If you wish to explore Belgium at its fullest than nothing can give a better overview of it except for Tournai. It is considered as one of the oldest cities of Belgium. Located along the River Escaut, Tournai is famed for its many beautiful architectures, amusement parks, medieval square, a great hiking point with panoramic views of the entire city. It’s just like packing your bags and embracing your travelogue with some enthusiastic experiences. Make sure to carry your camera, it would be a great loss to not to capture such photogenic views.
Address to reach the cathedral :Place de l’Evêché 1, 7500 Tournai
Read on to learn more about the best things to do in this historic city!
- Cathédrale Notre Dame
Cathédrale Notre Dame is without a question the star attraction of Tournai. Dominating Tournai’s skyline are the five spires of its remarkable cathedralrst thing to notice is one of the most impressive Romanesque naves you have ever seen, with a beautiful Rose stained glass on one end, The treasury brims with invaluable liturgical art, like a 14th-century Arras tapestry, two reliquaries, precious ivories and magnificent pieces of goldsmithery. The cathedral has 700-year-old murals and paintings and the centerpiece is the Shrine of Our Lady, a beautiful gold-sculpted reliquary. The premises are amazing and the restored parts are ready to be seen are breathtaking. Worth a visit cathédrale.
If you are the lover of aerial views?
The Belfry of Tournai is a special 72-meter-high building that allows you to ascend more than 250 stairs to get to the top. The story of Tournai’s belfry begins around 1188 which makes it the oldest belfry in Belgium. After the great climb of 257 steps you can have the most beautiful bird’s-eye view of tournai ever. No large crowds of tourists, just divine and peace. The interior is also always open to enter and respectfully admire the architecture. Photographers will have a perfect scene to capture in photos.
Dating from the 13th century, The Bridge Of Holes remains one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. This photogenic fortified bridge defended the city and was also used for toll collections. This bridge is the main survivor from WWII. It is a vestige of an enclosure surrounding the city, and once brought through 18 doors. The upstream, city side of these towers is flat, while the outer, downstream side is curved. Today, only the bridge holes remain of this colossal construction. It has a very pleasant walk along the banks of the Scheldt, the river that runs through Tournai. The bridge of holes is an intriguing reminder of Belgian defensive architecture.
Musée De La Tapisserie De Tournai is a lovely museum. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Tournai was a major centre for the art of tapestry weaving, and you can view some astonishing examples from that period at this museum in a handsome Neoclassical townhouse. The museum exhibits a mixture of ancient and contemporary tapestries, plus some contemporary art. The antique tapestries are fantastic and tell us some violent history of Wallonia, and were in remarkably good condition. Apart from the ready-made tapestries, there are some tapestries being renovated. There’s a conservation and restoration workshop, where you can find out about the slow and meticulous process of preserving this art. It takes special skill and time.
You will appreciate the effort those artists put into ensuring you get the best artwork. An astounding place.
Head to Tournai’s higher point at Mont-Saint-Aubert, a hill which is 147 metres above sea level. The point offers magnificent views of the Scheldt valley and the city of Tournai.
It is accessible by car, along narrow country roads, or by bike. It is the starting point of many hiking trails. Upon arrival, you can relax over a drink, and the kids can enjoy a playground. The place is also known as Mont de la Trinité, which is the same name as the medieval pilgrimage that was popular in the 14th century. It’s perfect for a family getaway, with a miniature golf course, a small slide, a drinks stall, and games for the kids. It is one of the best places that Tournai could ever offer.
In amongst all of Tournai’s art and history there’s an attraction just for kids. A couple of kilometres from north of Grand Place, Jungle City is for children up to the age of 13. Bouncing castles, merry-go-rounds, artificial horses to be ridden, slides, a “5D” cinema, electric go-karts, ball pools, an arcade and much more.
They give children the freedom to loosen themselves and have a trip outside this world. Jungle City also includes a mini farm with domestic animals, as well as all sorts of exotic birds including an emu, macaws, parakeets and owls.You will have a hard time getting them out of Jungle City. For the love of your kids, let them enjoy themselves at the Jungle City. It’s a very adventurous place.
If you want a great beer brewed on site you have to stop here. The Biérodrome, located along the Escaut, is fully dedicated to craft beer: the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity about the brewing world and your tastebuds. The Saison style beers are wonderful and you can also try super Lunatic, the gothic style beers which are worth a shot.
The Biérodrome pico-brewery invites beer lovers to try a little-known beers and the most adventurers to create their very own brew. It’s an amazing place to raise a toast.
