Durbuy: The Enchanting Pearl of the Ardennes

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

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah pee-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh meh-duh-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-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twa]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lah-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 eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Durbuy's origins date back to the Roman era, where it was first established as a small settlement. However, it wasn't until the medieval period that Durbuy began to flourish. By the 11th century, it had grown into an important trading post, benefiting from its strategic location by the Ourthe River. In 1331, Durbuy was granted city status by John I, Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, marking the beginning of its historical significance in the region.

The centerpiece of Durbuy's historical landscape is its castle, Château de Durbuy. Originally constructed in the 9th century as a wooden fortress, it was later rebuilt in stone during the 11th and 12th centuries. The castle has seen numerous renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, serving as a residence for nobility and a military stronghold. Today, it stands as a symbol of the town's medieval heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

Durbuy's historical charm is encapsulated in its well-preserved medieval layout and cobbled streets. The town's market square, Place aux Foires, has been the heart of local commerce and social life for centuries. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the town hall and several centuries-old houses, the square offers a picturesque setting that transports visitors back in time. The narrow, winding streets that branch out from the square are lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and artisanal shops, reflecting the town's enduring cultural heritage.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes to Durbuy. The development of new transportation routes and industrial centers in other parts of Belgium led to a decline in Durbuy's economic importance. However, this period also saw the town's transformation into a quaint, picturesque destination, as its historical architecture and serene natural surroundings began attracting artists, writers, and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.

In the 20th century, Durbuy experienced a renaissance as a tourist destination. Efforts to preserve and restore its historical buildings and landscapes paid off, and the town became renowned for its beauty and charm. The creation of the Topiary Park, featuring meticulously sculpted plant displays, further enhanced its appeal. Today, Durbuy is celebrated as one of the smallest cities in the world, drawing visitors from all over who come to explore its rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes.

Durbuy is located in the Walloon Region of Belgium. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a train to Barvaux-sur-Ourthe, which is the closest train station to Durbuy, and then a taxi or local bus to reach the town. Alternatively, you can drive from Brussels to Durbuy, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the E411 and N63 highways.

Durbuy is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, local buses and taxis are available. Renting a car is also a convenient option for those who wish to explore the Ardennes region at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented locally for a more eco-friendly way to explore the scenic countryside.

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Durbuy. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in the town for cash withdrawals.

Durbuy is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always a good idea to take standard precautions: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Durbuy.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services for police, fire, and medical help. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Durbuy. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are present in the town for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. It's polite to say 'Bonjour' (Good day) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as Ardennes ham and Belgian waffles. Don't refuse hospitality or invitations to try local dishes, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Durbuy like a local, visit the weekly market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the topiary park, which features impressive topiary art. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Ourthe River and explore the numerous hiking trails around the town. Sampling local beers at a café is also a must-do.