Namur Travel Guide

Introduction

Namur, the capital of Wallonia and the Namur province in southern Belgium, lies at the strategic confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. Historically significant for its imposing citadel, a 10th-century fortress expanded over centuries into a vast complex with underground tunnels and panoramic views, the city has evolved into a blend of cultural heritage and modern governance. Its pedestrian-friendly old town features Art Deco architecture, museums like the Musée Félicien Rops, and cobbled streets lined with cafes and boutiques. As the seat of Wallonia's parliament, Namur balances administrative importance with attractions such as riverside walks, boat tours, and proximity to the Ardennes' natural landscapes. Accessible via a one-hour train journey from Brussels, it serves as a gateway to both historical exploration and regional outdoor activities.

Interesting Facts about Namur

• Namur's colossal citadel, once called the "termite mound of Europe" by Napoleon, contains over 7km of underground passages and is one of Europe's largest fortresses.
• The city's iconic golden turtle sculpture "Searching for Utopia" by Jan Fabre weighs 1,200kg and permanently guards the Citadel hillside.
• As capital of Wallonia, Namur hosts both the regional parliament and government in its historic city centre.
• Namur holds UNESCO recognition as a Creative City for Digital Arts and boasts the futuristic Namur Smart and Sustainable NID building.
• The city's unique stilt jousting tradition on the Meuse River features knights battling on wooden platforms and holds UNESCO Intangible Heritage status.
• Namur's strategic position at the confluence of Sambre and Meuse rivers made it a crucial trading hub since Celtic times, with water still defining its landscape.
• Local legend claims the city's name originated from a mythical giant's severed iron foot thrown into the Meuse during an ancient battle.
• One of Belgium's only two cable car systems connects Namur's city centre to its hilltop Citadel, offering panoramic river views.
• The Blanche de Namur wheat beer, first brewed in 1958, remains the city's signature drink and was served at Brussels Expo 58.
• With just over 110,000 inhabitants, this compact capital contains 38 distinct municipalities within its provincial boundaries.
• The village of Floreffe, just outside Namur, is renowned for its Premonstratensian abbey, established in 1121, which produces one of Belgium's famous abbey beers.

Brocante de Temploux

The village of Temploux, 10 km north-west of central Namur, hosts one of Europe's largest secondhand market (brocante in French) on the 3rd weekend of August each year. It is spread on 6 km with over 1,500 stands. Sellers do not only come from the Benelux, but also France, Germany, Denmark and Britain, attracting between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors over just 36 hours. The market has the particularity of being open continously from Saturday morning to Sunday evening, night included. Check the multilingual official website for more information.

History

Prehistory

The region of Namur has been settled since times immemorial. Homo Neanderthalis lived here at least 100,000 years ago, as attested by the skeletons found in various caves in the region (Spy Cave, Sclayn Cave).

The first Homo Sapiens (Cro-Magnon) also settled in the region's numerous caves. Canine remains dating from 31,700 years ago were found in Goyet's Caves, a few kilometers south-east of Namur (in the municipality of Gesves). They are the world's oldest reported case of dog domestication. There is no evidence of dog domestication in other parts of the world until about 15,000 BCE.

Ancient times

During the Iron Age, Namur was the site of Oppidum Atuatucorum (or Aduaticorum), the oldest pre-Roman fortified settlement in the Benelux. It was probably the capital of the Atuatuci tribe, who had for immediate neighbours the Condrusi (south, in the hilly Condroz region), the Nervii (north, in Brabant) and the Eburones (east, in the present provinces of Liège and Limburg).

In 57 BCE was fought the Battle of the Sabis (Sabis being the Latin name of the River Sambre) , opposing eight Roman legions (45,000 men) against a confederation of 15 Belgic tribes under the leadership of Galba, king of the Suessiones. The battle culminated with the siege of Oppidum Atuatucorum (see map). Julius Caesar described the place as large enough to shelter 57,000 people, though the total number of Belgae warriors must have been between 15,000 and 25,000. The tough battle resulted in a Roman victory, and the Belgic tribes surrendered, with the exception of the Eburones (and some Nervii), who kept resisting until 54 BCE, before being anihilated.

After the Roman conquest of Gallia Belgica, a castrum (fort) replaced the oppidum, but the settlement remained at the bottom of the hill, as attested by Gallo-Roman artefacts found in the old town of Namur.

Medieval to modern times

In the 7th century, the civitas (town) was mentioned under the name of Navinucum Centrum or Numucum, and was an occasional place of residence for Merovingian kings.

Namur, as it eventually became known from the 12th century, developed into a prosperous merchant town in the late Middle Ages. The historical core of the medieval town (and probably of the previous Celtic and Roman settlements) was built at the foot of the citadel, within the angle formed by the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. This spot, where the Walloon Parliament now stands, is known to the locals as the Grognon.

In 1421 the County of Namur is sold by the Count of Flanders to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. The Burgundian Netherlands are incorporated by marriage to the nascent Habsburgian Empire in 1482. In 1556, Emperor Charles V grants the Low Countries to his son Philip, along with Spain and its American colonies. It is during this period of the Spanish Netherlands that most of today's old town was built (mostly in the 17th century).

Louis XIV of France besieged and took Namur in 1692. The town was fortified by ramparts made by Louis XIV's great military architect Vauban, in addition to the city walls. The town was besieged again in 1695, by William III of England this time.

Namur's strategic location made it a target of the German bombers during WWII.

View of Namur around 1600 (by Adrien de Montigny)

Attractions

The historical centre dates from the mid-17th century to 18th century. Most buildings were constructed on 5 or 6 storeys in typical Mosan style, using red bricks with bluestone window frames. The narrow shopping streets and little squares filled with cafés and restaurants make for a very pleasant way of spending a sunny afternoon.

Fêtes de Wallonie

The third weekend of September each year, Namur hosts Belgium's answer to Munich's Oktoberfest : 3 days of almost uninterrupted binge drinking and partying in the streets of the Walloon capital. Despite the country's reputation for beer (Belgium produces more beer per capita than Germany), it is the local peket, a variety of fruity Jenever, that is king during the Fêtes de Wallonie.

Other Walloon cities, like Liège or Andenne also host similar events, but the biggest and most famous is the one held in Namur and symbolises the Walloon spirit of conviviality. The festival ends with a big fireworks above the citadel.

Other attractions

Beffroi: built in 1388 as part of the city walls, St. James' tower became Namur's belfry in 1746. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Musée de Groesbeeck-de Croix: housed in an 18th-century manor that once belonged to the Marquis de Croix, this museum (Tue-Sun 10am-12noon and 1:30pm-5pm, 2 €) is dedicated to 18th-century decorative arts. It is located Rue Joseph Saintraint 3, 100 metres from the cathedral.

Arsenal: built by Louis XIV in 1692 after the successful siege of the city, the arsenal of Namur was used to stock ammunitions until WWII. It now belongs to the University of Namur and is frequently used by students to hold parties.

Top Museums

Art Museums

Félicien Rops Museum

Housed in a charming 18th-century bourgeois house, this museum is dedicated to the Belgian graphic artist, painter, and caricaturist Félicien Rops (1833-1898). It provides a comprehensive overview of the artist's life and work, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.

TreM.a - Museum of Ancient Arts

Formerly known as the Musée provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois, this museum offers a journey through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It houses an impressive collection of artworks from the Sambre and Meuse Valley, including the renowned Treasure of Oignies, a set of 13th-century religious objects. The museum also boasts the world's largest collection of landscapes by Herri met de Bles.

Historical and Cultural Museums

Groesbeeck de Croix Museum

Set in a stately 18th-century building, this museum recreates the atmosphere of an aristocratic residence from the Age of Enlightenment. It displays artistic works by cabinetmakers, goldsmiths, watchmakers, and glassblowers of old Namur.

Archaeological Museum of Namur

Currently undergoing renovation, this museum is one of the largest archaeological museums in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. It aims to showcase archaeological collections from the Namur region, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages.

Computer Museum NAM-IP

This unique museum traces the evolution of computing from its origins to modern digital devices. It offers an engaging journey through the major breakthroughs in computing that have shaped our digital culture.

Specialized Museums

Musée de la Fraise et du Terroir Wepionnais

Located in Wépion, this museum introduces visitors to the centuries-old history of strawberry cultivation in the region, offering a delightful glimpse into local agricultural traditions.

African Museum of Namur

Housed in the guardhouse of the old Leopold Barracks, this museum displays documents and objects recalling the Belgian presence in Congo. The collection includes African art, pottery, fabrics, musical instruments, and more.

Musée Diocésain et Trésor de la Cathédrale Saint-Aubain

This museum showcases the church treasures of Saint-Aubain, featuring goldsmith's art from the 11th to 18th centuries, as well as paintings and sculptures from the parishes and former abbeys of the Diocese of Namur.

Les Bateliers Museum Complex

This cultural complex houses the Museum of Decorative Arts and is set to incorporate the Archaeological Museum in the future. It offers a fascinating look into the decorative arts of the region.

Local Cuisine

Namur's culinary scene beautifully reflects its Walloon heritage with a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavours. The city is particularly renowned for its Bietrumé de Namur, a soft caramel confection made with fresh cream and toasted hazelnuts that dates back to the 1950s. Local specialities include the Avisance, a warm sausage wrapped in flaky pastry perfect for any time of day. The region takes pride in its Wépion strawberries, which are cultivated in the nearby village and celebrated for their exceptional taste. Traditional Belgian comfort food features prominently, with dishes like stoemp aux carottes, a hearty combination of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. The city's dining scene ranges from casual brasseries serving local beers and classic dishes to sophisticated establishments offering innovative interpretations of regional cuisine, many emphasising farm-to-table concepts and seasonal ingredients.

Shopping

Namur, often described as an open-air shopping gallery, offers a delightful retail experience with over 800 diverse shops in its city centre. The main shopping thoroughfare, Rue de Fer, seamlessly connects to Rue de l'Ange, forming the heart of the retail district where you'll find major fashion brands alongside charming boutiques. The historic centre boasts quaint alleyways filled with unique concept stores, artisanal shops, and local designers, whilst the newer districts feature contemporary fashion outlets and trendy stores. For those seeking Belgian specialities, visit L'Empreinte Belge for local designers' works or Boutique Galler for exquisite Belgian chocolates. The shopping experience extends to the picturesque Saint-Jacques Street, where upscale brands like Scotch & Soda and Essentiel Antwerp reside. Whether you're hunting for vintage treasures at Boutique Terre, seeking unique fashion at Mama Is Cool, or exploring the numerous speciality shops scattered throughout the pedestrian streets, Namur's intimate shopping atmosphere reflects the city's human scale and charm.

Nature in and around Namur

Namur offers a delightful blend of natural attractions, with the majestic Citadel serving as its crowning glory. Perched 190 metres high, this fortress provides breathtaking panoramic views over the Meuse Valley and the entire city. The confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers creates stunning waterfront landscapes that can be explored by kayak, electric boat, or the charming Namourette water shuttles. The area surrounding the Citadel features the enchanting Route Merveilleuse (Marvellous Route), a scenic walking path dotted with viewpoints and resting spots perfect for picnics. The city boasts several themed gardens, including the Garden of Scents with over 350 fragrant plant varieties, and the medieval-inspired Garden of Two Towers. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the Louise-Marie Park, Parc Astrid, and Parc d'Amée, each offering unique green spaces within the urban setting.

Getting Around

The main railway station, located at Place de la Station, serves as a major transport hub with regular train connections to Brussels (50 minutes), Liège (50 minutes) or Luxembourg (2 hours), and other Belgian cities. The station operates daily from 7:00 to 21:30. The local TEC bus network provides comprehensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas, with the main bus station conveniently situated next to the train station. Single bus tickets cost €2 in pre-sale and are valid for one hour of unlimited travel across different lines. For a unique perspective of the city, visitors can hop aboard the Namourette, a river shuttle service that connects the port of Jambes to Salzinnes via the city centre, with several stops along the way. The city's compact nature also makes it ideal for walking, with many areas in the historic centre being pedestrianised.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit Namur is between May and September, when the weather is most favourable with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are particularly ideal, offering pleasant weather conditions with fewer tourists. Summer months of July and August mark the peak tourist season, though it can get quite warm and crowded. While Namur is charming year-round, winter months from November through March experience cold temperatures, frequent rainfall, and occasional snowfall, making outdoor exploration less enjoyable. If you plan to explore the city's outdoor attractions, including the famous Citadel and riverside walks, visiting during the warmer months will provide the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing.