dinant - Belgium

DINANT
Birthplace of Adolphe Sax
© AIAS
© WBT-J.P. Remy
2014 : 200th Anniversary of Aldolphe Sax’s birth
Until January 11, 2015 : The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels celebrates Adolphe Sax with an exceptional exhibition SAX200.
July 18 to 20, 2014 : International jazz festival at the Leffe Abbey.
Every Sunday in July and August : The Sundays of Mister Sax. Jazz bands travel through Dinant while playing for the delight of the public.
October 25 to November 8, 2014 : the 6th Adolphe Sax International Competition is open to saxophonists of a high standard, of every
nationality, who have not yet reached the age of 31 when the final of the competition takes place. The contest is held every 4 years.
December 16, 2014 : Concert given by the Belgian Air Force Orchestra
Gateway to the
Ardennes
Dinant, located 90 mn by train or just over an hour’s drive from Brussels, sits on the banks of the Meuse River. The
RaVel 2, a network of former canals that have been transformed into flat, smoothly paved routes for walkers and
cyclists, follows the Meuse between Namur and Dinant.
A Perfect Picture
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The Collegiate Church of Our Lady is a perfect sample of primary orgival architecture from the 13th century. This
church features remarkable stained glass, including the large Ladon glass roof, one of the largest in Europe. Located
at the foot of a cliff facing the Meuse River, the setting is spectacular. Every Sunday in July and August, a free organ
concert is held at 4:30 pm.
Sound City
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The House of Mr Sax is not a museum in the typical sense, but rather an exciting way of discovering the world of a
multi-talented musician. Located in a building on the location where Adolphe Sax was born Antoine-Joseph on November 6th, 1814, the center takes visitors through the invention of the saxophone in an original and fun
setting. The Pataphonia Centre is a space where everyday objects and materials become musical instruments. This
unique instrument-arium, thought-up by instrument maker Max Vandervorst, is entertaining and accessible to all.
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Bird’s Eye View
Major in Brewing
The fortified Citadel was first built in the 11th century to protect the Meuse valley below. The Prince-Bishops of
Liège rebuilt and enlarged it in 1530, the French destroyed it in 1703 and it was later rebuilt in 1821. In its final
transformation, the Citadel is now home to Dinant’s Arms Museum.
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Maison Leffe, an informative and interactive museum dedicated to the history of one of the most recognizable Belgian Trappist beers dating back to 1240, employs a self-guided tour to teach visitors about the beer-making process,
the life of a Trappist Monk, and the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Leffe. Finish the tour with a beer tasting.
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Go on an
Adventure
Three miles down the road from Dinant, the impetuous Lesse River joins the Meuse. Popular among canoeists, the
Lesse runs through the village of Anseremme, which welcomes these floating visitors with food, drink and a place to
rest. Dinant Adventures also offers a wide range of exciting and challenging activities: rope bridges, nature walks,
laser tag, cross country cycling, cable car, ziplines and much more! The local castles and gardens of Freyr, Annevoie
and Veves offer breathtaking scenery and picture-perfect settings for a day outdoors.
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Prepare to Board
Each year on August 15th, the city of Dinant, in keeping with Belgium’s reputation for the quirky and unusual, hosts
the Bathtub Regatta. The regatta highlights the city’s joie de vivre and attracts as many as 25,000 visitors who watch
this procession of bizarre boats racing down the Meuse River. In addition to bathtubs, visitors will see homemade
rafts, floating waterslides and other curious boat-like creations.
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Local Sweets
Sample the locals’ pride and joy: the famous "Couques de Dinant." This hard biscuit, with a honey-sweetened
flavor, is imprinted with a carved wooden moulding before baking. Don’t bite into this cookie, though. Instead,
break off pieces and let it melt slowly in your mouth before chewing.
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2014 Events: April 26: Gathering of grenadiers in the Citadel of Dinant - May 24/25: Garden Fair - May 25: Free Concert in The Collégiale
Church Of Dinant -July 21: Traditional firework - August 15: Flea market along the Meuse
WWI : June 20: Cabaret, « Chansons de guerre, chansons de paix » - June21- October 5: Exhibition « 14 in Dinant » - August 16-September 20: Exhibition on Charles de Gaulle -August 18-24 :
Belgian Tourist Office / Brussels Wallonia
Sound and light show “674”- August 23: Celebration in tribute of the victims - September 13-14:
300 East 42nd Street—New York, NY 10017
Heritage days, commemoration itinerary - November 11: Inauguration of the restored veterans’crypte - December 16: Concert of the Royal Air Force www.dinant-tourisme.com
(212) 758 –8130 • www.visitbelgium.com