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Cave · Dinant, Namur
Grotte La Merveilleuse
Limestone cave discovered in 1904 during railway works, 500 meters from Dinant station. The guided tour covers 650 meters of galleries with white stalactites, calcite cascades and an underground river.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grotte La Merveilleuse
La Merveilleuse was discovered in 1904, when workers digging the railway line between Dinant and Florennes broke through the wall of a cavity. It was first called Grotte de Raimpaine, the place name. The current name came later, because of the beauty of the formations.
The cave was carved by an underground river, which still flows inside and can rise almost eight meters during floods. There are about 850 meters of galleries, of which some 650 are included in the visit. The rooms have names: the Glaciers, the Grande Salle, also called the Hall of Cascades, and the Paradise Room, which is closed to the public.
Notable is the white color of the stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and calcite cascades. In the Grande Salle, a stalactite and a stalagmite almost meet, but an air current coming from the Paradise Room prevents their union. In winter, about one hundred bats shelter in that room.
The visit lasts about 50 minutes, on three levels, with low-ceiling sections and roughly 120 steps on the exit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 50 minutes for the tour, plus waiting time for the next group.
Best time
It usually opens daily from April to October and only on weekends and public holidays in winter, with departures every hour. It is a good option for a rainy day, because the temperature inside changes little over the year. Confirm opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is on Route de Philippeville, number 142, on the left bank of the Meuse, about 500 meters from Dinant train station and the Charles de Gaulle bridge. You can walk from the center in about ten minutes, uphill along the road toward Philippeville.
Tip
Bring a light jacket, because it is cold inside the cave even in summer, and wear shoes with non-slip soles. Duck in sections with low ceilings. The visit pairs well with Maison Leffe, a few minutes’ walk away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grotte La Merveilleuse
How was the Grotte La Merveilleuse discovered?
In 1904, by workers opening the railway line between Dinant and Florennes. They broke through the wall of a cavity and found the galleries.
Is the cave visit tiring?
It's short, about 50 minutes, but there are stairs on three levels, some low-ceiling sections and about 120 steps on the exit.
Can you walk there from Dinant town centre?
Yes. The cave is about 500 metres from the train station and the Charles de Gaulle bridge, on the Route de Philippeville.