Family adventures: a perfect day out around Dinant
Organizing a day trip that pleases everyone – from young children to teenagers and parents – is often a challenge. Between some people’s desire for adventure, others’ need for culture, and the necessity of relaxation for all, finding the perfect balance can seem complicated. But what if the solution was just a few kilometers from your bungalow at Bonsoy? The Dinant region, with its unique concentration of diverse activities, is an exceptional playground for families. It offers the opportunity to create a fulfilling, engaging, and memorable day without spending hours in the car.
Here, we offer you not a rigid program, but a framework, a suggested itinerary for a “perfect day” with your family, adaptable to your children’s ages and your interests. The idea is to combine, in a single day, the wonder of a natural site, the thrill of a fun adventure, and the discovery of a major historical landmark. Starting from the tranquility of your bungalow, embark on a family adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. This day is an ideal way to experience the possibilities offered by your Base camp for exploring the castles, by adapting it specifically to families.
Morning (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM): The Underground Adventure at La Merveilleuse Cave
Start your day with a dive into the depths of the earth. Located at the entrance of Dinant, the “La Merveilleuse” cave lives up to its name and provides a perfect introduction to the geology of the region.
•Why it’s ideal for families : The guided tour, which lasts about 50 minutes, is a captivating experience. Children are fascinated by the strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites, the petrified waterfalls, and the large chambers that resemble underground cathedrals. It’s a vivid and impressive lesson in natural science.
•The journey : The path is well-maintained and safe, but be aware that there are many steps (approximately 120). The interior temperature is constant (around 13°C), so bring a light jacket even in summer.
•The + : The pure beauty of the calcite draperies, of exceptional whiteness, and the majesty of the “Great Hall” and the “Glacier Room” create an experience that awakens the imagination and inspires respect for the slow and patient work of nature.
•Useful link : https://www.grotte-la-merveilleuse.be/
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Picnic with a view or a friendly brasserie.
After the darkness of the cave, you’ll return to the light and fresh air for lunch. Two options are available to you.
•Option 1: The Adventure Picnic. Drive back up towards the Citadel. Just before you arrive, picnic areas offer spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Meuse River. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sandwiches you prepared that morning at the bungalow in an unforgettable setting. Economical, simple, and effective.
•Option 2: The Brasserie on the banks of the Meuse. Head back down to the city and find a table on a terrace along the Croisette. Many brasseries offer simple, quick dishes (toasted sandwiches, meatballs and fries, salads) that appeal to the whole family. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the city’s atmosphere and watch the boats go by.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Storming the Citadel
The afternoon is dedicated to Dinant’s iconic monument. The Citadel is not a dusty museum, but a true time machine.
•The Climb : Two options for the same destination. The cable car is an attraction in itself, offering a 360° panoramic view during the ascent. For the more adventurous, the 408-step staircase (carved into the rock in 1577!) is a challenge that makes the reward at the top even more satisfying.
•The Visit : A visit to the Citadel is a perfect blend of history and engaging experiences. The arms museum, the reconstruction of a World War I trench (complete with sound and visual effects), the 17th-century kitchen, the carriage room… each room tells a story.
•The extra benefit for children : The playground at the top is the perfect place to let off steam after the visit. The view from the ramparts is also an excellent way to help them understand geography and military strategy in a concrete way.
•Useful link : https://www.citadellededinant.be/
Late afternoon (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM): The sweetness of a brioche.
Before leaving Dinant, one last stop is essential for a snack. It’s impossible to visit the city of Dinant without trying its specialty: the Couque de Dinant.
•A centuries-old tradition : Step into one of the city’s artisanal bakeries (like Maison Jacobs) to discover this extremely hard biscuit, made with honey and flour, and imprinted with designs from carved wooden molds. It’s more of an object to admire and suck on than to bite into!
•The Workshop : Some shops offer demonstrations of the manufacturing process. This is an excellent way to understand the history of this unique tradition.
•The Gourmet Alternative : For those who prefer something soft and fluffy, opt for a warm Liège waffle, a classic Belgian treat that is always appreciated.
Evening: The Return to Bonsoy Base Camp
After such a busy day, returning to the tranquility of your bungalow is a real luxury. It’s the perfect time to debrief about the day’s adventures over a good meal, or even better, a barbecue on your terrace if the weather permits.
•The Modern Campfire : Light the wood-burning stove. This is the perfect time to share the best moments of the day: the strangest stalactite, the most impressive view, the highest point reached during the hike…
•The Well-Deserved Rest : While the children fall asleep, their heads filled with images of knights and explorers, the parents can enjoy the silence of the forest, a drink in hand, thinking to themselves that yes, it was a perfect day.
This itinerary is just a suggestion. The beauty of the region lies in its flexibility. You can replace the cave visit with a railbike ride, the Citadel with the Château de Vêves, the picnic with a gourmet restaurant meal… The important thing is to create a day that suits you, using the Bungalows du Bonsoy as a peaceful and rejuvenating base. The real luxury is having the choice.
