We entered Belgium without fanfare. In fact it was difficult to discern the border between France and Belgium along the Escaut River. To begin our Belgian visit for 2014 we were keen to visit Tournai, the first town built in Belgium. Our guide suggested that it would be impossible to find a mooring in Tournai, so we stopped at Antoing where there is a very convenient spot to stop, and caught a train (6 minutes) to Tournai.
Antoing with strange Chateau Tower
This visit was not really fully satisfying. Tournai probably needs another look. Our first task was to find the tourist bureau. In the end we found it just as heavy rain was starting and after we had wandered around the town for an hour. On the way we did find a few of the sights. First was the belfry, claimed to be the oldest in Belgium. The sign told us it cost 1 euro 20 to go to the top. However when we tried to buy a ticket we were informed that, just for today, it cost 15 euros. We declined. The extra fee was for some extra event but not the simple climb and see that we wanted- and a great deal of money out of our budget. Then the Cathedral, said to be magnificent, was covered in plastic sheeting and closed for repairs. A tornado which went through Tournai in 1999 had exposed some work that needed to be done and now, 15 years later, the money had been raised. By then we were out of sorts for the Art Gallery so decided to inspect the Tower of Henry V111 on the way back to the train- covered by scaffolding.
Tournai town square
Tournai Belfry
The Tournai Giant(ess)
After these disappointments we thought some refreshment was in order so we stopped for a hot chocolate for Penny and a beer for David. What a hot chocolate! We have a new standard of excellence.
So maybe a visit another day will be in order if we are in the area. It was very interesting to walk along the Escaut River through the city and to see a fully laden commercial barge passing under the lifting bridge while the traffic waited each side; the old town walls and towers and the town square.One positive discovery was that there are now moorings available in the city so next time we can stay nearby and better time our visit.
The Escaut river and ancient town bridge- Tournai
Tournai Beautiful statues