Tag Archive for: Dinant

The Belgian Meuse Valley: full of Contrasts and Charm

The Meuse is one of Western Europe’s great rivers. It rises in France near the village of Pouilly-en-Bassigny and winds its way for more than 900 kilometers through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before flowing into the sea at Rotterdam. In Belgium, the river cuts through the heart of Wallonia, shaping the landscape, the cities, and the history of the region. Its character is remarkably diverse.

North Meuse

A striking feature is the contrast between the two main Belgian sections of the river, north and south of Namur. To the north, between Namur and the Dutch border, the Meuse runs through a densely populated and historically heavily industrialized area. The Liège region, roughly from Huy to Visé, developed into a center of the steel and coal industry in the 19th century. Although heavy industry has largely disappeared, its legacy still defines the region today. Travelers here sense the tension between the river as a natural space and the industrial cities that played a key role in Belgium’s economic history.

South Meuse

South of Namur, the Meuse takes on a completely different appearance as it flows upstream toward the French border. Here the valley reveals itself as one of Belgium’s most beautiful holiday regions. Steep cliffs, dense forests, and small villages alternate with castles and old monasteries.

Namur itself, where the Sambre flows into the Meuse, is the capital of Wallonia, dominated by its imposing citadel. The very picturesque city with its old town, beautiful churches and riverbanks serves as a lively starting point for exploring the valley further.

At the southern end lies Dinant, one of the best-known towns on the Meuse and a true postcard image of Belgium. Wedged between sheer cliffs and the river, it looks almost like a stage set. Dinant is famous for its cathedral with the distinctive onion-shaped tower, for the citadel above, and not least as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. From here, the valley can be explored both on foot and by water, as hiking and boat tours are especially popular in this region.

Between Namur and Dinant, smaller villages offer a quieter impression of the Meuse. Here, the focus is less on landmarks and more on the sense of a landscape deeply interwoven with life along the river. Closer to the French border, the valley becomes lonelier and wilder before the Meuse finally leaves Belgium near Givet. The stretch that follows, as far as Charleville-Mézières in France, is also part of the Ardennes natural region and is considered highly scenic, though it remains little developed for tourism.

Anyone who follows the Meuse over a longer distance experiences a journey from industrial cityscapes to almost untouched river valleys – a panorama that powerfully reflects the diversity of Belgium.

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Belgium: small Country with enormous Variety

Large countries are characterized by their diverse landscapes and cities with distinct personalities. Belgium, however, is small: driving from north to south (Antwerp to Arlon) takes about 2.75 hours, while crossing from east to west (Eupen to Ostend) takes roughly 2.5 hours.

Despite its compact size of 30,000 square kilometers, Belgium offers an extraordinary variety: from fine sandy beaches along the North Sea coast, through the flat but water-rich region of Flanders, to the rolling hills of Wallonia, which are carved by deep river valleys.

Belgium has it all: vibrant metropolises like Brussels and Antwerp, museum-like art cities such as Bruges and Ghent, different types of coastal towns like Ostend and De Haan, thrilling industrial cities like Liège and Charleroi, and picturesque fortress towns like Dinant and Bouillon.

Of course, the diversity of Belgium is largely shaped by its two main regions: Flanders in the north and Wallonia in the south. Dutch (Belgian Dutch, which differs not only in the softer pronunciation) is spoken in Flanders, while French is the language in Wallonia. Near the German border, there is even a small German-speaking community, Ostbelgien (Eastern Belgium).

The appearance of Flanders and Wallonia is different, but with a few exceptions you can always recognise that you are in Belgium. Flanders does not look like the Netherlands, nor does Wallonia resemble France.

In fact, some neighboring cities in other countries exhibit Belgian influences, particularly Maastricht (Netherlands), Aachen (Germany), and Lille (France).

Now, let’s take a tour of seven cities. As a reference: driving through all seven city centers takes a total of 5 hours, covering a distance of 300 kilometers.

Ostend

With a population of 70,000, Ostend is the largest Belgian coastal city and serves as a major transport hub, connecting the main railway line (Cologne – Aachen -) Liège – Leuven – Brussels – Ghent – Bruges – Ostend with the coastal tramway. Despite its compact size, Ostend feels very metropolitan. In addition to its wide sandy beaches, the city offers a wealth of entertainment: excellent shopping, cozy cafés, outstanding restaurants, museums, a casino, and more. Tip: If Ostend feels too busy or built-up, take a 20-minute drive to the beautiful Belle Époque coastal town of De Haan.

Bruges

After a 30-minute drive, we reach Bruges. There’s little need to introduce this jewel of a city with 120,000 inhabitants: an absolutely perfect, living open-air museum with stunning churches, art treasures, picturesque squares, canals, and winding streets. While Bruges is very crowded in summer, it is very romantic in the other seasons.

Antwerp

After an 80-minute drive, we arrive in Antwerp (skipping over the must-see city of Ghent to keep this tour concise). Antwerp is a stunning Flemish metropolis of 530,000 residents, reknown for its huge port and its art and fashion scene. Lovers of culture, art, architecture, fashion and shopping will be delighted with what this city has to offer.

Brussels

An hour later, we reach Brussels, the bilingual heart of Belgium – an enclave within Flanders, close to the Walloon border. With a population of 1.2 million, Brussels is a metropolis that feels even larger and more urban due to its capital status. It boasts grand historical buildings, large churches, colossal palaces, royal museums, an awe-inspiring triumphal arch, the Atomium, Art Nouveau neighborhoods, and much more – everything a proud capital should have. However, Brussels is also affected by the decline seen in many European cities.

Charleroi

Shortly after leaving Brussels, we enter Wallonia. An hour later, we arrive in Charleroi, the largest city in Wallonia with 200,000 residents. Once a thriving industrial hub, Charleroi is not your typical tourist destination – it is, in most areas, run-down and even considered ugly, but that’s precisely what makes it famous. It attracts adventurous visitors interested in industrial history, urban art, and urban exploration.

Namur

Thirty minutes later, we find ourselves in a completely different world: the elegant Walloon capital of Namur, home to 110,000 people. Located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, Namur features a large fortress atop a hill, accessible by foot, cable car, or car. From there, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the rivers, the historic city center, and the Meuse Valley. The city itself is filled with charming squares, inviting cafés, excellent restaurants, and stylish boutiques. It has a distinct southern European flair.

Dinant

Continuing through the lovely Meuse Valley, passing green mountains and fascinating rock formations, we reach our final destination: Dinant. This small town of 13,000 people is the postcard image of Wallonia: a river, a bridge, colorful houses, a grand church, and a massive rock formation crowned with a citadel. Tip: For those interested, a 20-minute drive along the Meuse River leads into France.

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Belgian Ardennes: Paradise for Nature Lovers

The Belgian Ardennes, located in the southeast of Belgium, is a region full of charm, history, and adventure. This hilly to mountainous landscape, with dense forests, idyllic river valleys, and picturesque towns, attracts nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

Interesting Places

Here is a selection of the most beautiful places that should not be missed on any trip:

Namur, the capital of Wallonia, lies picturesquely at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. The Citadel of Namur, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, offers spectacular views and fascinating insights into the region’s history. The old town, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, invites visitors to stroll and explore.

Dinant, located directly on the Meuse, is famous for its majestic Citadel and the striking Church of Notre-Dame, nestled against the rock face. Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. A boat trip on the Meuse offers unforgettable views of the city.

Durbuy, known as the “smallest city in the world,” charms visitors with cobblestone streets, cozy restaurants and cafes, lovely shops, and a romantic atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, enjoying regional specialties, or engaging in outdoor activities.

The renowned city of Spa attracts visitors with its thermal springs and a touch of luxury. The city is also the namesake for spas worldwide. Nearby lies the famous Formula 1 racing circuit.

Bouillon, located near the French border, impresses with its castle perched above the Semois River. This medieval fortress tells the story of the Crusader Godfrey of Bouillon.

La Roche-en-Ardenne enchants with its medieval castle ruins and its idyllic setting along the Ourthe River.

These small towns combine culture, history, and nature – making the Ardennes an unforgettable travel destination!

Nature and History

The nature of the Ardennes is equally impressive. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy a network of trails winding through dense forests and rolling hills. The High Fens-Eifel Nature Park is particularly popular, known for its unique moor landscapes and rare flora and fauna. Adventurers can kayak on the Ourthe and Lesse rivers or explore the spectacular Caves of Han, famous for their stalactite formations and an underground river.

For history buffs, the Ardennes is a fascinating destination as well. The region played a significant role in European history, especially during World War II. The Bastogne War Museum, located in the town of Bastogne, provides a poignant insight into the Battle of the Ardennes.

Whether you seek the tranquility of nature, explore historical sites, or crave outdoor adventures, the Belgian Ardennes offer something for you!

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