Initially, we thought of going to Paris for a long weekend. I almost did buy train tickets and was about to book a hotel room for three nights, but I ended up scrapping this idea. The main reason was that May in Paris seemed a bit too expensive and crowded. At least from what I saw when looking for a room at a decent distance from the center and when I saw a couple of recent Instagram stories. No worries. Paris has stood the test of time and you can be sure that we will still see a photo report from Paris in 2023. If not, then next year is the Paris Olympic Games and I have applied to be a volunteer. Thus a visit to the city of lights is unavoidable.
Instead of Paris we went for a day to Namur.
Namur, located in the heart of Belgium, is a picturesque city that seamlessly combines history, natural beauty, and modernity. Nestled on the banks of the Meuse River and surrounded by rolling hills, Namur boasts a stunning setting that captivates visitors from all over the world. The city is known for its rich heritage, with traces of its medieval past evident in its well-preserved architecture, including the iconic Namur Citadel that overlooks the town. From the cobbled streets of the charming old town to the vibrant modern city center, Namur offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure.
The above and below views are seen from the top of the Citadel of Namur.
Below is the 2003 bronze dore by Jan Fabre called “Searching for Utopia”. Imagine if it was made of gold. My guess is that there probably is an Arab prince somewhere who has something similar indeed made out of gold at his desert palace.
The Citadel for us was the main attraction. We saw it in photos when googling the city, thus a visit there was a must. But before we embarked on a journey up the hill we stopped by to get our second coffee of the day. Doing a quick Google search we found that Cafe In Coffee House serves the best coffee in Namur. Eager to test this statement we found the place and ordered two cappuccinos and an Italian toast. My woman also took a chocolate cookie.
The cookie was delicious. I did not taste it, thus we have to take my love’s word for it. But the Italian toast was indeed amazing. We both tasted it. Served together with a side of potatoes and a sauce, it proved to be a perfect complement to an equally delicious cappuccino. Reviews proved to be right. Fortunately, it was not packed with people. A reason for that could be that this coffee house is located in a place full of shade, a majority of people on that day were soaking the sun in places with a terrace. Luckily for us, but I would assume not so luckily for the coffee house staff. Anyway, this is a must-visit place for anyone looking for good coffee.
One of Namur’s highlights is its vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, offering a diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of the region at the Museum of Wallonia, which showcases archaeological artifacts and exhibits on the industrial heritage of Namur. The Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands tall as a symbol of the city’s rich past and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Namur hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Namur International French-Language Film Festival, attracting film enthusiasts from around the globe.
We did not visit any museums. We did not see all the must-see places in Namur. But we did explore the old town, we made a visit to the Citadel and went inside a church. Also, as luck would have it, we were in the city at the right time to experience one of its famed festivals. On almost every other corner, street artists performed various acts, from simple street music to juggling to standing on two-meter-high poles playing drums.
Even though it may be good to try to expect everything, in most cases the unexpected may end up being the best thing during the whole trip. It was certainly the case during our trip to Namur.
As we were wandering around the city we somehow managed to notice a shop selling fragrances. Nothing usual. However, one of the brands caught our eye because it is also being sold in Riga. Importantly, in Riga, it is sold next to Pierre Guillaume. Naturally, our first instinct was to look for Pierre here as well. Because maybe, just maybe, it will be here as well. And guess what? It is!!!
Our eyes lit up. We immediately went to the Pierre Guillaume stand and started sampling everything we had not smelled before. Since there are limited opportunities to sample the brand’s works, we had to make the most of it. The reason is that Pierre Guillaume boutiques are only located in France. My lovely woman had saved various names on her phone that she wanted to sample, which on this occasion proved to be an exceptional idea. We tried various fragrances and after the first ones it was clear that I purchase is going to be made. Note that this was not planned. We did not intend to visit a Pierre Guillaume distributor and buy a new fragrance. But we did, both of us. In case you forgot about my experience with Pierre Guillaume feel free to read this. Even though Namur is beautiful and all, this unplanned visit was the highlight. At least for us, two people who have a passion for fragrances.
After this magnificent experience, we went to grab a beer to celebrate our purchase. During this phase of the journey, something else happened that may be too embarrassing to write about on the internet. But let’s just say it involves a toilet and a stomach. Luckily, even though it was a close call, everything ended up (or down) successfully.
To finish our visit to Namur we went to get an ice-cream. Completely by chance, we chose a place that has been recommended by the city to visit in 2023. This was also the first time I tried ice cream that tasted like a cappuccino. Pure joy.
Namur is surrounded by lush greenery and is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. The Félicien Rops Museum and its adjacent garden are a must-visit, offering a tranquil retreat amidst stunning floral displays. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the Ardennes region, just a short distance from Namur, provides ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The Meuse River that winds through the city is also a popular spot for leisurely boat rides, allowing visitors to soak in the breathtaking views and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
You probably have guessed already that we did not take advantage of the lush greenery that surrounds Namur. Only post factum we learned about the gardens and floral displays, but knowing that in Brussels everything has already bloomed, it would be a safe bet to say that today in Namur the story is the same. At least now we have a justifiable reason to visit Namur next year. Assuming around April would be the best time, same as with Floralia and Hallerbos if one wants to see flowers and nature in general waking up. After the visit to the fragrance shop, we felled immensely satisfied and willing to call it a day.
Which we ended up doing. We got to and from Namur via train.
In summary, Namur is a captivating Belgian city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning surroundings, Namur offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Whether strolling through the old town’s charming streets, immersing oneself in the local art and culture, or exploring the picturesque landscapes, Namur promises an enchanting journey for all who visit.
Thus we wholeheartedly recommend you visit Namur.
Kind regards,
Olaaf
Photo credit: Olaaf and Laurukaa
