Dinant: The Jewel of the Meuse River Valley

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa / deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh men-oo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Aidez-moi!
  [ay-day mwa]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Dinant, a quaint town nestled along the Meuse River in Belgium, boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally a small settlement, it grew in prominence due to its strategic location and fertile lands. By the 10th century, Dinant had developed into a bustling hub for trade and commerce.

During the Middle Ages, Dinant became renowned for its copperware, known as 'Dinanderie'. Artisans in Dinant produced exquisite copper goods that were highly sought after across Europe. The town's prosperity attracted merchants and craftsmen, leading to an economic boom.

In 1466, Dinant faced a significant turning point when Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, attacked the town. As a result of a rebellion against Burgundian rule, Charles besieged and sacked Dinant, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. This event marked a dark chapter in the town's history.

Following the devastation of 1466, Dinant underwent a period of reconstruction. The town slowly recovered, and the Renaissance brought renewed cultural and economic growth. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, was rebuilt during this time, symbolizing Dinant's resilience.

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes to Dinant. The town saw an influx of factories and industries, transforming its economic landscape. The Meuse River played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and trade, further boosting Dinant's industrial growth.

Dinant was profoundly impacted by World War I. In August 1914, the town witnessed intense fighting during the Battle of Dinant. German forces clashed with the French, resulting in heavy casualties and significant damage to the town. The infamous Massacre of Dinant, where German troops executed hundreds of civilians, remains a tragic memory.

In the aftermath of World War I, Dinant embarked on a journey of reconstruction and recovery. The town gradually rebuilt its infrastructure and cultural landmarks. Today, Dinant is a vibrant tourist destination, celebrated for its picturesque scenery, historical sites, and rich cultural heritage.

Dinant is known for its lively cultural festivals and traditions. The annual 'Fêtes de Wallonie' celebrates Walloon heritage with parades, music, and local cuisine. Additionally, Dinant pays homage to its musical legacy as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, with events and exhibitions dedicated to his work.

Dinant is easily accessible from various parts of Belgium and neighboring countries. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 100 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a direct train to Dinant, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive, taking the E411 highway, which offers a scenic route through the Belgian countryside.

Dinant is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the area, local buses and taxis are available. Renting a car is also a convenient option for exploring the surrounding regions, such as the Ardennes. Bicycles can be rented for a more eco-friendly and enjoyable way to see the city and its beautiful landscapes.

The official currency in Dinant, as in the rest of Belgium, is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Dinant is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Belgium. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Dinant, is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly casual attire when dining out in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites, such as churches, and consider dressing modestly. Public Transport: Do purchase your ticket before boarding the train or bus. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' depending on the time of day. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Couque de Dinant and Leffe beer. Don't forget to tip in restaurants, as it is customary to leave a small amount.

To experience Dinant like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at cafés and pubs, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat trip on the Meuse River for stunning views of the city’s cliffs and citadel. For a unique dining experience, try the local specialty, Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit made from flour and honey.