The hidden gem of Dinant sits outside of the Belgian capital of Brussels and is packed with history, charm and photography hotspots.
Lieutenant Charles de Gaulle Memorial reminds visitors of the rich history that is Dinant. Charles de Gaulle served here in World War I during the Battle of Dinant. He would then eventually rise to the rank of General during World War II and then as President of France.
About a hundred giant saxophones pays homage to the town’s most famous citizen, Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. If you have time, there’s also a museum that was once the home of Adolphe Sax.
A thousand-year-old fortress holds a lot of history as well as an incomparable panoramic view of the town and the Meuse River. Climb the steps to the top or ride a cable car then check out the citadel’s fascinating history.
And finally the Collegiate Church of Our Lady (Notre Dame) is a striking fixture on the banks of the river, along with a row of colorful Belgian houses. Go inside the church to see one of the largest walls of stained glass on the European continent.
So much to see in this hidden gem! The size of the town is small enough to make this a perfect half day trip out of Brussels.
By Unknown author – Charles de Gaulle soldat, 1914-1918, Amiens, Martelle, 1999, ISBN 2-87890-073-1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82523810
By Unknown author – Lectures pour tous, 1er mars 1915 p.657, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3271208
By Agence Rol – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b6927111q, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27690089
By Alexandre Daoust (1886-1947) – [http://www.dinant.be/uploads/pages/1/335/cimg0919%20[1280×768].jpg](http://www.dinant.be/uploads/pages/1/335/cimg0919%2520%5B1280x768%5D.jpg), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78014794
By Unknown author – http://www.matelecommeen14.be/spip.php?rubrique8, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77752223
By Unknown author – http://www.matelecommeen14.be/spip.php?rubrique8, Public Domain,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77752216 Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Music courtesy: Uplifting Acoustic Tune with a Bright, Positive Vibe by Nancy_Sinclair — https://freesound.org/s/751877/ — License: Attribution 4.0.