Cruises to Namur

Namur (Photo:Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Namur

Sitting at the juncture of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, Namur is the capital city of Wallonia, one of the three regions you can visit on a cruise to Belgium. While its port has long been important to the area, Namur is only now being included in cruise itineraries. The city is home to 110,000 people yet still has a small town feel with its walkable, cobblestoned streets and very few chain restaurants or stores. "Charming" and "intimate" are two words often used to describe this French-speaking enclave 45 miles from Brussels. With the exception of its Citadelle, which sits on a rocky overlook above the city, Namur is easy to navigate on foot.

This place has history, beginning as a trading camp during Celtic times. The Romans also setup shop here. The area really came into its own, though, during the early Middle Ages, when its Citadelle was built.

The city is well-known for its natural and manmade beauty, its rolling hills and flowing waterways as well as its traditional architecture and cobblestoned streets.

Avalon Waterways is currently the only cruise line offering Meuse River tours that stop at Namur. The heart of the old city is within blocks of where passengers disembark. In addition to stores that meet a traveler's practical needs -- including currency exchanges and health stores -- visitors will also find independent coffee houses and restaurants, chic boutiques and specialty shops offering local delicacies.

  • More about Namur

  • Why Cruise to Namur?

  • Namur Cruise Port Facilities?

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Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

8 Night
Tulip Time In Holland & Belgium With 1 Night In Am...

102 Reviews
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Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Imagery II

8 Night
Tulip Time In Holland & Belgium With 1 Night In Am...

95 Reviews
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Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

15 Night
Grand Tulip Cruise Of Holland & Belgium With 1 Nig...

102 Reviews
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Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

14 Night
Grand Tulip Cruise Of Holland & Belgium

102 Reviews
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Nachi Cocom Beach Club

14 Night
Grand Tulip Cruise Of Holland & Belgium

95 Reviews
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7 Night
Tulip Time In Holland & Belgium

95 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Tulip Time In Holland & Belgium

102 Reviews
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15 Night
Grand Tulip Cruise Of Holland & Belgium With 1 Nig...

95 Reviews
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More about Namur

Why Cruise to Namur?

Pros:

This city is ideal for leisurely sightseeing on foot, with its charming cobblestones and scenic views

Cons:

Not many ships stop here so if you're set on visiting via sea, you can't be picky about the cruise line

Bottom Line:

Though it's actually sizable, Namur seems more like a small town and is easy to explore

Namur Cruise Port Facilities?

There is no formal port facility. All services -- businesses that change money, style hair and sell aspirins and other health products -- can be found within a 10-minute walk. The tourism office on Rue de Fer has public bathroom facilities.

Good to Know?

While traversing the city, walkers should be on the lookout for the gold seashell decoration that occasionally pops up amid the cobblestones. These mark one of the routes of Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St. James or simply The Way) that pilgrims take on their journey to the shrine of St. James in Galicia, northwestern Spain.

Want to play another fun game of "I Spy" in Namur? Look for snail imagery. The snail is the city's symbol. Folks say it invites them to move more slowly and enjoy life. Still, it's not a sacred animal: you'll also see diners enjoying "les petits gris" in creamy garlic sauce.

Getting Around?

On Foot: This is the best way to enjoy Namur. It's a small city, very walkable, with even crosstown treks taking only 20 minutes or so. Much of the town center -- including the old city and the commercial area -- is pedestrianized.

By Tram: Tourists can opt to reach the top of Citadelle via "Citad'In" shuttle service. The 25-minute ride leaves from the city center. Tickets are EUR5 for those under 18, seniors and teacher, EUR5 for those 18 plus. Children under 6 years old are free.

By Taxi: Taxis can be found around the train station at Place de la Station.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The official currency is the euro. Currency can be exchanged at Goffin Change at Rue Rogier, 28 and a Western Union at Rue Rogier, 29. The latter also has an ATM.

Language?

The official language is French, but English is widely spoken, too.

Where You're Docked?

There's only one place in the city where long ships can dock. It is officially called Quai des Joghiers, but not many people know it by this name. If lost, ask locals to point you toward the point where the Meuse meets Boulevard Isabelle Brunel.

There is no formal port building where passengers disembark. Instead, passengers walk out onto a pedestrian walkway along the river, which is popular with locals, especially younger ones. There are multiple sets of steps and passageways so passengers can move from the walkway into the city center, which is five minutes away on foot.


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