40 Enchanting European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale

By

Lisette Marie

March 12, 2026

34. Dinant, Belgium: Citadel on the Meuse

View of picturesque Dinant town. Belgium. Photo Credit: Envato @Dmitry_Rukhlenko

Dinant presents a striking fairytale tableau, dramatically set along the River Meuse beneath a formidable citadel and the distinctive onion dome of its collegiate church. Famous as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, colourful saxophone sculptures dot the town. Enjoy a boat trip on the river, explore the ancient citadel for panoramic views, or visit the nearby Grotte La Merveilleuse. The sheer verticality of its setting and its rich musical heritage lend Dinant a unique and imposing charm, like a scene from a grand, legendary epic.

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