The 14 things to do in Namur

You're leaving for a weekend in Wallonia? Don't miss the 13 essential things to do in Namur!

In the French-speaking part of the kingdom of Belgium, in Wallonia, Namur does not lack charms and assets to fill its visitors. Located only sixty kilometres away Brussels , this ancient Roman city retains many vestiges of its glorious past. From Place d’Armes, to the bridge of Jambes or the Liberation, to the Cathedral of St-Aubain and of course its sumptuous Citadelle dating from the Middle Ages, Namur does not lack places to visit.

A student and dynamic city, it is also a major center in Belgium for international festivals, concerts, cultural events and museums. For lovers of cuisine, Namur has many quality restaurants, many times rewarded. The city is also and above all an important Belgian political centre. In fact, it welcomes the Wallonia Parliament in its walls.

Ready to let you conquer by the Walloon capital? Here are the 13 essential things to do in Namur.

1. La Citadelle de Namur

You can't visit Namur without doing the visit of Citadelle imagined by Vauban and Coehoorn is undoubtedly the must-see visit to Namur. In the heart of Europe, this Middle Age vestige has long occupied a strategic position in Belgium. The Citadel is now listed as a Wallonia Heritage Site.

You will start your visit by Esplanade and the Château des Comtes, residence of the Counts of Namur In the Middle Ages. You will continue with the discovery of the Midwayer, the second fortress overlooking the former Castle of Counts. Adventure in the Citadel underground, before visiting the Terra Nova Centre. Take a walk in the green spaces of the Citadel and admire the breathtaking view of the city. A small train allows you to easily move through the site. You will not regret your visit!

2. Old Namur

During your stay in the Walloon capital, a walk in the old Namur takes place. You'll be walking around in his old quarters, with all the pedestrian streets. You will discover magnificent monuments and buildings, witnesses to the tedious past of the city. From the Place d’Armes, you will go at the Beffroi, visit the Theatre, the Parliament of Wallonia, the Place de l’Ange, or the Cathedral of Saint-Aubain and the Provincial Palace. Take a stop at Place du Marché aux Vegetas. Finally, you can restore yourself to the Ratin-tôt, the oldest café in Namur.

3. Saint-Aubain Cathedral

On the square of the same name, stands the Cathedral of Saint-Aubain. Built in the middle of the 18th century, it is a mixture Baroque, rococo and classical styles. Inside, you will discover paintings by Antoine Van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens and Jacques Nicolaï.

4. The statue Searching for Utopia by Jean Fabre

Visit Namur without discovering the amazing statue Searching for Utopia by Jean Fabre, not far from the Citadel, is unthinkable. Besides, it's impossible to miss her! It is, in fact, a giant turtle, in golden bronze, straddled by a character that is no other than Jean Fabre himself!

5. The Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois or TreM.a

There are several must-see museums in Namur: the Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois, or TreM.a, Part of it. This museum, created in 1964, brings together collections of art history and history. You can admire the Treasure of Oignies, dating from the 13th century and the collection of paintings painted by Henri Bles in the 16th century.

6. The Esperanzah Festival

Welcome to the festival of sharing, fraternity and tolerance! Namur is the city of festivals in Belgium. Among them, festival Esperanzah is a must not to be missed. It stands every year, early August, in the Abbey of Floreffe, located between Charleroi and Namur. The programming is varied and the atmosphere is good.

7. Wallonia's parties

To discover the Walloon culture, don't miss the Wallonia parties. Every third Sunday in September, the Walloons commemorate the Belgian revolution of 1830 with activities and folk parades that begin on Thursday. Many concerts are held throughout the city on this occasion.

8. The Rops Museum

Here is another must-see museum in Namur. This museum retraces the story of the life of the artist Félicien Rops, Namurois of origin and exposes his works, including the surprising Lady of the pig .

9. A cruise on the Meuse

This is a must-see activity to visit Namur with your family. Several cruises are offered from Namur to discover the Meuse and its environment. It's about two hours' walk. An ideal excursion for young and old!

10. Pousse in Namur

Are you looking for an unusual activity to do in Namur? Borrow the pushchairs proposed by the Tourist Office to visit Namur atypically.

11. The Peket

For a tasteful discovery, let yourself be tempted by a peket glass. This piquant knee aromas with amazing tastes: apple, lemon, but also chewing gum or cactus. If you are more traditional, opt for a good, fresh Belgian beer.

12. A night on a barge

You are looking for a romantic and original activity ? Why don't you spend a night on one of the amarred péniches at the Meuse docks. You will stay in beautiful comfortable cabins and take your breakfast on the deck, if the weather permits of course. Some of them even offer luxurious rooms, with jacuzzi and private terrace.

13. Guy Delforge perfume shop

In the basement, in the old renovated military fork, the Guy Delforge perfumery welcomes you for an unusual discovery that will bring your sense of smell in awe. A surprising and exciting visit to Namu.

14. Also to be done in Namur

If you still have time to visit Namur, reserve your place to attend a show at the famous Théâtre de Namur , real institution in the city. And for a successful evening, on leaving, enjoy a cornet of fries with beef grease, on the rue Saint-Jacques.

Did you get the chance to visit Namur? Share in reviews your must-see activities and visits to Namur.

How to go to Namur?

By car

• From Paris: Count four hours of road by Highway A 1.
• From Luxembourg: Take Highway A 411. You will need a little less than two hours to reach the city of Namur from the Grand Duchy. And for a more ecological holiday, think about carpooling.

By bus

Many buses offer trips to Namur from several cities in France: Paris, Lille, Strasbourg and Lyon. As always, the bus offers you an unbeatable quality/price ratio. However, the journey can be long. Count between six and eight hours from Paris.

By train

There is no direct train from Paris to Namur. To get there, you will have to borrow a Thalys from Paris and make a change in Brussels-Midi. Count About three hours.

By plane

If you decide to borrow the plane to get to Namur, know that you will have to land at the Brussels airport to take a train to the Walloon capital. The Brussels airport is perfectly served by daily flights from most major French and European cities.

Know that several companies low-cost offer flights to Brussels from Paris, Nice or Marseille. To find out the prices and book your flight, do not hesitate to take a look at the flight comparison Ulysses .

Where to stay in Namur?

Well staying is essential if you want to fully enjoy your stay in a city. Namur offers a large amount of accommodation, regardless of your budget. Luxurious hotels, bed & breakfasts, cheap chains or seasonal rentals, you will have the choice to stay in Namur. Before booking, do not hesitate to compare prices and neighborhoods on this Compare hotels.

Sleep in the historic centre from Namur will allow you to fully enjoy all the points of interest and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. The Grognon neighbourhood can be an interesting option for those with a good budget. Full of charm, it welcomes the Parliament of Wallonia and the Citadel of Namur. Shopping enthusiasts will probably prefer the Salzinnes district and its many ready-to-wear shops. Finally, in the Jambes district, families will enjoy the many green spaces and the marina.