Namur (Namur )

Capital of Wallonia, the gateway to the Belgian Ardennes, a pearl born of the loves of the Sambre and the Meuse, Namur is bathed in a rare and spectacular atmosphere with its confluent in the city centre overhung by its citadel, the fortifications anchored on a particularly impressive rock spur. The harmonious historic centre reveals its fine residences dating back to the radiant 18th century. Namur is also greatly appreciated all year round for its shopping and its refined craft industry, its gastronomy and its rich land. The inhabitants’ taste for the art of fine living and receiving is shared.

À Amée - Jambes

A - Marina


Amée marina (PK43, right bank) is the farther of the downtown, but also the quieter berthing avalaible.

contact : Charlie's Capitainerie - +32 (0)476 30 68 13

More informations

À Jambes - Hallet

B - Marina

The marina Henri Hallet (PK45,600, right bank)is located upstream the bridge, oppositethe downtown. It can recieve boats under 15m long. The boats over 15m must stay in Amée marina. Technical services (diver, mechanical, welding, crane) are available.

A river shuttle links the marina to the downtown every 30 minuts.

The visit is limited to 15 days, for longer stay you would better choose Amée Marina.

The casino (PK45,600, left bank) The docks opposite the Casino also depend on Hallet Marina. This locations are not secured but there are the nearest from the downtown.

A dock, on left bank of the Sambre, near the confluent of the Meuse, gives a direct access to the shops but the berthing is limited to a few hours.

Contact : Charlie's Capitainerie - +32 (0)476 30 68 13

More informations

À Namur

C - Namur : The Citadel


 

Standing proudly on its rock spur, the superb fortress erected by Vauban cocoons the city within its protective walls. Covering an area of 80 hectares, it was one of the largest fortresses in Europe. With seven kilometres of galleries, the Citadel of Namur can boast of having been that with the most underground passages in Europe. It is the only one in Belgium that can be visited: guided tours through the underground tunnels, walks, events and entertainment make this a highly appreciated centre of leisure and relaxation.

Learn more



Route Merveilleuse,64
5000 Namur
Tel : 0032(0) 81 65 45 06
Web : http://www.citadelle.namur.be

À Namur

D - Mosan villas

Until about halfway through the 20th century, the banks of the Meuse were adorned with some real architectural gems: villas, small castles or other châteaux. Some of these still remain and can be admired from either side of the river.

At the end of the 19th century, it was considered good taste to own or rent a villa on the Meuse in Namur and the surrounding area. This fashion, created by the wealthy of Brussels in search of peace and quiet, was followed by a local craze for these properties.

À Namur

E - “Le Grognon” confluent

In Namur, capital of Wallonia, a strange shape forms where the Sambre coils up in the hollows of the Meuse, giving it a new fullness: the “Grognon”, so-called because it brings to mind the snout of a pig… and not a local characteristic![1]

The city was born of this rare confluence. There are signs of human presence here from Mesolithic times, but its population grew in the 4th century. The 10th century saw the erection of the first walls around the town and the building of the first castle by the Counts of Namur.



[1] The French word “grognon” means surly or grumpy

À Namur

F - The horse Bayard

Slender and light, the horse seems to fly through the air carrying its four knights above the river. It is possible that by placing the statue on the bank of the Meuse in the way, the intention was to symbolise the crossing of a boundary or the beyond.

Enter History

À Namur

G - The Elysette


This lovely Mosan villa was given its name during the presidency of a Minister-President of the Walloon Government who maintained good relations with the Elysée in Paris. It was built in 1877 by the master tanner Xavier Thibault. From its gardens overlooking the Meuse, visitors can admire “Quelqu’un”, a work by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. On the right bank of the Meuse, the Elysette stands opposite the Saint Gilles hospice.

 

À Namur

H - The Walloon Parliament – The former Saint Gilles hospice

A “hospital” founded in the Middle Ages, the building had various names during its history, until the 18th century when it became known as the Saint Gilles Hospice, a reference to the pilgrimage of Saint Gilles in Provence undertaken in bygone days by the people of Namur.

The institution played a vital role in Namur social life, welcoming the poor, the sick, orphans, the old and destitute and even serving as a maternity hospital and public warming room. Recently restored, it now houses the Walloon Parliament.

À Namur

I - The Delforge perfumery workshop


In this creative centre, unique in northern Europe, visitors can gain an understanding of the various delicate phases involved in producing a perfume. The perfumes are created and left to mature in the depths of the Citadel, casemates dating from the time of Charles V!

 

In fact, Guy Delforge, a true “conductor” of fragrances, has devised an underground route enabling visitors to experience each stage of this unusual trade: the symphony of the blending of scents, the composition, the maceration, the awakening of the perfume, the olfactory test, the chilling, the filtration, the packaging, etc.

 

Not to mention the perfumery exhibition, the sculptures, the paintings, etc. This “sound, light and perfumes” display is so bewitching that it makes you forget the outside world.

 

In the bowels of the Medieval Citadel of Namur, Guy Delforge creates and produces ten full, high-quality ranges intended for demanding clients.



Route Merveilleuse,60
5000 Namur
Tel : 0032(0) 81 22 12 19
Web : http://www.delforge.com