BELGIUM city of TOURNAI

BELGIUM city of TOURNAI

Tournai is Walloon city (French speaking) of Belgium, located in the Southwest of Brussels on the river Scheldt.

Tournai is a historical city, with its gentle pace and healthy apetite for local brews and festivities. Known for its artistic porcelain, tapestry, antiques, as well as its history. The city is part of the economic and cultural hub known as the Eurometropolis that incorporates Lille in northern France and Kortrijk in West Flanders.

The oldest city in Belgium after Tongeren and Arlon. Tournai, is the only city to have been conquered by the English, Henry VIII captured it in 1513. Despite the fortress city’s beefed-up defences, France reclaimed it in 1519. The Henry VIII Tower is a hefty reminder of the British presence.

Tournai’s history continued in the fifth century when it was conquered by the Frankish tribes, these were Germanic tribes and eventually became the Merovingian capital. It then flourished in the 11th century when it became the religious centre of Flanders and a key trade route.

The towering landmark of Tournai is the famous cathedral, known as Notre-Dame cathedral, with its five bell towers makes a great feature for tourists and photographers alike. The scaffolding shrouds much of the cathedral, as the latest in a long line of renovation projects, repair this wonderful monument.

Tournai’s other famous feature is the romantic 13th century Pont des Trous , a fortified water bridge. The walked city, intersected by the river, is ideal for wandering, signposts and the looming cathedral towers are sufficient navigational aids. From the centre, cross the river where barges still pay their trade, and one can meander through ancient streets of Roman houses and handsome squares and town houses. There are reminders, though, that Tournai, like much of Hainaut province, it is still climbing out of a post-industrial slump, the city is a fascinating hotchpotch of medieval cobbles, a few run-down timbered houses, but it is encouraging to see that great effort is being made to rebuild the city but keep its historical influence at the same time.

Overlooking the river are the former fish market and a row of bars that liven up at night. A favourite is La Vie des Belges offering regional tapas and tipples. Sampling local beers is also recommended. North African eateries and brasseries around. One gourmet option on the quayside for couscous and tagine is D’Olive et de menthe. For places to stay the three starred Cathedral Hotel has a prime location in Place Saint-Pierre but the boutique Alcantara Hotel tucked behind the Grand place is a quieter alternative.
Tournai, another interesting city to visit in Belgium.