Location: Tournai
Top Things to do in Tournai
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What to do and see in Tournai, Belgium: The Best Places and Tips
Tournai is a charming small town near France that begs to be discovered. With more than 2,000 years of history, Tournai’s roots began as a market town (Tornacum) near the crossroads of a Roman road. Today, the sprawling municipality includes more than 1,000 kilometres of signposts, with guidance from “Rambling Cards,” allowing Tournai to be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Here an old chapel, there a castle or an old farm – there’s so much to see in Tournai that you’ll soon realize you’ve been exploring for hours. Must-see attractions include Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai, The Belfry, Museum of Fine Arts, the Castle of Beloeil, and the Museum of Tapestry and Textile Arts.
Restaurants in Tournai
1. The Belfry of Tournai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Twinsliders
At only €2 you may as well take a look if passing. It was interesting to learn the history of this tower and belfries in general however all the information is in the first room and after that there is no more. This was disappointing and it would be a vast improvement to have some displays further up so that you are not just looking at an empty room! The steps are steep, narrow and uneven in places but there aren't that many of them so you don't have to be really fit to manage the climb and there are plenty of stops on the way.
2. Grand Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 989 reviews
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
All of the great Flemish towns seem to have these wonderful central public spaces and this is one of the best; with it's large sloping space almost devoid of cars, but full of cafes (and students!). There's a range of interesting building all around and the multiple spout type of Fountains that seem so popular in this part of the world. A superb place for lunch or a coffee on a sunny day.
3. Musee d'Histoire Naturelle et Vivarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Laurence26 - Luxembourg
As it was raining we had to find some indoor activities and decided to go for this museum and we really liked it. It is a very random collection and looks like a museum would have 100 years ago (for the first part of the museum). There was a really interesting exhibit about animals in the war which we all enjoyed. The vivarium was also well stocked for such a small city.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By Terry M - Hamilton, Canada
My first sighting of the Cathedral was scaffolding covering the five towers, not exactly suggesting photographic appeal. Time and a tornado have led to a massive restoration project, impacting the five towers and much of the interior. The '4 rating' reflects the value of the Cathedral in history and the wonderful Treasure Room. The latter has some excellent items, including an early 15th c tapesty and the reliquaries of Our Lady and St Eleutheurs, the first bishop of Tournai.. The lost of the priceless Byzantine Cross to thieves in 2008 is a crime of untold proportions.
5. Musee du Folklore (Folklore Museum)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Many diverse exhibits in two 17th century buildings.
Reviewed By malabarfly - Gravesend, United Kingdom
Much bigger inside than it looks from the outside. A marvellous collection, painstakingly collected and displayed. I am not usually a museam person, disliking looking at old coins, broken pottery, swords and armour and musty old clothes but this is different. I really enjoyed it. (also worth noting that, although entrance is inexpensive, museums are free on the first Sunday of each month - something that would be worth noting for families visiting more than one museum.)
6. Ecopark Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By kenyantrains - OXFORD
Our children were part of a rugby tour and so they really enjoyed the break at the Ecopark. Some of the high ropes looked very scary and some of the children said they felt unsafe. Having said that all came away with smiles on their faces. Go with a picnic as you can only purchase drinks at the park.
7. Pont des Trous
Overall Ratings
4 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By stonewithnomoss - USA
Similar to the one in nearby Kortrijk, it is a good example of a water fortification. It is a short walk from the center and the path along the river was recently redone so it makes for a nice walk.
8. Saint James Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Anthony-Susan - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We came here as pilgrims on the Camino (Santiago de Compostela). This is acknowledged in some special Reading boards inside this church, and you can get a Camino stamp from a lady who lives nearby.
But what makes this church truly special are the stained glass windows devoted to the 7 sacraments. I can't recall anything similar anywhere else, so we spent a great deal of time studying these masterpieces. Since almost no tourists come here, we had it all to ourselves.
9. Eglise Saint-Quentin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By BigG1 - Kent
It's in the Grand Place, it's open and you can visit, but there's nothing much to see ......... lots of chairs, no description of any features
10. Central Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
What a great public space. It's large, pretty much car-free, with a nice Fountain, a great statue of a local heroine, and a range of attractive buildings. At the moment there are also a large number of colorful banners all around it representing the 36 medieval guilds of the town. A great place to sit in the sun, drink coffee and people watch.
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