Namur

🎭 Activities

Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur – October: The Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur (FIFF) is held every October, celebrating French-language cinema. It attracts filmmakers from all over the world, showcasing a wide variety of films, from experimental shorts to full-length features. 

Namur’s Christmas Market – December: Namur’s Christmas Market, open throughout December, transforms the city’s center into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy festive stalls, delicious local treats, and a beautiful light display in a charming historic setting. 

Fête de la Musique – June: Held annually in June, the Fête de la Musique is a free music festival that takes place across various venues in Namur. Local and international artists perform live on the streets, in cafés, and in concert halls, celebrating music in all its forms. 

Namur Jazz Festival – May: The Namur Jazz Festival, held in May, brings top-notch jazz musicians to the city. From intimate performances in small clubs to large outdoor concerts, this festival celebrates the rich diversity of jazz with both established and emerging talents. 

La Meuse à Vélo – April: La Meuse à Vélo in April is a biking event that runs along the Meuse River, offering participants the chance to explore Namur and its surrounding natural beauty. The route takes cyclists through picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages. 

Les Ardentes – July: While not exclusively in Namur, the Les Ardentes festival, held just outside the city, draws large crowds in July. The festival is a major event in the Belgian music scene, featuring live performances from a wide range of international and local artists. 

Namur Science Festival – March: The Namur Science Festival in March is dedicated to promoting science and technology. This event includes interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and lectures, making science accessible and fun for all ages. 

Balade Gourmande – August: In August, Namur hosts the Balade Gourmande, a gastronomic event where participants can enjoy a walking tour through the city’s finest food spots. Local chefs and restaurants offer delicious tastings along the route, highlighting the culinary culture of Namur. 

Les Nuits de Namur – June: The Les Nuits de Namur festival, held in June, is a celebration of the region’s vibrant nightlife and music scene. The event takes place in various venues across the city, featuring live music performances, DJ sets, and themed parties. 

Les Caves de la Citadelle – September: During September, the Citadel of Namur opens its caves to the public for guided tours. These historic underground tunnels were used for storage, defense, and even secret meetings during the 18th century, offering an intriguing glimpse into the city’s past. 

Festival du Théâtre – November: Namur’s Festival du Théâtre, held in November, celebrates the art of theater with performances from local and international troupes. The festival spans multiple venues, offering a variety of styles from traditional plays to avant-garde productions. 

The Meuse River Boat Tour – March: A boat tour on the Meuse River, available in March, allows visitors to experience Namur from a unique perspective. The scenic cruise offers views of the city’s historic center, the Citadel, and the surrounding natural landscape.

🔹 Small Facts

Namur’s Ancient Roots: Namur has a history that dates back to Roman times, making it one of Belgium’s oldest cities. The original Roman settlement was strategically located at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers, a position that facilitated trade and military activity. 

The Origin of the Citadel: The Citadel of Namur was originally built in the 10th century, during the medieval period. Over the centuries, it was expanded and reinforced by various rulers, making it one of the most important military sites in the region. 

The Meuse River’s Role in History: The Meuse River has been a vital waterway for trade and transportation for centuries. Namur, positioned at the junction of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, became a key hub for commerce and military defense during the Middle Ages. 

The Evolution of Namur’s Architecture: Namur’s architecture is a mix of medieval, classical, and modern styles. The city’s buildings showcase a blend of influences, from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to contemporary architecture in the city center. 

The Cultural Hub of Namur: Namur is known as a cultural hub in Wallonia, with a thriving arts scene. The city hosts multiple cultural festivals each year, including the International Film Festival and the Namur Jazz Festival, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. 

The Belfry of Namur: The Belfry of Namur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is part of the collective memory of the city’s independence. It was built in the 14th century and has historically been used for both administrative and defensive purposes. 

Namur’s Role in the Industrial Revolution: During the Industrial Revolution, Namur became an important center for the production of textiles and iron. The city’s factories, powered by the Meuse River, were key contributors to Belgium’s industrial output. 

The Rise of the Namur Wine Industry: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Namur was known for its wine production. Vineyards in the region produced wine that was exported across Europe, though today, the wine industry has mostly disappeared from the area. 

Namur’s Role in Belgian Independence: Namur was one of the first cities to support Belgian independence in the 1830s, playing a crucial role in the country’s split from the Netherlands. The city’s strategic location made it an important site in the early stages of Belgium’s independence. 

Namur’s Historic Watermills: The city’s Meuse River once housed numerous watermills that were crucial for the grinding of grain and the production of paper. These mills helped establish Namur as an industrial center in the 19th century. 

The Unique Architecture of the St. Aubin’s Cathedral: The St. Aubin’s Cathedral in Namur is an impressive example of Baroque architecture. Built in the 18th century, it features stunning interiors, including marble columns and a beautiful dome, making it one of the city’s key landmarks. 

Namur’s Secret Tunnels: Beneath the Citadel of Namur, a network of secret tunnels once existed, used for storage, communication, and defense. These tunnels are not always open to the public, but some sections are still used during special events and tours. 

The Future of Namur’s Urban Development: Namur is undergoing a process of urban renewal, with projects focusing on sustainability and improving public spaces. Plans include the expansion of green areas, the redevelopment of the waterfront, and the construction of new cultural spaces. 

The Origins of Namur’s Public Transport: Namur was one of the first cities in Belgium to introduce public transportation, with horse-drawn trams operating in the 19th century. The system evolved over the years, eventually leading to the establishment of modern-day buses and trams. 

Namur’s Connection to Walloon Culture: Namur has a strong connection to Walloon culture, with a local dialect, cuisine, and traditions that reflect the region’s unique identity. The city’s festivals and events often celebrate this heritage, reinforcing its importance as a cultural center in Wallonia.