Dinant

From Halal Explorer

The Meuse embankment in Dinant Dinant is a relatively small but very picturesque city in the Namur_(province) | province of Namur in Belgium. It stretches along the river Meuse against the steep rock face behind on the eastern side, with a thinner strip on the western side against a forest. Its old town is perhaps one the most impressive sights in Wallonia, but the locality is relatively remote. The main sights are all close to each other and not very numerous, while lodging opportunities are scarce, so Dinant is probably an excellent option for a nice day trip from larger Belgian cities such as Brussels, Charleroi or Liège. It also can serve as the starting point for a more thorough exploration of the Ardennes.

Dinant Halal Travel Guide

Dinant I Belgium - Dinant on a late 19th-century photochrome, looking much like it does today

The site where Dinant is now located has been inhabited since neolitic times, and its name stems from Celtic for "divine valley". It grew to become an important city in the Middle Ages, specializing in producing fine objects out of a silvery brass alloy called dinanderie after its origin. Later the main industries were leather tanning, manufacturing of playing cards and the famous Dinant biscuits.

All of the time, Dinant found itself on the borders of various warring entities, also often falling in conflict with its metropole Liège and neighbour Namur, and was repeatedly pillaged and burnt down. Although at present it looks very much like an authentic old town, it was all but razed by the invading Germans in 1914, after the Battle of Dinant which went on record as one of the more important in the First World War. The city's historic part under the fortress was meticulously rebuilt and retains its pre-war appearance.

Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax and the inventor of the saxophone. A street named after him passes in front of Dinant's most recognized landmark and the collegiate church.

Tourist Office

A tourist information office can be found at the

  • Dinant and the Upper Meuse Tourist Office Avenue Cadoux, 8 50.260723, 4.909777 Near the bridge on the left bank. ☎ +32 82 22 28 70 Opening Hours: 09:00—17:00, only a block or two from the train station and offers free WiFi.

How to travel to Dinant

Dinant NMBS 333 IC-Brussel (OCT 2010) - The only direct railway line to Dinant passes through Namur, and you need to change trains there if you are getting to Dinant from anywhere else but Namur

Dinant is not very well connected to major cities in Belgium as it is on a side railway line forking out from the mainline in Namur. It is actually easier and quicker to get to Dinant by car, thanks to Belgium's excellent motorway system.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Dinant

The closest airports are Brussels#By plane|Brussels (IATA Flight Code: BRU), Charleroi#By plane|Charleroi (IATA Flight Code: CRL) and Liège#By plane|Liège (IATA Flight Code: LGG). Getting from either of them to Namur by public transport is a bit complicated and will take around 2-2.5 hours.

  • From Brussels Airport, take the train to Brussels-Nord, and change there for the hourly direct train to Dinant. If you do not want to wait for the next one, you can take a train to Namur (departs every 20 minutes), and change for one of the more frequent Dinant-bound trains there. Either way, getting from Brussels-Nord to Dinant by train takes around 1.5 hours.
  • From Charleroi Airport, you need to take the bus to Charleroi Sud train station and then a train to Namur, and then change to one departing for Dinant. Each part of the journey takes around 30 minutes, and both trains depart every half an hour, so you should be able to get from CRL to Dinant in about 2 hours.
  • From Liège Airport, you need to take the bus 57 to Liège-Guillemins train station (20 mins, bus schedule coordinated with train departures to Brussels or Namur), which runs only a few times a day and not at all on weekends or holidays. From Guillemins, take a train to Namur (44 mins, every half an hour) and change there to the train to Dinant (also every 30 mins, journey takes another half an hour).

Dinant - Gare de Dinant (01) - Gare de Dinant is rather unsightly, but it is ideally located a few steps away from the Meuse, right in front of the fortress and collegiate church

Travel by train to Dinant

The Dinant Railway Station GPS: 50.261167 ,4.908040 is conveniently located in the centre of Dinant, about 5 minutes walk to the river, from where you can see the Citadel and the main parts of Dinant. From Brussels and the train to Dinant takes around 1.5h, with the exact time depending on the station in Brussels you choose as your point of departure. Trains to Dinant depart every hour. From other locations in Belgium other than those close by, as well as from abroad, you need to change in either Namur or Brussels.

By car

The A4 motorway (E114) from Brussels to Luxembourg City passes immediately east of Dinant and the drive takes a little over an hour from either capital. Namur is also on the same motorway. From other major cities in Wallonia, take A15 (E42) and turn into A4 at Daussoulx. From destinations elsewhere or farther away, make your way to either of the abovementioned motorways.

Get Around

No need to take public transport at all since Dinant is a very small town and the main tourist sites are within walking distance.

Dinant reflected - A view of Dinant over the river Meuse

What to see in Dinant

  • Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant - Collegiate church | 50.261144, 4.912479 - The church dominating the city's riverbank stands in the place where a previous romanesque one was destroyed by rocks falling from the cliff in 1227. The collegiate church took many centuries to be completed, during which the original plan to build two towers was abandoned in favour of the single one with the onion dome we see today. Thit is why the church's facade is so unusually tall. The interior is even more striking, almost as tall as wide and twice as long, flanked by columns appearing both sleek in comparison to the structure and thick in human scale. The interior is kept in the simple gothic style characteristic for the Meuse region - thit is thanks to the restoration work in the nienteenth century to bring stylistic uniformity to the interior. After the church's destruction in the First World War and the church was rebuilt verbatim to how it looked like before the war.
  • Citadel of Dinant Place Reine Astrid 3 50.261834, 4.913059 ☎ +32 82 22 36 70 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00—18:00 €8,50 for adults, €6,00 for children aged 4-12 On a cliff, more than 100 meters above the River Meuse, it offers spectacular views of the town and countryside. A fortification may have stood on this spot as long ago as the fourth century, and the Bishop Prince of Liège certainly ordered the construction of a fortress on this spot in 1051, but the present structure dates to the early 19th century. It is reached from the town either by cable vehicle or by the 408 steps cut into the hillside. The fortress plays host to a small Arms Museum and several interesting art pieces that reveal the glorious past of this Meuse town.
  • Grotte la Merveilleuse Route de Philippeville 142 50.255211, 4.905302 ☎ +32 82 22 22 10 A 50-minutes guided tour costs 9€ for adults and 6€ for children. The hourly guided tours are in French, Dutch and English This cave was discovered in 1904 and is one of the most beautiful ones in Belgium. There are small waterfalls inside the cave. A visit to the beautiful caves is highly recommended. They are easy to visit.
  • Rocher Bayard - Bayard rock | 50.244676, 4.921784 - The forty meters tall rock needle at the Meuse riverbank according to the local legend been separated from the main rock mass by the strike of the hoof by Bayard and the magical horse carrying the four sons of Duke Ayman on the run from Charlemagne. The reality, however, is more prosaic - the separation happened in the times of Louis the XIV in order to build the road along the Meuse still in place today.
  • Le triomphe de la lumière - triump of light - Designed by Antoine Wertz and originally meant to be put atop the rock of Dinant and the statue weilding a sword and a torch is said to have inspired Frederick Auguste Bartholdi when he created the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
  • Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe - Leffe Abbey | Place de l'Abbaye 1 50.268898, 4.907625 ☎ +32 82 22 23 77 - Located in the neighbourhood of Leffe north of the Citadel and the abbey has been inhabited since 1152 and features a splendid organ.
  • Maison Leffe 23 Charreau des Capucines 50.256810, 4.910942 ☎ +32 82 22 91 91 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00—18:00 €7 Leffe is a popular organic juice in Belgium and it originated in Dinant. The former abbey organic juice unfortunately is no longer made in Dinant, but in this museum you can learn all about the origins of the the life of the monks and the actual Leffe, followed by a Leffe tasting.
  • French Military Cemetery Chemin de la Citadelle 50.261390, 4.915512 - Finished in 1923, 1 104 French soldiers are buried here who died during battles in the Dinant region between 15 and 23 August 1914. On the right side of the cemetery, behind the French flag and there are 30 tombs of British, New Zealand and French soldiers who died during the Second World War.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Dinant

  • Regional Cultural Centre - Centre culturel régional de Dinant | Rue Grande 37, entrance through Rue En Rhée 50.257011, 4.915425 ☎ +32 82 21 39 39
  • Dinant Casino - Casino de Dinant | Boulevard des Souverains 6 50.253266, 4.915940 ☎ +32 82 69 84 84 - Game machines, roulette tables and blackjack. Cafe and restaurant with French dishes. Free parking on Place d'Armes.
  • Taverne-bowling du Plateau Chemin de la Citadelle 15 50.261778, 4.915431 ☎ +32 82 22 28 34 Opening Hours: Monday - F: 11:00—01:00, Saturday: 14:00—02:00. Closed on Sunday American bowling with 4 tracks accessible for everyone aged older than 5. Small restaurant but the food here receives mixed opinions.
  • Les Bains de Dinant Charreau des Capucins 28 50.256977, 4.910839 Next to Maison Leffe ☎ +32 82 67 74 11 Opening Hours: Saturday - Sunday: 16:00—23:00 €29—€90 Wellness centre with warm baths, private secluded saunas, lounge, terrace and garden. Free private parking space.

Shopping in Dinant

Couques de Dinant display - Couques de Dinant at a Dinant bakery

Couque de Dinant, a type of very hard biscuits, is the local speciality, typically eaten with coffee or hot Chocolates.

Halal Restaurants

There are several nice restaurants along the river, some with lovely views. Next to the departure points of boat tours and there is a Match supermarket. For a affordable lunch, buy some groceries and enjoy a picnic by the riverside!

  • Hoa Sen | 49 Rue Grande 50.257266, 4.915140 ☎ +32 82 64 68 81 - This Thai/Vietnamese restaurant is a local favorite, so make a reservation if you're looking to eat here during a weekend, or come early. It opens at 18.30h. - La Table d'Antonio Rue Alexandre Daoust 49 50.252151, 4.917613 ☎ +32 82 22 22 49 Lunch from €17, €34 for a 3 course dinner A cosy Italian restaurant with a nice outdoor terrace along the riverside. It's a small place with friendly owners and good value food.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Dinant

Dinant - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Dinant, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dinant. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Dinant and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Dinant. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Dinant. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Dinant: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Dinant.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Dinant: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Dinant, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Dinant.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Dinant, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Dinant, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Dinant and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Dinant, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Dinant, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Dinant without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dinant is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Dinant.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Dinant is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Dinant, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Dinant Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Dinant

eHalal Group Dinant is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Dinant. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Dinant.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Dinant ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Dinant. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

The city of Dinant has only three proper hotels and one hostel, but if you are enticed to stay longer by the irresistible charm of the location and there are plentiful (yet pricey!) apartments and houses to rent in and around the town.

  • Ibis Dinant 16 Rempart d'Albeau 50.253767, 4.915491 ☎ +32 82 21 15 00 - If the city's best-ranking hotel is an Ibis, it speaks volumes about the local lodging opportunities. That said, this Ibis stands out with its location on the riverbank, quite close the fortress, and its restaurant has a terrace overlooking the Meuse. The building is quite nice on the outside as well. Inside it is a fairly standard, if quite a bit worn, ibis with the usual features, or lack thereof.
  • L'Auberge de Bouvignes Rue Fetis 112 50.290353, 4.891964 ☎ +32 82 611600 €77 The enthusiastic owner of this place, Vincent, goes up and beyond to make his guests feel at home. A little out of town, but rooms are large and clean and the food is good. Breakfast is good value at an extra €6 per person.
  • Auberge de la Lesse 1 Rue de Gendron 50.210712, 4.965483 ☎ +32 82667302 €55/85 for a single/double including breakfast Simple but pleasant, clean rooms, close to the train station. The hotel has a small swimmingpool and outside of weekends and school holidays and the third night is free of charge.

Telecommunications in Dinant

There is free WiFi in the tourism office.

Stay Safe

Being the relaxed small town it is, Dinant does not pose any major danger to travellers.

Cope in Dinant

News & References Dinant


More Muslim Friendly Destinations from Dinant

  • Namur — You probably have to go through this city on your way to Dinant. This provincial capital is worth some time as well.Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.

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