The Thalys bullet-train links Namur to Paris with an average travel time of two and a half hours. To access Namur, Eurostar trains also runbetween Brussels around 10 times a day then passengers can change onto domestic lines on to Namur. Its central position makes it easily accesible by either car or train, because it is at the junction of the North-South axis of the E411 and N4 motorways from Luxembourg (2 hours away) to Brussels (50 minutes away) and the E42 from Lille and Charleroi to Liege (50 minutes away) and Aachen.
Eurostar
travellers between Ebbsfleet International and Namur have average journey times of 3 hours, 25 minutes; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. Highspeed rail is popular when reaching Belgium, because domestic rail links are so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city. The best time to visit is late spring.
Namur is the new capital of the Province of Namur, in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It is often described by the Belgians as a bourgeois town because it is not a former coal mining area like Charleroi or Liege, but also due to its scenic location at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre, and its 17th and 18th-century architecture. It is a commercial and industrial centre, a rail junction, and its location in the Ardennes has made it a popular tourist centre. Namur’s industries include machinery, leather and porcelain.
The city was originally a Merovingian fortress which later came under the rule of the count of Namur. This county was overwhelmed by the counts of Flanders in 1262 and later, in 1421, was purchased by Philip the Good of Burgundy. Namur was often besieged because of its strategic location, and has history of both French and Spanish occupation. It was occupied by the French in 1692 after the War of the Grand Alliance, but was reclaimed by the Dutch in 1695; later it was garrisoned by the Netherlands under the first Barrier Treaty in 1709. It served as a Belgian defence during World War I.
Namur is twinned with:
Québec City, Canada
Subotica
Bourg-en-Bresse
Ōgaki, Japan
Belmont, California
Lafayette, Louisiana
Empoli, Toscana
Points of Interest
Citadelle
The huge stone citadel fortress is the site of the oldest permanent settlement in the Benelux, the Celtic Oppidum Aduatucorum and a Roman stronghold against Germanic invasions. It is still the most extensive construction in Belgium. It is 7km in circumference and has an underground network of several passages several kilometres long. It was named 'La Médiane’ after Emperor Charles V of Habsburg had a complete citadel built between 1542 and 1555, and was intended as a self-sufficient fortification in wartime. The citadel is 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 museum is housed in the 17th/18th century patrician residence, Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy. It displays medieval and Renaissance pieces from Namur, especially goldsmiths' work, sculptures, copper utensils and ivory pieces, also four works by the painter Henri Blès (1510-1550).
Musée Félicien Rops
This museum displays collections by the Belgian artist 'Felicien Rops', born in Namur. The museum is not far from Rops’ birthplace, and explains many of his techniques. Visitors are advised to spend at least an hour in the museum.
Trésor du Prieuré d'Oignies
The Treasury of the Oignies Priory is kept in the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady (Couvent des Soeurs de Notre-Dame) in the center of town. The valuable artefacts (including jewel-studded crosses, chalices, reliquaries, and other creations are decorated with forest motifs and hunting scenes) are the work of Brother Hugo of Oignies, a 13th century goldsmith.
St Aubin's Cathedral
The cathedral is the only example in Belgium of the academic Late Baroque style; it was built to designs of the Ticinese architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni and is the only church built in the Low Countries as a cathedral since 1559. It is classified as a Wallonia's Major Heritage by the Region. It is not brightly-coloured because the main focus is on the architecture and bas-reliefs in the the dome. A former Romanesque church tower that stood on the site can still be seen. Attractions include the heart of Don Juan of Austria in a casket near the high altar.
Les Jardins d'Annevoie
The ornamental gardens and fountains and the 18th-century château, Annevoie, (28km/17 miles) south of Namur) is sometimes called the "Belgian Versailles". The grounds were established in the in 18th century by the de Montpellier family and are still maintained by the family’s descendants. The fountains, waterfalls, lagoons and canals are all engineered without artificial power; the château’s architectural features include woodwork, stuccos, fireplaces, and family chapel. There is a gift store, restaurant and rustic café.
Attractions
The annual Combat de l'Échasse d'Or (Fight for the Golden Stilt)- the Mélan and the Avresse teams dress in medieval clothes on stilts and battle in one of the principal squares.
The Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix ( University of Namur), founded in 1831.
Namur International Festival of French-Speaking Film.
The International Competition for Young Violinists.
Materne-Confilux world-famous jam and compôte in the suburb of Floreffe since 1880.
Tresor du Prieure d'Oignies city tour
Shopping in Namur Rue de Fer Rue de l'Ange The Inno department store, 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.
Nightlife 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. Cinemas: The Eldorado in Rue de Fer (between the old town and Namur Railway Station), and Acinapolis at the end of Avenue Materne in Jambes.
Les fêtes de Wallonie- the city is closed to vehicles for 3 days in September of drinking and partying in the streets. It symbolises the city’s spirit of conviviality and ends with fireworks displays above the citadel.
Musee Groesbeeck-de-Croix
This house was kept well preserved from the 1700â??s, the furnishings, crockery and silverware, the place oozes with originality. The garden is also a stunning sight to see.... Namur, Belgium
Parfumerie Guy Delforge
Discover the source of the essential oils, by taking you 30ft underground and back in time to the 17th century. It is below ground to keep all the oils intact. It is a great historical trip, amazing tourist attraction.... Namur, Belgium
St Aubins Cathedral
This is a unique 18th century cathedral and is a one of a kind cathedral from all across Belgium. It has a tower dating back to the 13th century a real piece of history and a beautiful tourist attraction.... Namur, Belgium
The citadel
This is a fortified centre overlooking the town and the Meuse River; You can take in the atmosphere at your own pace by taking a walk through the paths and street leading up to the centre itself.... Namur, Belgium
