Dinant and the Meuse valley

Dinant is spectacularly set between steep cliffs and the Meuse, with its citadel crowning the town and the collegiate church at its foot. This day trip combines the highlights of Dinant itself with a detour to the fairytale Château de Vêves, half an hour to the south. Expect a varied day full of natural beauty; some locations require a little extra planning for accessibility.

Start at the Citadelle de Dinant, high above the town. The citadel can be reached by cable car (téléphérique) or by car via the rear — for wheelchair users the car approach is the most comfortable option, as the cable car has boarding steps. At the top you will find paved paths, an accessible exhibition space and spectacular views over the Meuse. Then descend to the Collégiale Notre-Dame with its iconic pear-shaped spire. The church is accessible via a ramped side entrance; the nave is on a single level.

Nearby stands the Maison Adolphe Sax, dedicated to the Dinant-born inventor of the saxophone. The small museum is fully accessible from the street, and interactive screens let you explore the sound of different saxophones. A short roll further on brings you to the Parc Thermal Dinant — a refreshing pause after an intensive morning, with paved paths, benches and views of the Meuse. This is a good spot for a picnic.

In the afternoon, drive towards Celles for the Château de Vêves, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium. The castle is partially accessible: the ground-floor rooms and the inner courtyard can be visited, but the upper floors are only reachable by stairs. Ask in advance about an adapted route. Practical tips: park in Dinant at Parking Hamaide or Place Reine Astrid, both with disabled spaces. The distances between stops in Dinant itself are short, but beware of a few sloping streets in the old town. For Château de Vêves the car is essential.