Durbuy

Surrounded by deep forests in the Ourthe river valley, an 11th-century castle towers over this tiny, picture-perfect town. Ever since John the Blind deemed it a city in 1331, Durbuy has taken pride in promoting itself as "the smallest city in the world." Allegedly, Durbuy derives its name from a pre-Latin dialect in which duro bodions translates as "dwellings near the fortress." Durbuy's narrow streets, never more than a stone's throw from the main square, are lined with amazingly well-preserved 16th- and 17th-century architecture. During the summer season they fill with tourists.