Namur is a vibrant, lively and quite surprising city filled with amazing restaurants and bars, concept stores and independent boutiques.
It's such a joy to explore the old town, find second-hand items and capture its urban art. Add to this a relaxing time by the water's edge, a unique 360° view and captivating exhibitions…
You can even leave the car at home, come by train for a long weekend and enjoy this human-sized city on foot.
Friday: a charming gîte and a feast
Make yourself comfortable
Your accommodation, ZannA House, is nestled in a listed 18th century building on rue des Brasseurs, a mere 10-minute walk from the train station.
While there is a wide choice of bars and restaurants in this iconic street of the old Namur district, the lodging itself is amazingly peaceful. Old beams, vintage furniture, quirky niches... are sure to make you fall in love with it. Its perfect location is an added bonus.
A meal at Pépite
Eat well, dink cheerfully and exchange ideas. This could be the motto of link[externe|50658|Pépite], an astonishing dining cellar. Nestled at the foot of the Citadel, this intimate canteen changes its menu every week. There you can taste and share inventive cuisine with sometimes surprising combinations. Wash it down with amazing wines selected by Catherine. This establishment certainly lives up to its name, which means “gem”.
A last drink
Old Namur is full of good addresses. For a wonderful cocktail, head to Botanical by Alfonse or Limoni Bar Salon. If you fancy a chat while sipping a glass of wine, Vino vino is the place to be. And for a festive mood, nothing like the Nana Bar.
Saturday: the Meuse and food delights
Second-hand and concept stores
Follow the second hand trail which lists the majority of thrift stores, second-hand bookstores, flea markets and concept stores integrating vintage in Namur... We love Antigua Cabana and Sapristi, 2 furniture and decoration boutiques advocating a responsible philosophy.
On rue Haute Marcelle is home to Juke-Box, known for its vinyls, and L'Envol du Colibri, popular for its ethical clothing. But you can also visit La Maison by Les Cup'Inn, dedicated to tableware, stationery, cosmetics... Even if it has nothing to do with second hand, it really is filled with little treasures.
Those with an irresistible craving for sweets will be delighted. There is no shortage of chocolatiers in Namur. Try Thomas Manini, Belle & Chocolat, Sigoji and Pralinez-moi to start with.
A generous brunch
Hopefully your responsible shopping trip has opened your appetite...
With its fantastic bread, freshly cooked eggs, colourful granolas, decadent pancakes and comforting lattes, Brunchist is a must.
Homemade cuisine, mouth-watering plates and attentive service : you are sure to leave with a smile. We like to think happiness can be found at the end of a fork.
Chill on the banks of the Meuse or stroll exhibitions
Set off for a digestive stroll along the towpath and you will get to The Flow, a leisure centre. Open from May to September, this little corner of paradise is perfect to relax with your feet in the sand, a drink in hand, or try your Stand Up Paddle, beach volleyball, pétanque... Events of all kinds are also organized throughout the season.
If the weather is not on your side, take shelter in one of the city's cultural spaces. The Delta, La Nef and, a little further, the CCN on the site of the former Bomel Abattoirs host superb exhibitions and shows. Check out their program.
A culinary journey
Here's another tastebud-wowing address, Cagette.
The setting is inviting, the small dishes tasty and the natural wines are gorgeous.
The chef works with simple products and turns them into refined dishes by playing with condiments and original combinations.
This blend of flavors from here and Asia are sure to add to the feeling of holiday.
Sunday: urban art, gastronomy and a stellar exhibition
Le matin, suivez un parcours d'art dans la ville
Sunday morning fit walks admirably. Today you will set out in search of art works. Between the mini-statues of Isaac Cordal and the urban frescoes which make the city a permanent open-air exhibition: although distinct, the 2 routes designed intersect in many places, so much so that you won't even have to choose what to see.
Lunch with a view
The cable car will take you to the top of the Citadel, offering you magnificent views along the way.
Just an appetizer: at Panorama, you can enjoy a gourmet cuisine in an enchanting setting, with a 360° view of the city spread out at your feet.
Designed by Yves Mattagne, a chef awarded 2 Michelin stars, it offers a menu is oriented towards international recipes while highlighting local products.
Culture, art and heritage
End your weekend on the Citadel esplanade. From June 22, 2024 and until January 26, 2025, The Pavillon, dedicated to digital cultures, will be hosting Stellar Scape. This incredible exhibition focuses on astronomy and new space conquests through installations, immersive environments, scientific innovations and speculative projects. Simply thrilling.
Simply thrilling.
Would you prefer a hotel to a lodge?
Opt for The Royal Snail, a boutique hotel honouring one of the city's symbols. Its superb themed rooms and its heated outdoor swimming pool truly are enchanting.