BELGIUM - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 80

No. 3 in the town square, adjacent to the railway station. A tour of the Citadel is
included in the “All-in-One” ticket, along with a ride in the tourist office's shuttle.
The Citadel of Namur sits at the confluence of the Meuse and the Sambre. Two
thousand years of history are contained within its walls. Originally a Celtic strong-
hold with primitive fortifications, it was altered into a strongly defensive castle.
Underground fortifications were added in the 15th century and again expanded
century after century until modern weaponry brought a cessation of such defenses
in the 18th century. Throughout its history, however, the Citadel, as one of the most
important strongholds of Europe, faced 20 sieges!
Namur's tourist office has a wide selection of excursions for you to select from.
Here are but a few: The Gardens of Annevoie, famous for its 18th-century
style of flowers and fountains, are open 0930 to 1730 (1830 July-August;
www.annevoie.be ) ; a visit can be made in minutes. A restaurant and tavern are on
the grounds. Cruises on the River Meuse are available in a variety of schedules,
including a picnic onboard or ashore.
For aquatic buffs, a kayak or boat trip down the River Lesse is available, with
departures daily throughout the season at 1000 and 1400. Looking for something
a bit less strenuous? Perhaps a water tour of the Caves of Neptune would fill the
bill. It's a 45-minute tour and includes a 20-minute boat ride plus a sight and sound
show. There are other ways to discover the Lesse and the valley area—try the rail/
bike ride on an old railway line.
Namur is the gateway to the Ardennes, the forests and mountains of Belgium,
with all the amenities of a holiday resort. Should you find yourself with time to spare
(a very unlikely thing), take a stroll on the Boulevard de la Sambre, an attractive,
tree-lined avenue. If, on the other hand, you are looking for exquisite gifts, the Rue
de l'Ange has excellent shops. Or enjoy Brasseries (Breweries) du Bocp and des
Fagnes.
Visit Namur during the summer season of festivals. This is the best way to exper-
ience the local folklore of the Stiltwalkers of Namur; the looming giants, the Royal
Society of Moncrabeau; the bright-yellow uniformed Canaris regiment; or the cho-
reographed lunacy of the dancing Chinels.