lining the bridge. Did you know the inventor of the saxophone was born in Dinant? Enter the Maison Adolphe Sax to learn even more about the creation of this musical instrument. Finally, stop by Maison Leffe museum and follow a self-guided tour through the beer-making process, the life of a Trappist Monk and of course a beer tasting.