The 14 things to do in the province of Namur

Between forests, caves and fortresses, discover the 14 things to do in the province of Namur!

The province of Namur is one of the 5 that make up the Walloon region. His territory has a rich but tormented history between France , Principality of Liège and the Netherlands of Austria. This explains that there are many forts, medieval fortresses and castles that testify to his past.

On the geography side, the province is dominated by water, with beautiful romantic valleys including the Meuse, and the green forests of the Ardennes. All forms a tourist destination that will appeal to all nature lovers and outdoor activities. So that you can no longer discover it, we present you the 14 essential things to visit in the province of Namur.

1. Namur

Obviously, if you visit the province of Namur, you should not miss the capital of Wallonia. Located in the Ardennes massif, it is overlooked by the old citadel where the Counts of Namur resided. A walk on the tops of this rocky grove allows you to enjoy stunning views of the city.

The interiors also visit but for an even more unusual visit, go to the underground. A scenography with 3D projections as well as sounds and light allows you to discover the history of the city in a playful way.

The historic heart, pedestrian, has preserved its private hotels, its royal theatre and its old charming houses, but the small places do not lack life, far from there. Many museums, shops, art galleries and outdoor sculptures delight the visitor’s eyes. It is also said that there is some dolce vita in Namur as evidenced by the many terraces.

In addition, all means are good to discover the city and its surroundings. If you’re in the style to follow the water line, board for a swim ride. For others, there is the push-to-push option or electric scooter.

2. The valley of the Meuse

It is known as one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe and you can visit it in the province of Namur. And cherry on the cake, you can ride it by bike thanks to the bike path that follows the river course and crosses 3 countries. The Belgian section is nicknamed “the road of the citadels” because it allows to admire that of Namur, Dinant, Huy among others.

The valley is also bucolic landscapes and high cliffs that plunge into the water. Many steps are planned along the route, to organize your road trip by bicycle. To begin with, the shortest section is to rally Namur from Dinant but you can also push up to Vehicle If you're brave.

3. Dinant

Let's make a stop on the valley just in Dinant. The city is considered one of the jewels of the country and it is easy to understand why when you discover it. Its historic centre is built on a long and fine strip of land between the steep cliff and the Meuse. At the top of the cliff sits the citadel reconstructed by Vauban on the vestiges of an older one.

To access it, several choices are available to you. The first is to climb the 400 steps, the view deserves! The second is to take the cable car from the city center, the eyes are more available to admire the view. Otherwise, there is a parking close to the entrance but you must bypass the city.

Once on site, guided tours are warmly recommended to have access to reserved rooms and the most beautiful view. To change the point of view, a small boat ride on the Meuse is the ideal to make pretty pictures of colorful houses that make Dinant’s charm. Under his small village looks, there are actually many things to do here.

The connoisseurs may already know that, but this is where the inventor of the saxophone was born, you will see the instrument everywhere. For a nature getaway, you can go down the Lesse by kayak, the landscapes are magical. And to end, the city's innards house a gem of the underground world, the well-known cave La Merveilleuse.

4. The castle of Freyr

The castles are part of the monuments taken by the tourists and this is certainly the best example you can visit in the province of Namur. The frame is exceptional with the Meuse which borders the walls of the building. But it is mostly French gardens on the waterfront that make the reputation of the place.

The castle is Renaissance style with additions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The property of one of the highest families of the Belgian nobility, it has seen the march of great historical figures and a treaty will even be signed in the 17th century between France and the Spain .

The interiors testify to this ancient teddy while the gardens invite to the stroll. You can play in a labyrinth of charms or dream of tasting one of the fruits from the tricentennial orange trees. Otherwise sit by the Trianon and admire the superb panorama.

5. Those

This small village between Namur and Rochefort is worth a visit. It is ranked among the most beautiful villages in Wallonia thanks to its old houses surrounded by hills. During your getaway, you have to take the time to admire the architectural details of the old buildings.

But the jewels of the town are the church of Saint-Hadelin which is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and the hermitage of the same name that overlooks the village. It also houses the Panther Tank Monument, which celebrates the end of the German advance during the Battle of the Ardennes of 1944.

If you have time, you can visit a few minutes from the center, the castle of Vèves, a medieval castle very well preserved.

6. Han-sur-Lesse Caves

How about a little speleology in the most beautiful caves you can visit in the province of Namur? The caves of Han-sur-Lesse extend for 2 kilometers and are the result of the passage of the Lesse in the limestone massif of Boine.

To admire the sculptures of stalactites and other concretions, you can take a small train that will make you discover the underground wonders highlighted. Otherwise, you can browse them in a special mode thanks to a well-appointed course. But the site is not just underground.

Outside, an animal park has been set up to present the fauna of Europe that you can even admire from a path built in the trees. You can even choose to sleep among the branches and foliage to finish in beauty the day.

7. Molignée Valley

If the valley of the Meuse is the road of the citadels, that of the Molignée, coming from the first, is the road of the ruins of fortified castles. Long about 20 kilometers, it is a valley that must be visited in the province of Namur under pain of passing by fascinating panoramas.

Like the Meuse, you can ride it by bike. On the programme, remains of the castles of Crèvecoeur, Montaigle and the medieval houses of Bouvignes and Mosan.

The end of the course is no better choice as you arrive at the beautiful Abbey of Maredsous. It is known for its cheese and beer production but also for the beauty of its buildings, still inhabited.

Another curiosity of the valley, the draisine ride! They are bicycles on rails installed on the old railway line that runs along the valley.

8. The house Leffe

Although it is not the brewery where this beer is made, this small museum offers you to discover the different stages of its manufacture. The place is enchanting because it was built in an ancient monastery in Dinant. The ensemble was reopened in a hotel that bears the name "La marvellous".

The building is very beautiful and offers, as a bonus, a nice view of the city. The museum opted for interactive presentations on screens in addition to some exhibited objects. The visit ends obviously with a tasting in a space arranged in the club style with old leather sofas. It is a small visit that is worth a visit to amateurs.

9. Mozet

Visiting the province of Namur is discovering many small villages of charm. Mozet is part of it and its set of old limestone buildings deserve a stop. Perfectly restored, the houses are surrounded by gardens and bosquets that give the village its charming hiding place.

Among the monuments to be admired, there are two old medieval fortified farms including a classified Romanesque tower. You will find them on a small walk along the stream that crosses Mozet. There is also an ancient 17th century castle.

Before leaving, also jump to the nearby hamlet of Goyet. It is known for its geological treasures, caves, caves and rocks of the Forges.

10. Crupet

The discovery of charming villages to be visited in the province of Namur continues. Crupet remained in his juice with many old buildings. It is a pleasure to play explorers through the many paths that cross the town.

There are old mills, small hidden gardens, architectural details, and the dungeon! The original architecture of this tower attracts the eye and it is difficult to get away from it, especially since the bucolic environment is the most charming.

The other celebrity of the village is the cave of the devil. It is an artificial cave as evidenced by its quite kitsch design. Built between 1900 and 1903 at the request of the parish priest, she retraces the life of Saint-Antoine de Padua. It is still today a place of pilgrimage.

11. The vineyards

Yes you read well, there is not only beer in Belgium, there is also wine. And the vineyards of the province of Namur are booming. Productions are also regularly awarded at European trade shows. Red, white, sparkling wine or spirits, there are for all tastes in the caves of the province.

Among the areas to be discovered, there is that of Chenoy which is one of the first to embark on organic viticulture. The wines of the Château de Bioul are also biological and an interactive path has been created to make you discover them. And with names like Passion Rouge, Pearl of Wallonia or Combes aux Hérons, you'll let yourself be seduced.

12. Thon-Samson

It is the story of Thon and Samson, two towns gathered in a single village considered one of the most beautiful to visit in the province of Namur.

The first, Thon, kept his beautiful stone houses. The old medieval town with the church of Saint-Rémi and a castle-ferme built on the basis of a dungeon is recognized.

The second, Samson, is greener. It is overlooked by the ruins of a medieval fortress and high rocks that are also classified. If you climb on the plateaus, you have a panoramic view of the Meuse valley.

13. Yvoir

Yvoir is 9 towns gathered in one, which makes so many reasons to visit the province of Namur. On the programme you will discover ancient castles, seigneurial farms of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, ruins of the fortress of Poilvache and churches, of course.

On the natural side, the Bocq and the Ry d’Aout add charm to the old stone houses. The first even gives its name to a renowned brewery that produces the Namur White. Be sure to make a stop there before going for a tour on the peaks of Meuse or on the island of Yvoir to enjoy water sports.

14. Rochefort

A last charming village for the road with Rochefort. Overlooked by his comtal castle which monitors the houses built on the edge of the Lomme, he makes a good stroll through the streets.

The village is known for its Rire Festival. The greatest comedy names Raymond Devos has ever made. And then the activities are not missing with the caves of Han and Lorette, the visit of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Castle or the Trapist Abbey.

How to get to Namur province?

By plane

From Paris , you can visit the province of Namur via the airport Brussels and take a train or bus to your destination.

There is also a possibility via the Charleroi airport if you come from province. There it is even more convenient because buses directly connect the airport to Namur Station in 45 minutes.

To find the best tickets, it is advisable to go on a comparison of flights as Skyscanner .

By train

There is no direct link between Paris and Namur but it is possible to take the Thalys to Brussels and then a correspondence. The very least 3 hours . From Namur, it is easy to get around the province thanks to a network of regional buses and trains.

By car

Namur is only 300 km from Paris and is accessible by the motorway E42 . N95 pass to Dinant and the N63 in the valley of the Meuse.

Where to stay in Namur province?

The province is tourist and everything is planned to accommodate visitors. The housing offer is diverse and large. You have the choice between hotels from different categories, holiday homes, Airbnb , holiday furnished and many more. You can even choose to sleep in a boat on the Meuse.

To see all available offers, you better go to a site Compare hotels .