bthere: Inflight Magazine Brussels Airlines

The best things to do in Namur

Namur, a charming city in southern Belgium, is the political capital of Wallonia and the capital of Namur province. Strategically located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, it was the centre of many important battles dating from Roman times

1 TREAT
yourself to a gourmet meal at Cuisinémoi (44 rue Notre Dame, tel. (0)81 22 91 81), a palace of haute cuisine, located near the Wallonian Parliament. Run by Catherine and Benoît Vandenbranden, the restaurant was awarded a star by the 2007 Michelin guide.

2 HUNT
for bargains at the flea market, held every Sunday morning on the Meuse riverbank, near the Pont de Jambes bridge. The market is at its best on the first Sunday of the month and locals suggestarriving there early to get the best selection.

3 BASK
in the party atmosphere of Namur at the old-fashioned annual street fair, which this year runs from May 17 to 20. It features carousels, street theatre, cabaret and tons of other fun activities for the entire family.

4 SIT BACK
and enjoy a cruise on the Meuse and Sambre rivers, one of the best ways to see the region’s sites. There are various routes available, including a 50-minute ride covering both rivers, a 1 hour 45-minute Namur-Wépion round trip, or an excursion from Namur to Dinant. See beauteaux-meuse.be for more information.

5 STAY OVERNIGHT
at the four-star Hôtel Les Tanneurs de Namur (13 rue des Tanneries, tel. (0)81 24 00 24), which is built along the old 17th-century dwellings of former tanners. Conveniently located close to the train station and the casino, the hotel boasts two restaurants, while some suites are equipped with jacuzzi, sauna or hammam.

6 GET ACQUAINTED
with one of Belgium’s most renowned artists at the Félicien Rops Museum (12 rue Fumal, tel. (0)81 22 01 10), in an 18th-century house that once belonged to Rops’ in-laws. There are some 3,000 works on display, which reflect the artist’s obsession with women and his links to the literary world.

7 SPEND
several hours touring the Citadel, a favourite with visitors to Namur. It can be toured on foot or by train and although nothing remains of the first constructions from Roman times, parts of the 13th-century fortress have survived.

8 RELISH
old-world charm while strolling the old streets of Namur’s historic centre, concentrated around the place du Marché-auxLégumes – ‘vegetable market’. While there take your pick of numerous outdoor terraces for sipping refreshments in the spring sunshine.

9 ADMIRE
a vast array of beautiful 12th- and 13th-century religious artefacts at the Convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame (17 rue Julie-Billiard, tel.(0) 81 23 03 42). They are from the impressive collection of Hugo d’Oignies, a goldsmith-turned-monk.

10 ESCAPE
city life at the nearby Gardens of Annevoie, located midway between Namur and Dinant, on the left bank of the Meuse. Designed between 1758 and 1776 by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier, the gardens – in French, English and Italian styles – have a magical atmosphere.