Durbuy
The region

The district of Durbuy is located in southern Belgium, Wallonia, at the foot of the Ardennes. It is made up of 40 small villages and hamlets and gets its name from one of the most important villages in the area: Durbuy has been recognised as a “town” since the Middle Ages in view of the important legal bodies and commercial activities there. And so it was that the old town of Durbuy became known as ‘the smallest town in the world’, putting this humble corner of the Belgian Ardennes firmly on the map.

This small gem from the Middle Ages in no way diminishes the sparkle of neighbouring villages. Their close proximity enables tourists to discover different aspects of a Wallonia rich in colours, flavours, heritage and areas brimming with life.


Situated at the intersection of three geological regions, Durbuy offers a startling array of landscapes. Shaped by the elements, the area offers majestic and often untold panoramas, such as Roche-à-Frêne, or the view of the Falize in Durbuy’s old town. Caves run along the Ourthe and its tributaries, such as the Coléoptère cave in Juzaine, or the cave in Bohon or Villers Ste Gertrude.


The forests, densely populated with hardwood, house an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, and it is here that local authorities have laid down 175km of pedestrian footpaths.


At the heart of Europe and close by the main transport links, yet protected by the Ourthe valley, Durbuy offers the luxury of leaving the cares of the world behind, yet remains within arm’s reach.


For more than 150 years, the town has been famed for its cuisine, bringing in connoisseurs from far and wide. It is one of the driving forces behind Durbuy’s tourism economy. Numerous products are produced locally, which means the markets in other villages can also be patronised.


Mainly managed by small family businesses, the accommodation sector welcomes many tourists. Visitors will find a range of accommodation adapted to taste, length of visit and reason for stay: hotels of all types, classic or with an unusual personal touch, charming or unique guestrooms, camping areas, group accommodation, places for businesspeople for seminars or team-building exercises, rural cottages, farms or holiday villages…


Tourism, an economic pillar of the town, is moulded by two other important factors: agriculture and forestry. These are what give the area its uniqueness: all the riches of rural life.



Stakeholders


Regarding the regional and touristic development of Durbuy there are several important stakeholders:

  • OPT (Wallonie Tourism agency)
  • Local development agency (ADL)
  • Durbuy Tourism office

Touristic service providers: accommodation services, restaurants, other touristic attractions




Durbuy is coached by Groupe One
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