Dinant Belgium Travel Essentials

Dinant Location: Dinant is in central Belgium, along the Meuse river, in the province of Namur. Dinant is 65 km south of Brussels, 20 km south of Namur.

Dinant Population: There are about 10,000 people in the town of Dinant.

Dinant: Getting There: There is a direct train from Brussels (North, Central and Midi stations) via Namur. Train and bus stations are found at Rue de la Station on the west bank of the Meuse (opposite bank from the citadel). By car, highway E411 via Namur (Exit 20). From Namur take N92 south skirting the valley of the Meuse. Dinant is less than 200 km to Reims, France and the Champagne region.

Dinant Tourist Information: The Dinant Tourist Office is found on the Rue Grande, 37 - 5500 Dinant Telephone: (082) 22.28.70

Dinant's Famous People: Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, was born in Dinant in 1814.

Dinant Tourist Attractions:
The Citadel overlooks Dinant from its 100 foot cliff. The Citidel you see today was built during the Dutch occupation in the early 1800s, the French destroyed an earlier fortification (build in 1051 and rebuilt in 1530) in 1703. To visit the Citadel, you can take a cable lift located next to the cathedral or climb 420 stairs, your choice. Inside is an arms museum, war museum, audio-visual presentation, tourist stuff, and great views. Open all year (except weekdays in January, and Fridays from November to March). Winter schedule: 10am - 4pm. Summer schedule: 10am - 6pm. Price: 5 € (Euro), children 3,72 €, includes cable lift.

Cathedral of Notre Dame was originally built as a Romanesque church at the end of the 12th century. In 1227 rockfall destroyed the tower and the church was partially rebuilt in Gothic Style. In the late-medieval Dinant became known for its metalworking capabilities, and many religious objects used in this valley were manufactured in Dinant and some are displayed in the Cathedral.

Boat Trips on the Meuse as short as 45 minutes can be taken. Info.

Grotte La Merveilleuse, a show cave of Belgium. Magnificent waterfalls and stalactites--the entrance to the cave lies about 500 m from the Dinant Railway station. Open from April to the middle of November daily from 11am to 5pm (July/August till 6pm). Adults: 5 € (Euro) - children 3,50 € (Euro).

Kayaking the Meuse is also possible.

Dinant makes a fine day trip on your way from Brussels or Northern Belgium to France or Luxemburg.

Dinant Pictures See three pictures in our Dinant Picture Gallery.