Two hectares. A few little streets. A castle, a church, and a handful of houses nestled in a bend of the Ourthe River. On paper, Durbuy could almost be explored between the appetizer and dessert. Yet, this medieval town located about two hours from Lille attracts each year a crowd of curious visitors eager to discover what is lovingly dubbed « the smallest city in the world ».
A tiny town born from a royal decision
Durbuy owes its surprising nickname to a story almost seven centuries old. In 1331, John of Bohemia, then Count of Luxembourg, officially granted it city status along with several freedoms and privileges. A quite prestigious distinction for a settlement whose walls barely protected two hectares. Since then, the expression has taken on a life of its own, becoming primarily a historical nickname and a tourism slogan: the current municipality of Durbuy, expanded after the merger of Belgian communes.
Yes, it's definitely much larger. But its medieval heart is so compact that you can easily explore it on foot in just one or two hours. A little detail that doesn’t take away from its charm. After all, few cities can fit almost entirely in a panoramic photo without leaving their castle behind.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A maze of cobblestones and stone houses
The best way to enjoy Durbuy is to not overplan your visit. Step into the old town, tuck away your itinerary, and let yourself be swept away by its pedestrian streets lined with limestone houses. The Daufresne de la Chevalerie Street, known to be the oldest in the city, features a cobblestone pathway made from pebbles sourced from the Ourthe River. Surrounding it are ancient facades, narrow passages, and quaint little terraces, creating an Ardennes backdrop that seems to have been carefully preserved from gray buildings and unfortunate roundabouts. The castle of the Counts of Ursel still watches over the river from its rocky outcrop. While it’s private property and not usually open for visits, it remains one of Durbuy's symbols, and you can always admire it from the riverbank.
A 320-million-year-old rock in the middle of the town
Just a few steps from the houses stands one of the most intriguing curiosities.Dazzling sights of Durbuy: the rock of the Anticline. This massive folded wall, standing about 37 meters tall, reveals layers of limestone formed over 300 million years ago. Its spectacular silhouette contrasts with the miniature scale of the town and gently reminds us that nature here has never really known the concept of modesty. The rock is located near the water point and is one of the must-sees recommended by the Walloon tourism office, alongside the castle and the charming old streets of the center.
A garden where boxwoods transform into animals
Just a stone's throw from the historic center, the Topiary Park adds a sprinkle of whimsy to the stroll. Spanning about one hectare, nearly 250 trimmed shrubs take the shape of animals, characters, and sometimes quite improbable silhouettes. Elephants, birds, or characters appear to have patiently grown there, waiting for someone to notice them.Finally, take out your camera! The garden also offers a lovely view of the castle. This visit is especially great for a family outing, but it works just as well with adults who can embrace their excitement in front of a topiary peacock.
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Kayaking, Hiking, and Adventure in the Ardennes
Durbuy may be tiny, but its surroundings are perfect for filling up the rest of your weekend! The Ourthe Valley is loved for its kayaking trips and strolls along the water. The trails of the Belgian Ardennes also offer plenty of hiking opportunities among forests, hills, and charming stone villages. Just minutes from the center, Adventure Valley Durbuy brings together treetop climbing, rock climbing, via ferrata, and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to go from a romantic wander to thinking, “Why did I agree to climb all the way up there?” To extend your getaway, the nearby village of Wéris is known for its prehistoric dolmens and menhirs. It's a great stop for those who feel that a castle, an anticline, and 250 sculpted boxwoods aren't quite enough to make their trip worthwhile.
A Destination to Enjoy After the Visitors Leave
Along the little streets of Durbuy, restaurants, brasseries, and terraces highlight the local flavors!
lités wallonnes and the products from the Belgian Ardennes: craft beers, cheeses, cold cuts, and dishes more generous than an Ardennes slope at the end of a hike. The city is particularly popular during the beautiful season and on weekends, so spending a night here allows you to enjoy the historical center once the daytime visitors have hit the road. Once the terraces have calmed down and the cobblestones are returned to the few residents of the center, Durbuy fully regains its charm of a miniature medieval decor.Address: Durbuy, Belgium