Namur: citadel and culture

Namur is the capital of Wallonia and one of the most charming medium-sized cities in Belgium. The city sits in a spectacular spot at the confluence of the Meuse and the Sambre, dominated by the imposing citadel that towers high above the centre. This day trip takes you along five sights that together give a rich picture of the history, art and lifestyle of the city. With its accessible cable car, wide city streets and flat historic centre, Namur is surprisingly wheelchair friendly for those who follow the right route.

Begin your day on the bank of the Meuse and take the accessible cable car from Place Maurice Servais to the Citadel of Namur. The cabins are wheelchair accessible and offer breathtaking views over the city along the way. At the citadel you can follow the main paths, visit the visitor centre and take a break at the terrace restaurant. Then walk to the adjacent Parc Reine Fabiola, a play and walking park with adapted paved paths and fine views over the city centre. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or a moment of rest.

After lunch you descend to the centre for the Musee Felicien Rops, dedicated to the eccentric Namur symbolist. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building and largely accessible via lifts. A little further on, the Museum of Ancient Arts awaits with a refined collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including Mosan masterpieces. End the day at the Eglise Saint-Loup, one of the most beautiful Baroque Jesuit churches in Europe with a spectacular vault in pink marble and black slate. The church is accessible via a ramp.

Practical tips: use the underground car park beneath the station or the Esplanade of the casino, both with disabled parking spaces. Namur station has an accessible platform with lifts. The city centre is mostly flat, although there are some cobblestone sections around Place du Marche-aux-Legumes. Reserve the cable car in high season in advance and plan your day so that you visit the citadel in the morning, when the ramps and platforms are quieter.