It has been a city since 1331 and, although it is tiny in size and neighbors, barely 500 inhabitants, it grows at Christmas, when its historic corners light up and are filled with decorated wooden huts, transforming into a storybook place. From the end of November until January 5, its Christmas atmosphere extends through three places that attract all the attention: the King Baudouin park, the Anticline and the Allée Verte, the pleasant tree-lined promenade along the River Ourthand, in which the residents of this tiny medieval city enjoy nature and the views of its historic architecture.
© Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock PhotoUnlike big cities, in Durbuy you experience a quiet and authentic Christmas, far from the hustle and bustle, but full of charm. The city is minimal, yes – rival in size to the Croatian Hum and FrÃas from Burgos–but its medieval surroundings envelop you with a very special Christmas spirit. The beautiful cobbled streets of its old town and its 17th century stone houses They are already illuminated with a spectacular decoration, A large Christmas tree has been installed in the same center and scattered throughout the streets and squares of the old town, you will find wooden stalls where you can buy handmade products, unique gifts, Christmas decorations, roasted chestnuts, cheeses and regional specialties, but also enjoy a mulled wine to warm the body.
© @destinationdurbuy
© @destinationdurbuyAs in any big city, Christmas in Durbuy does not lack a outdoor ice rink, choir concerts and Christmas shows, a visit from Santa Claus for the little ones and the typical winter dishes served in local restaurants, among which there is no shortage of wild boar stew and festive desserts, which are eaten accompanied by local craft beers, such as that occur in the Trappist abbeys of Orval and Chimay, the most famous in Belgium.
© @destinationdurbuyWHAT TO SEE IN DURBUY
In Durbuy you have to let yourself be carried away by its labyrinth of pedestrian alleys, especially by the rue Daufresne de la Chevalerie, the oldest in the city, covered in pebbles coming from the River Ourthe, and let yourself be enveloped by its medieval atmosphere, enter its charming craft shops and local products, visit its small museum of history and art and reach the castle of the Counts of Ursel, the imposing fortress that dominates the city from a rocky promontory. It is not open to the public, but its monumental façade and its location next to the river are worth a visit.
© Boerescu Flaviu / Alamy Stock PhotoAlso surprising is the great natural icon of the area: the La Roche-à -Frêne anticline –popularly known as Omalius–, the spectacular geological formation of layers and layers of folded rock For millions of years it has offered impressive panoramic views of the medieval city from its viewpoint.
© Irina Naoumova / Alamy Stock PhotoOn a visit to this beautiful town located in the heart of the mountainous region of the Ardennes, in the southeast of Belgium, which also extends through Luxembourg and France, you cannot miss walks through the nearby forests to enjoy the winter landscapes or pay a visit to Les Topiaires Park, which, although covered in snow, offers a very attractive walk among a collection of more than 250 plant sculptures in the shape of animals or mythological characters. In good weather months, the Barvaux-sur-Ourthe labyrinth opens, one of the largest in Europe, which occupies 10 hectares of corn plants and is 3 meters high and has a different theme each year.
WHERE TO SLEEP AND EAT IN DURBUY
The smallest city in the world has a handful of lovely hotels boutique to spend a few days at Christmas. Located in the pedestrian zone, Hôtel Victoria is a family-style accommodation art deco that combine Historic charm with modern amenities and has a restaurant-grill (maisoncaerdinael.be). Elegant and good value for money, the hotel-restaurant La Calèche (lacaleche.be) and beautiful and warm the 12 rooms of the Léa hotel and those of the 7 by Juliette (maisoncaerdinael.be).