Charles de Gaulle Bridge Dinant
A vibrant bridge adorned with colorful saxophones, celebrating music, history, and European unity with stunning river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny days, fewer crowds
Charles de Gaulle Bridge Dinant
Best Time
Sunny days, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant bridge adorned with colorful saxophones, celebrating music, history, and European unity with stunning river views.
"A unique bridge uses saxophones to pay tribute to two great men and countries."
📸 Capture the Saxophones
Each saxophone is uniquely designed! Take your time to admire and photograph them all.
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk the bridge to appreciate the views and the tribute to Adolphe Sax.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Saxophone Sculptures
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
Vibrant, uniquely designed saxophones adorn the bridge, celebrating Adolphe Sax and European unity.
Panoramic River Views
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Meuse River, Dinant's colorful buildings, and the imposing Citadel.
Adolphe Sax's Legacy
Near the bridge
Discover the birthplace of the saxophone inventor and learn about his significant contribution to music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Saxophone Bridge
Navigating Dinant's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Saxophones
Each saxophone is uniquely designed! Take your time to admire and photograph them all. 
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk the bridge to appreciate the views and the tribute to Adolphe Sax.
🍽️ Riverside Dining
Enjoy lunch at a riverside cafe with a view of the bridge and city.
💡 Learn the History
Understand the bridge's significance, including its namesake and the saxophone's invention.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Saxophones
Each saxophone is uniquely designed! Take your time to admire and photograph them all.
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk the bridge to appreciate the views and the tribute to Adolphe Sax.
🍽️ Riverside Dining
Enjoy lunch at a riverside cafe with a view of the bridge and city.
💡 Learn the History
Understand the bridge's significance, including its namesake and the saxophone's invention.
🚗 Easy Access
The bridge is conveniently located near the train station and city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Charles de Gaulle Bridge's unique charm, with its vibrant saxophone sculptures celebrating Adolphe Sax and European unity. The picturesque river views and proximity to other Dinant attractions make it a delightful and accessible stop. While some find parking challenging, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering a colorful and memorable highlight.
"A unique bridge uses saxophones to pay tribute to two great men and countries.
Built in 2010, the bridge is adorned with saxophones. Painted in unique colors, one saxophone takes on the appearance of a basketball, another resembles a mermaid, while another depicts a castle and a dragon. Each saxophone is placed in front of its respective flag, paying homage to the country it represents.
That’s because the Belgian city of Dinant is where Adolphe Sax – the inventor of the saxophone – was born. In 1841, Sax invented the saxophone, which was one of many instruments he would influence or create in his heyday. His first major invention was to improve the design of the bass clarinet.
Of course, the Charles de Gaulle Bridge also pays homage to the French general it is named after, who led the French resistance against Nazi Germany in the 1940s (as a junior officer at the time).
Today, Belgium’s Charles de Gaulle Bridge remains a colorful and playful way to pay tribute to two great men of the past and to the unity of the European Union.
The Charles de Gaulle Saxophone Bridge is located in the city of Dinant in Belgium. The bridge is located at Rue de la Gare, near the Gare de Dinant train station next to the Meuse River."
Dimitris
"A fun bridge full of Saxophones dedicated to the invention of the saxophone by aldolphe in the town of Dinant . Each of the saxophone’s are designed but a certain country"
Graham Short
"Great place for lunch - many riverside cafes and interesting things to see."
Paul Buckley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Charles de Gaulle Bridge is centrally located in Dinant, easily accessible on foot from the city center and the Gare de Dinant train station. If arriving by car, there are parking options nearby, though they can fill up quickly during peak season.
Yes, Dinant has a local bus service, and the bridge is a key landmark within the town. Many visitors find it easiest to walk from their accommodation or the train station.
You can drive to the vicinity of the bridge, but parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. It's often recommended to park and explore on foot.
The bridge is a great starting point. From here, you can easily walk to the Collegiate Church, Adolphe Sax's house, and the tourist tram stop for a city tour.
The bridge is generally flat and accessible, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The surrounding areas are also largely navigable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting and walking across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge is completely free. It's a public thoroughfare.
The bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's a public bridge. However, for the best experience and views, visit during daylight hours.
The saxophone sculptures are part of the bridge and are free to view. There are no separate fees to admire them.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays generally offers a more peaceful experience. Weekends and summer afternoons tend to be busier.
For photography, late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer people.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire length of the bridge offers great photo opportunities, especially with the colorful saxophones and the backdrop of the Collegiate Church and Citadel.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in Dinant.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the vibrant colors and scenic views. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the entire bridge and its surroundings.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography on the bridge itself. However, always be mindful of other visitors.
Experiment with different angles! Getting down low can emphasize the scale, while shooting from a distance captures the bridge as a whole.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the bridge is lined with riverside cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines, perfect for a meal with a view.
You can find traditional Belgian fare, French-inspired dishes, and local specialties. Waffles and crepes are popular treats.
Prices can vary, but there are options for different budgets. Riverside cafes might be slightly pricier, but offer great ambiance.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some are increasingly catering to vegan diets. It's always best to check menus or ask staff.
Yes, several eateries offer takeaway options, allowing you to enjoy your meal by the river or in a nearby park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a walk across the bridge with a visit to the Citadel, which often has activities that appeal to children, or a leisurely boat trip on the Meuse. Many riverside cafes offer kid-friendly options, making it a relaxed outing for the whole family.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
The 'golden hour' light in the late afternoon is particularly magical for capturing the colors and reflections. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the bridge as an innovative public art installation. The unique designs of each saxophone, representing different countries and themes, make it a dynamic outdoor gallery. It’s a fantastic spot to capture unique travel photos that stand out.
+1🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch from a local market or grab an affordable waffle or crepe from a nearby vendor. Walking the bridge and exploring the immediate surroundings is a fantastic way to experience Dinant's charm without a hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Saxophones
+1The saxophones also represent a symbol of European unity, with each sculpture often linked to a different country or European theme. This playful and artistic approach transforms a functional bridge into an open-air art gallery, making it a must-see attraction for visitors. The sheer variety and creativity of the saxophone designs are a delight to discover as you walk across.
+1Beyond the musical theme, the bridge is named after Charles de Gaulle, the French general and statesman. He was wounded near Dinant during World War I in 1914. The bridge's history is also marked by destruction and reconstruction during both World Wars, adding layers of historical significance to its modern, colorful facade.
+1Exploring Dinant from the Bridge
+1From the bridge, it's a short walk to the Maison de Monsieur Sax, the house where Adolphe Sax was born, offering a glimpse into his life and work. For a broader perspective of the city, a tourist tram operates nearby, providing guided tours that often depart from or pass close to the bridge area.
+1Additionally, the riverbanks near the bridge are dotted with cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the atmosphere. Boat tours on the Meuse River also frequently depart from this vicinity, offering a different vantage point of the bridge and the picturesque valley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit