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,” but we are using the term "city" quite loosely here. In reality it is no more than a village, and a small one at that. Allegedly, Durbuy derives its name from a pre-Latin dialect in which duro bodions translates as “dwellings near the fortress.” The castle is not open to the public, but 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.