Ghent to Durbuy and La Roche: Private day trip

Durbuy calls itself the smallest city in the world. A few streets, a stone castle, and a forest all around, it feels like a storybook.

You don’t need long to see Durbuy, but you’ll want to linger. The cobbled streets are lined with old stone houses and small shops selling handmade goods. Everything from cheese, ham, and pottery. The castle looks out over the river, and quiet walking trails start right from town. If you're hungry, this is the place. Durbuy’s known for good food. Local trout, wild boar, and rich Ardennes cooking. It’s especially peaceful in the mornings when the mist still hangs in the trees.

La Roche sits in a bend of the river, with castle ruins high on a cliff watching over everything.

The ruined castle towers above the town. It’s a steep walk up, but the view of the forest and valley is worth it. Down below, the streets are lined with old stone houses and quiet cafés. You’ll see kayaks on the river, hikers setting off, and gear shops tucked between bakeries. If you’re into history, the Battle of the Bulge Museum tells local stories from WWII. It’s a small place that’s packed with energy and surrounded by nature on all sides.