BELGIUM
Why Dinant is one of Europe’s best hidden gems
inant was a bonus stop on our way to Luxembourg from Brussels, but I’m so happy we got to see it - a narrow town squeezed perfectly between steep cliffs and the flowing Meuse River, two and a half hours from the capital.
Whether you’re into history, music, or just soaking up beautiful scenery, Dinant makes for the perfect short getaway.
The first thing you’ll notice is how picture-perfect it all is: colorful houses lined up along the waterfront, the impressive Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame with its bulb-shaped dome, and the dramatic Citadel perched high above the town, keeping watch like it has for centuries. This waterfront is also the town’s viral moment, and you can clearly see why.
Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, and you’ll see tributes to him everywhere — from saxophone sculptures on the bridge to a small museum dedicated to his life.
For a bit of adventure, you can climb (or take the cable car!) up to the Citadel, originally built in the 11th century and later rebuilt by the Dutch in the early 1800s.
The Collégiale Notre-Dame, originally hosted a Romanesque church which collapsed in 1227 when a massive chunk of rock from the cliff fell onto it — a tragic event that killed more than 30 people. One of its most striking features is its separate, bulbous or pear-shaped bell tower that rises above the rest of the church:
Inside, one of the most impressive features is a vast stained-glass window by the Belgian artist Gustave Ladon, which is counted among the largest stained-glass windows in Europe and depicts the story of salvation.
Despite its dramatic setting, Dinant has a laid-back vibe. I’m not sure how it is regarding accommodation here, but if you manage to spend some days here I know you will feel recharged and relaxed.
You can sip a local Leffe beer — which, fun fact, was first brewed by monks here back in the 13th century — while watching boats drift by, or try the local biscuits!
Known as Couques de Dinant, these biscuits are as unique as the town itself. Made only from honey and flour, couques are famously rock hard and beautifully decorated with intricate wooden molds depicting animals, flowers, or local scenes. Traditionally, they were baked to celebrate holidays and festivals, and their long shelf life made them perfect keepsakes. Locals joke that you don’t bite into a Couque de Dinant — you let it melt slowly in your mouth or dunk it in coffee to soften it first!
Of course we had some, its not as hard to bite as you would expect from the stories, but it’s definitely a very interesting taste.
Whether you’re into history, music, or just soaking up beautiful scenery, Dinant makes for the perfect short getaway that feels a world away from the bustle of bigger cities. And don’t forget to snap a picture of the colorful lineup.