Tournai, Municipal city in Walloon region, Belgium
Description
Tournai sits on the banks of the Scheldt in Wallonia, roughly 89 kilometers southwest of Brussels and 24 meters above sea level. Medieval lanes lead to a large central square surrounded by Flemish architecture and cobbled paths along the river.
History
In the 5th century, the settlement served as the first capital of the Frankish Empire under Clovis I, who was born here. Later, control shifted repeatedly between French and Burgundian powers until it finally passed into the Kingdom of the Netherlands and then modern Belgium.
Culture
The name derives from the Latin Turnacum, which refers to a Celtic settlement still visible in the urban fabric today. Residents often gather at the Grand-Place, where cafés and weekly markets shape everyday life.
Practical
Guided tours help with orientation through winding lanes, while bicycle rental gives easy access to riverside paths and parks. Most streets in the historic core are pedestrian friendly, and information panels in several languages make visits easier.
Did you know?
Since 1092, an annual procession takes place, recalling a plague epidemic and gathering hundreds of participants in period costumes. Along the route, traditional relics are carried, accompanied by local customs that are centuries old.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (arrondissement of Tournai-Mouscron).
Wallonia brings together a range of places that tell the story of the south of Belgium. You will find historic towns like Mons, Namur, Liege or Tournai, with their bell towers, cathedrals and cobbled squares. Castles and monasteries show the region’s medieval past, while citadels overlook valleys...
Tournai Cathedral
121 m
Belfries of Belgium and France
9.5 km
Bridge of the Holes
882 m
Antoing Castle
6.1 km
Belfry of Tournai
21 m
Arrondissement of Tournai
1 km
Abbaye de Saint-Martin de Tournai
297 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tournai
356 m
Grand-Place
150 m
Church of Saint Quentin
249 m
Saint James Church
451 m
La Royère Castle
11.1 km
Tumulus of Trou de Billemont
6.5 km
Henri VIII Tower
806 m
Église Saint-Brice
571 m
Seminary of Tournai
315 m
Templeuve Castle
8.6 km
Église Sainte-Marguerite
480 m
Moulin de Thimougies
9.5 km
Hôtel de ville de Tournai
291 m
Abbaye Saint-Nicolas-des-Prés de Tournai
315 m
Musée d'Histoire naturelle et Vivarium, Tournai
230 m
Antoing Bridge
6.1 km
Musée de la Tapisserie de Tournai
156 m
Royal Museum of Arms and Military History
237 m
Musée d'Archéologie
430 m
Maison Tournaisienne
128 m
Église des Rédemptoristes de Tournai
419 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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