- One of the most photogenic towns in Belgium
- Take the cable car or climb the steps to the citadel
- Kayak down the Lesse from Houyet in summer
- Birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone
- Airports
- Brussels South Charleroi (CRL), about 45 minutes by car; Brussels (BRU), about 2 hours by train; Eurostar to Brussels-Midi then about 1 hour 30-45 minutes by train
- Best time to go
- May-September
- Type
- Town
Dinant is one of the most striking sights in Belgium: a row of houses squeezed between the River Meuse and towering limestone cliffs, with the onion-domed Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame set against the rock and a fortress on top. It is small, but packs in history, adventure and a couple of quirky claims to fame.
Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, was born here, and the town is linked with Leffe beer, first brewed by monks at the nearby abbey. Dinant is in the province of Namur on the edge of the Ardennes; see our Belgium guide for more.
Things to do in Dinant
- The Citadel – reached by cable car or a long flight of steps, it has a museum and superb views of the Meuse valley.
- Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame – the Gothic church with its distinctive onion-shaped spire at the foot of the cliff.
- Saxophones – giant colourful saxophone sculptures line the Charles de Gaulle bridge, and a small visitor centre occupies the site of Sax's birthplace.
- Kayaking on the Lesse – in season, kayak hire companies take you upriver to Houyet or Gendron for a paddle back down through wooded valleys.
- Maison de Leffe – a museum about the beer and its abbey history, in a former monastery building by the river.
- Rocher Bayard – a slender rock needle beside the road south of town, linked to a medieval legend about a magical horse.
- Boat trips – short cruises on the Meuse leave from the town centre in summer.
- Nearby castles and gardens – the Château de Freÿr has formal gardens on the riverbank, and Bouvignes and Poilvache castle ruins are close by.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Town centre | Close to the church, cable car and river |
| Riverside hotels south of town | Views of the Meuse and easier parking |
| Countryside around Anseremme | Quieter, near the start of the Lesse and walking trails |
Getting there
From London, take Eurostar to Brussels-Midi, then a train to Dinant, usually via Namur, in about an hour and a half to an hour and three-quarters. Brussels South Charleroi (CRL), used by some UK flights, is around 45 minutes away by car. Driving from Calais takes roughly three hours; a car is handy if you want to explore the valleys and castles.
Best time to visit
May to September is the best period for kayaking, river trips and the citadel, though summer weekends are busy. Spring and early autumn are quieter and colourful in the woods. Some activities close or reduce hours in winter.
Book kayaks in advance on summer weekends, and check river conditions, as trips can be cancelled when water levels are too high or too low.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dinant a good day trip from Brussels?
Yes, though the train journey of around an hour and a half makes for a long day. Staying a night lets you add kayaking or the castles.
Is kayaking on the Lesse suitable for beginners?
The standard routes are generally gentle and popular with families, but conditions vary. Follow the operators' advice.
What is Dinant famous for?
Its dramatic setting, the citadel, the saxophone and Leffe beer, plus the hard couque de Dinant biscuit.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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