On the first weekend of our two weeks school break in early April, we went on a short trip to Belgium, more precisely to Dinant and Bomal.
Though Dinant might be a known city, Bomal certainly is less famous.
We have been to this area exactly a year ago when I wanted to discover Durbuy.
As back then I did not find any suitable or reasonably priced accommodation for 2 adults and 3 kids in Durbuy, I searched the internet and that's how I found 'de Dennenheuvel' or in French 'Mont des Pins' near Bomal, where we stayed last year as well as this year though.
Dinant was a city I also had heard of so I wanted to visit Dinant this year.
I booked a hotel for the first night in Dinant, and for the second night again in 'De Dennenheuvel' where we had stayed the previous year.
Dinant is thus mostly know as the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the father of all saxophones.
The house of Mr Sax is located approximatively where the original house stood where Adolphe Sax was born. Outside stands a bench with an Adolphe Sax statue sitting on it since 2002. Inside the house is an exhibition where you will discover many features and details about the life of Adolphe Sax, his inventions and the success story of the saxophone.
Saxophones can be found nearly everywhere throughout the city. The best known examples surely are the oversized saxophones on the 'Charles de Gaulle Bridge' or the huge glass saxophone place in the town hall's courtyard. It's actually a piece of art created by the Belgian artist Bernard Tirtiaux, inaugurated in 2014.
Dinant is a small and cosy town, and everything on a walking distance. The citadelle can be reached by climbing the stairs, by or by car.
As Dinant is located on the river Maas, boat tours are also available.
A stroll along the newly refurbished promenade is a must.
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Dinant's landmark definetely is the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant. This church had been rebuild in Gothic style after parts of the former church in Romaesque style had been destroyed (in 1227) by rocks falling from the cliff on which the Citadel is build.
This is certainly the most famous postcard-like view of Dinant including above mentioned Church, Charles de Gaulle Bridge, the river Maas and the Citadel.
On the opposite side of the hills that embed the city of Dinant you will find a former convent hosting nowadays the Hotel 'La Merveilleuse' as well as the 'Maison Leffe'.
This magnificent building, dating back to the end of the nineteenth century, was build as a convent in neo-gothic style and over a century run as institution by Dominican nuns under the name of 'Couvent de Bethléem'.
In 2008 the property was transformed into a hotel called 'La Merveilleuse' by Infiniti Resorts.
From the old convent uphill you have a wonderful view on the Maas, over Dinant and the citadel, as well as far right: the Rock Bayard.
The hotel rooms as well as shared spaces are nicely furnished and the old character of the former convent is well preserved.
It's definitely a gorgeous place to be.
As mentioned above, the former convent also hosts the 'Maison Leffe' telling and showing the history of the famous Belgian beer Leffe.
The adjacent spa will make your wellness dreams come true....at least I imagine so!
As we travel with three kids, spa and wellness are not on our top five list of things to see or do on vacation.
As a treat I had booked the 8p family apartment which is absolutely lovely a stunningly spacious!
It's located on the far end of two consecutive corridors and it's really quit with a nice view on the city, church and citadel. Actually, as the apartment with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a living / dining room covers the complete end of this wing of the building, you have windows facing North, and West.
The hotel's name 'La Merveilleuse' actually comes from the nearby underground cave complex in the hills of Dinant discovered in 1904 when building a railroad.
When looking for a place to dine, we drove out of Dinant, and saw this lovely place called 'l'atmosphère ... côté Meuse' only a few km further along the Maas in a village called Anseremme.
As it happened, the opening had only been a day prior to our visit. Lovely deco, quality service and good food . . . definitely to be recommended ! I had a delicious vegan burger with sweet potato fries and salad.
If you're looking for Belgium beer or whisky, wine or gin, have a look at the huge selection at 'Au Village Gourmand' located 148 rue Grade in the centre.
You will definitely find the perfect drink matching your taste or a special bottle as give-away.
When we visited in April, there was an impressive exhibition of giant Chinese lanterns on the promenade. Though these were lovely and impressive in daylight, it's only when being illuminated that they really looked splendid.
As mentioned above, we spend the second night again in 'De Denneheuvel' a resort close to Bomal sur Ourthe.
Nicely located on the 'Denneheuvel' (pine hill), with different categories and sizes of rooms, playground, football and basketball court and plenty of green areas for the kids to explore, it's an ideal place for families.
So whether you wanna do some sight seeing, hiking, canoeing, look for an adventure or just for a time-out ....this is a great area not far away !
Some more hints on what to do or see:
visiting Dinant
strolling through the old town of Durbuy and topiary park
kayaking or canoeing on the river Ourthe
having fun at the Adventure Valley in Durbuy
relaxing close to the Dolmen North of Wéris
visiting the market 'petite Batte' in Bomal
looking for the exit at the labyrinth close to Barvaux
. . . . and much more !
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