Day out: The Bulletin’s guide to Namur

Its emblem may be the snail, but Namur is slowly ditching its reputation as a genteel city with an equally sedate nightlife. The historic capital is revving up its image with an ever-expanding calendar of events, from cultural and culinary to heritage and sporting. So whether you’re on a one-day or weekend trip, there’s no shortage of sights and entertainment in this charming university city.

Citadel

Rising majestically over the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, this ancient fortress is a living reminder of the city’s once strategic military position in war-torn Europe. It’s now home to activities for all ages, including medieval re-enactments, outdoor theatre and live music, cycle races, torch-lit walks and guided tours. A new visitor centre opened this summer at the former military barracks, Terra Nova, tracing the 2,000-year history of Namur and its citadel. A Halloween festival runs until 3 November and an international circus festival adorns the esplanade until 8 November. The citadel is accessible by car and a shuttle bus connects to the train station and city centre. Keep an eye out for Jan Fabre’s giant bronze turtle halfway up the citadel.

See & Do

A tourist destination since the 19th century, Namur boasts fine 17th- and 18th-century avenues and a few architectural gems. Ideally explored on foot, the historical centre is bordered by the two rivers and the railway line to the north. Rue du Fer and Rue de l’Ange form the main shopping drag, while independent stores and cafes dominate a pedestrianised cobbled area. Place d’Armes is a public space that stages the annual Christmas market and numerous festivals and events. From here it’s a short walk across the Sambre via the picturesque Rue du Pont bridge. On your left is the Mosane-style 16th-century Halle al’Chair, a former butchers guild and now archaeological museum.

Winter activities

While the water taxi the Namourette and river cruises are restricted to spring and summer months, the city’s star attraction at the end of the year is its Christmas village and market until 31 December (Place d’Armes, Place du Theâtre and Place de l’Ange). There’s an entertainment programme each weekend during the holiday season. In Place d’Armes Le Repère des Rennes is the place to be for warming hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Drink, Eat & Sleep

Head to Rue des Brasseurs and surrounding area for a lively selection of wines bars, pubs and eateries. Favourites include Vino Vino, TapaSoif, Le Bouchon Namurois and La Boule Rouge. For an overnight trip, consider the Royal Snail Hotel behind the casino by the Meuse, which also boasts a gastronomic restaurant, L’Agathopède. Les Tanneurs offers a convenient and comfortable city centre location with two restaurants, while along the riverbank, there’s a friendly youth hostel, the Auberge de Jeunesse Félicien Rops. Up on the citadel, the Ne5t hotel and spa is a renovated farmhouse, combining wellness and gourmet food.

 Photo: Noël à Namur

The article was first published in the Bulletin's Best of Belgium 2015 magazine