Namur is a Belgian city with a 2006 population of 107,000. It is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre. It is presently an important commercial and industrial center, and includes a major railway junction.

Namur maintains much of its medieval styles and flavor; in fact you’ll find no large supermarkets or malls in Namur. The major dominant landmark of the city is a massive middle ages fortified Citadel that overlooks the two rivers and the city from a hilltop. The Citadel has actually been rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, but remains as a relic of the past and is now a popular tourist attraction. In fact the entire town of Namur is a popular tourist destination, as it features a casino on the left bank of the Meuse in the southern part of the city, as well as an Easter time yearly beer Festival.

The narrow cobbled medieval streets, attractive waterfront architecture, and many interesting old buildings also add to the popularity as a tourist destination. Some of the more well known sites are the historic 16th-century Meat Hall, located on the banks of the Sambra, which is now an archaeological museum. Also worth visiting is the 18th century Saint Aubain’s Cathedral and the Belfry of St. James. A few museums worth touring are the Museum of Ancient Arts, which includes works from the 11th to 17th centuries, and the Groesbeeck De Croix, a beautiful 18th century mansion now serving as a museum featuring Namur’s own decorative arts and craftsmanship.

The old-fashioned pedestrian areas featuring cafés, restaurants, lots of good shopping and a lively atmosphere contribute nicely in making Namur a great place to visit or hang out. Warmer months of the year will make the outdoor activities more comfortable and thus it is suggested to visit outside of winter, as winter time in Namur can be on thet harsh side.