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Namur
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Namur’s central position makes transport by either car or train possible. It is 2 hours from Luxembourg, 50 minutes from Brussels, and linked to Paris by Eurostar and Thalys bullet-train lines with an average travel time of two and a half hours. Other connections include Lille and Aachen. Eurostar trains between St Pancras International and Namur have average journey times of 3 hours, 35 minutes; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. The Belgian rail network makes access to Brussels even more popular and easier for tourists via high speed rail. The best time to book tickets is for late spring, as the weather will not be overly hot. Namur is often described by the Belgians as a bourgeois town because it is not a former coal mining area like Charleroi or Liege. It is set in a scenic location at the merge of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre, and is renowned for its 17th and 18th-century architecture. It is the new capital of the Province of Namur, in the Wallonia region. It is a a rail junction, commercial and industrial centre, and its location in the Ardennes makes it a popular tourist centre. Namur’s industries include machinery, leather and porcelain. The city was a Merovingian fortress which later came under the rule of the count of Namur. It was often under attack because of its strategic location, and was occupied by the French in 1692 after the War of the Grand Alliance. Namur was reclaimed by the Dutch in 1695; later it was garrisoned by the Netherlands in 1709. It served as a Belgian defence during World War I. |
Points of Interest
| Citadelle This is the site of the oldest permanent settlement in the Benelux, the Celtic Oppidum Aduatucorum and a Roman stronghold against Germanic invasions. It is the most extensive construction in Belgium. The citadel is also home to the Guy Delforge Perfumery, which has workshops open to the public that allow visitors to view the perfume production process. | |
| Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois The Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy, a 17th/18th century patrician residence now houses the museum, and displays medieval and Renaissance pieces from Namur. Examples of exhibits include four works by the painter Henri Blès (1510-1550), goldsmiths' work, sculptures, copper utensils and ivory pieces. | |
| Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois The museum is housed in the 17th/18th century patrician residence, Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy and displays medieval and Renaissance pieces, including goldsmiths' work, sculptures, copper utensils and ivory pieces, also four works by the painter Henri Blès (1510-1550). | |
| Trésor du Prieuré d'Oignies The Treasury of the Oignies Priory, in the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady (Couvent des Soeurs de Notre-Dame) is in the centre of Namur. There are valuable artefacts including jewel-studded crosses, chalices, reliquaries, and other creations are decorated with forest motifs and hunting scenes that are the work of Brother Hugo of Oignies, a 13th century goldsmith. | |
| St Aubin's Cathedral This is the only church built in the Low Countries as a cathedral since 1559, the only example in Belgium of the academic Late Baroque style and is classified under Wallonia's Major Heritage by the Region. A former Romanesque church tower that stood on the site is still visible, along with the heart of Don Juan of Austria in a casket near the high altar. | |
| Les Jardins d'Annevoie The "Belgian Versailles" ornamental gardens and fountains of the 18th-century château, Annevoie are all engineered without artificial power; the château’s architectural features include woodwork, stuccos, fireplaces, and family chapel. Modern tourist features include a gift store, restaurant and rustic café. |
Attractions
Rue de Fer
Rue de l'Ange
The Inno department store is located between Rue de l'Ange and Place d'Armes.
Rue de Bruxelles
The old town for boutiques
Market for Regional Products in front of the Municipal Hall
The Eldorado in Rue de Fer (between the old town and Namur Railway Station).
Acinapolis at the end of Avenue Materne in Jambes.
Restaurants and cafés: Villa Stromboli, San Marino, Au Jardin d'Italia, La Perle Blanche (Italian), Chez Chen, Asia Garden (Chinese), L'Espieglerie, Alain Dewulf, La Petite Fugue, Fenêtre sur Cour, Cuisinemoi, La Plage d'Amée, Le Darville, Aux Trois Petits Cochons (French), Pancho Villa (Mexican), Recto Verso, Le Patanthrope (European), L'Orient (Moroccan), La Charbonnade (Southwestern), Le Chemin du Cedre (Lebanese)
Casinos: Casino de Namur with Casino Club restaurant