Durbuy

Durbuy is a charming and picturesque town located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Known as the “smallest town in the world,” Durbuy offers visitors a unique and memorable experience with its charming streets, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. The historic city center, founded in the 14th century, can be easily explored on foot, as it’s so small that you can walk from one side to the other in just 5 minutes.

Location

Durbuy is located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, in the Wallonia region. The municipality of Durbuy encompasses the towns of Barveaux, Bomal, Villers-Saint-Gertrude, Wéris and several other villages, all set in the scenic valleys of the Ourthe and Aisne rivers.

Discover Durbuy

You can enjoy a drink on one of the cosy terraces at the town square, or taste Belgian specialties in one of the excellent restaurants tucked into the old city streets. There’s even a mini-golf course! Right outside the city, a wide range of outdoor activities await: mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, zip-lining and much more. Large parking areas are available just outside the city centre.

Where to eat & local specialties

Despite being the world’s smallest city, Durbuy punches well above its weight gastronomically. Its compact cobblestone streets are lined with an impressive concentration of restaurants ranging from cosy Ardennes brasseries to inventive fine-dining experiences. Whether you’re after a hearty lunch after a morning hike or a romantic dinner overlooking the Ourthe river, you’ll find something to satisfy.

💡 Tip: Durbuy gets very busy on weekends and during Belgian school holidays. Always book a table in advance for dinner at the more popular restaurants, especially from April through October.

Top restaurants in Durbuy

La Bru’sserie

€€€ · Fine Dining · Modern Sharing Plates · International

Part of the iconic Hôtel Le Sanglier des Ardennes, La Bru’sserie is widely considered Durbuy’s best upscale restaurant. Chef Wout Bru serves creative sharing plates inspired by Asia, Spain and South America. Choose the four- or six-course tasting menu and watch dishes be prepared before your eyes. Ideal for a special evening out.

Le Fou du Roy

€€€ · Fine Dining · French Cuisine · Romantic

The only restaurant set inside Durbuy Castle itself, Le Fou du Roy offers an enchanting setting with a soft, romantic atmosphere and a terrace away from the main bustle. Expect refined traditional French cuisine with Italian influences and a three-course menu at an accessible price point. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am.

La Brasserie Ardennaise

€€ · Brasserie · Belgian Cuisine · Family-Friendly

A beloved local brasserie in the centre of town, perfect for those seeking classic Belgian dishes in an unpretentious setting. Known for its mussels, Ardennes ham croquettes, vol-au-vent and excellent Belgian beer selection. Child-friendly with a pleasant outdoor terrace on the square.

Le Clos des Récollets

€€€ · Gastronomic Modern · European · Hotel Restaurant

A charming hotel restaurant in the heart of the old city, celebrated for its gastronomic three-course menus complemented by well-chosen wines. The two dining rooms strike a balance between cosy warmth and modern elegance. Guests rave about the quality of ingredients and attentive service.

Mama Gusto

€€ · Casual · Italian · Great for Families

A lively and very popular Italian restaurant, widely regarded as the best option for families with children in Durbuy. Generous portions of pasta, pizza and Italian classics in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Expect queues during peak season — arrive early or book ahead.

La Canette

€€ · Bistro · Belgian & European · Terrace

A consistently well-reviewed bistro that excels in seasonal cooking with a local touch. Dishes often feature Ardennes cheese and other regional produce. The service is quick and friendly, and there is ample outdoor seating — free parking available in front after 7 pm.

Les Lanternes (Wéris)

€€ · Countryside · Belgian Home Cooking · Local Produce

A lovely family-run restaurant in the neighbouring village of Wéris, a short drive from Durbuy. All produce is locally sourced, and the brasserie menu features honest comfort food alongside a more gastronomic evening menu. A great way to combine lunch with a visit to the Wéris menhirs.

La Passerelle

€€ · Scenic ·Belgian · Riverside Setting

Set along the banks of the river with pastoral views and a playground for children, La Passerelle is great for a relaxed meal outdoors. Sample one of the local Chouffe craft beers alongside excellent scampi and chips, or treat yourself to the legendary Belgian Dame Blanche dessert.

Local food specialties to try

The Belgian Ardennes has a rich culinary heritage built around preserved meats, river fish, wild game and artisan dairy. Durbuy sits at the heart of this tradition — below are the dishes and products you absolutely must try during your visit.

• 🥩Jambon d’Ardenne: The flagship of Ardennes gastronomy — a cured and matured raw ham, traditionally served in thin slices with farmhouse bread, butter and small gherkins. Look for it on almost every starter menu in town.
• 🐟Trout from the Ourthe: River trout, often pan-fried and topped with a julienne of Ardennes ham and fresh cream, is a local classic. The Ourthe and its tributaries yield excellent freshwater fish that feature on many restaurant menus.
• 🍺Chouffe & Ardennes Craft Beer: La Brasserie Ardennaise in Durbuy brews local beers on-site. The famous La Chouffe golden ale from nearby Achouffe is omnipresent. A cold Ardennes beer on a sunny terrace is a quintessential Durbuy experience.
• 🫙Durbuy Mustard: Durbuy is famous for its artisan mustard, produced locally and sold in the old town’s speciality shops. A perfect souvenir to bring home — it pairs beautifully with Ardennes charcuterie.
• 🦌Wild Game (Autumn & Winter)Venison, wild boar (marcassin), pheasant and hare feature prominently on Durbuy restaurant menus from September through February. This is when the Ardennes kitchen is at its most authentic and hearty.
• 🧀Ardennes & Wallonian Cheeses: Look out for Coeur d’Ardenne, Fromage de Herve and Rochefort cheese on local cheeseboards. These strong, pungent cheeses are best enjoyed with Ardennes bread and local honey.
• 🧇Belgian Waffles & Dame Blanche: No trip to Belgium is complete without a proper Belgian waffle. In Durbuy, many cafés and stands serve them warm. The Dame Blanche — vanilla ice cream drizzled with hot chocolate sauce — is another must-try dessert.
• 🥐Pâtés & Artisan Charcuterie: The Houard Farm near Durbuy produces outstanding locally-reared meats and charcuterie, sold directly from their farm shop alongside cheeses, honey, jams and local mustards — a wonderful stop for picnic supplies.

🛒 Local shopping tip: The old town of Durbuy has several speciality food shops selling Ardennes products — smoked meats, artisan mustards, local beers, honeys and chocolates. They make excellent gifts and are far better value than airport shops on the way home.

Travel to Durbuy

The best and easiest way to travel to Durbuy is by car. Several large parking areas are situated just outside the city centre, within easy walking distance of the old town.

Train to Durbuy

The closest train station to Durbuy is located in Barvaux. There are direct trains to Barvaux from Liège Guillemins and Namur. From Barvaux station, you can take the TEC bus towards Durbuy. Journey times from Brussels by public transport are approximately 2 hours.

Where to stay in Durbuy:

Even though the city centre of Durbuy itself is very small, there are still quite a few hotels and B&B’s to be found. The most famous hotel in Durbuy is Hotel Le Sanglier which holds 5 stars. More hotels and B&B’s can be find in the surrounding countryside.

Holiday rentals in Durbuy

Holiday rentals are a popular choice for visitors to Durbuy, as they offer the flexibility and privacy of a self-contained space. There are many options available, ranging from cozy apartments to spacious villas, and they can be found both in the town itself and in the surrounding countryside.

Campsites in Durbuy

For visitors who love the outdoors, camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the Ardennes region. There are several campsites near Durbuy, ranging from basic pitches to fully equipped sites with amenities like hot showers, laundry facilities, and even swimming pools.

Whether you prefer to pitch a tent or park an RV, camping near Durbuy is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy all the area has to offer.

Conclusion

Durbuy is a hidden gem in Belgium that offers travelers a unique experience. Its beautiful medieval vibes, outdoor activities, and delicious food and drink make it a must-visit destination for anyone who is discovering the Ardennes region. With our practical tips and recommendations, you’re ready to start planning your trip to Durbuy. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, try some of the local specialities, and create unforgettable memories during your visit!

Quick Facts

RegionWallonia, Province of LuxembourgKnown forWorld’s smallest city, medieval architecture, outdoor sportsBest time to visitMay – October (summer) or autumn for wild game seasonGetting thereBy car (recommended) or train to Barvaux + TEC busLanguageFrench (English spoken in most restaurants)FoundedCity status granted in 1331

Top Restaurants

• La Bru’sserie — Fine dining, tasting menus
• Le Fou du Roy — Inside the Castle
• La Brasserie Ardennaise — Classic Belgian
• Le Clos des Récollets — Gastronomic
• Mama Gusto — Italian, family-friendly
• La Canette — Seasonal local cuisine

Must-Try Foods

• 🥩 Jambon d’Ardenne
• 🫙 Durbuy artisan mustard
• 🍺 La Chouffe craft beer
• 🦌 Wild game (autumn / winter)
• 🐟 Ourthe river trout
• 🧇 Belgian waffle & Dame Blanche

Nearby Attractions

• La Roche-en-Ardenne
• Bouillon Castle
• Caves of Hotton
• Menhirs of Wéris
• Labyrinth of Barveaux