Grand Place Tournai
The Grand Place of Tournai is a striking triangular square in the heart of Belgium's oldest city. It is surrounded by the belfry (UNESCO World Heritage and the oldest in Belgium), the Halle aux Draps (Cloth Hall), and various hospitality and retail buildings in historicist style. After the Second World War, many buildings around the square were rebuilt in their original style, giving the whole its characteristic appearance.
Accessibility is largely good. The square is level, paved with large smooth slabs, and offers plenty of room to circulate. The Halle aux Draps functions as a reception and event space with a step-free entrance and internal lift. The terraces and hospitality buildings have variable accessibility, though most offer at least a low threshold. The belfry is only climbable via stairs and for wheelchair users can only be admired from the outside.
Adapted toilets are present in the Halle aux Draps and in the tourist reception. Disabled parking spaces are provided at the Esplanade car park and at the Rue Perdue. The Grand Place connects smoothly with the Cathedral of Our Lady (UNESCO World Heritage and fully wheelchair accessible on the ground floor) and the Scheldt quarter with accessible towpaths.
Good to know
- Reservation
- Public square, no ticket needed. The Halle aux Draps as an events and reception space may occasionally be reserved for private events — check with the Tournai tourist office for current availability.
- Busy and quiet times
- Peak: sunny summer afternoons (2-5pm) and during the fair and festival periods. **Quietest**: weekdays in early evening (5-7pm) with warmer light on the square.
- Things to note
- Flat and paved. **Belfry not accessible** — stairs only to the top. There is no accessible tower alternative for a view over Tournai from height; stay at square level and enjoy the view of the façades.
- Visit tip
- Always combine with the nearby [Cathedral of Our Lady, Tournai](/en/locaties/onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal-doornik/) (UNESCO — fully accessible on the ground floor). For a longer city visit: the Scheldt towpaths start 5 minutes' walk away — paved, car-free.
Visited this place in a wheelchair? Share your experience
Similar locations
UNESCO World Heritage site: the only Baroque belfry in Belgium, offering panoramic views over the city of Mons....
Oldest belfry in Belgium and UNESCO World Heritage site in the centre of Tournai, with limited accessibility due to...
Central Grand Place of Mons with Gothic city hall and the Monkey of the Grand Garde, largely accessible.