Have you ever been somewhere where a count lives? Well, you haven’t been to Durbuy, one of Belgium’s quirkest and cutest places.
Called Europe’s Quirkiest City, Durbuy is most certainly one of Belgium’s cutest and most unique places. I took a walk through this medieval city with Frederic Berteaux who told me to watch out for the Count d’Ursel, who lives in the castle overlooking Durbuy’s cobblestone streets. Even more interesting or strange is that the Count lives in the castle along with his mother. About an hour and a half from Brussels and one hour from Liege, Durbuy is picturesque and full of interesting attractions. Much of what you’ll see in the old part of town dates back to the 17th century.
On our walk, we stopped at a shop that sells jam and other products produced right in Durbuy, as well as a boucherie or butcher shop where a smoked ham and meats tempt visitors and locals. Steps away, I strolled through Durbuy’s Topiary Garden, where over 250 sculptured plants, some of which are more than 120 years old, form ducklings, elephants, jockeys and even Pamela Anderson sunning on the beach. Touting itself both as the “World’s Smallest Town” and “World’s Smallest City” in various literature, Durbuy may be postcard sized, but there’s a fair amount to keep you entertained, including sweet hotels and B&Bs. Watch the video to see more of this unexpected travel hotspot and my walking tour with Frederic.
