Meuse Valley Route

The Meuse valley is one of the most beautiful regions in Belgium, where steep rock faces, dense forests and picturesque towns alternate along the meandering river. This two-day route follows the Meuse and its side valleys from Dinant to Liege, with four stops that showcase the best of Wallonia's cultural and natural heritage. From medieval citadels to water gardens, from castles above deep valleys to contemporary art in a city park — this route offers a surprising variety of experiences.

Begin in Dinant, where the imposing citadel towers high above the Meuse and the famous collegiate church. The cable car takes you comfortably to the top, and staff offer assistance to wheelchair users when boarding and alighting. At the summit, a breathtaking panorama over the Meuse valley awaits. The citadel itself is partially accessible; the main route along the ramparts is paved, but some underground casemates cannot be reached. Book cable car assistance in advance for a worry-free experience. Then head to the Gardens of Annevoie, a unique ensemble of eighteenth-century water gardens where fountains and cascades operate entirely on natural water pressure. The main paths through the gardens are largely paved and offer beautiful vistas over ponds and waterfalls, though some gravel side paths may be challenging for wheelchair users.

On the second day, visit the Chateau de Modave, a majestic castle perched high above the Hoyoux valley. The castle is renowned for its magnificent seventeenth-century stucco ceilings and the ingenious hydraulic system that once pumped water to the gardens. The ground floor of the castle is accessible, but the upper floors unfortunately are not due to the historic staircases. The castle gardens and the terrace with views over the valley are well accessible however. Finish the route at La Boverie in Liege, an elegant art museum set in the Parc de la Boverie on an island in the Meuse. The museum, which has a partnership with the Louvre, is excellently wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors, wide passages and adapted toilets. The surrounding park offers flat, paved walking paths along the water — a lovely spot to end the route at a relaxed pace.

Practical tips: follow the Meuse as the thread connecting this route. The N92 and N90 roads along the river offer magnificent views. Dinant and Liege are reachable by train via accessible stations, making a train-and-car combination possible. Book cable car assistance in Dinant at least a day ahead. Namur and Liege are both excellent bases with accessible hotels. Bear in mind that the Meuse valley is a hilly landscape; the stops themselves are well prepared for wheelchair users, but the surroundings can be steep.