- The Cathedral of Notre-Dame with its five towers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Climb the oldest belfry in Belgium
- Easy to reach via Eurostar to Lille
- A quiet, uncrowded city break in French-speaking Belgium
- Airports
- Brussels (BRU), about 1 hour 45 minutes by train; Eurostar to Lille then about 30 minutes by train
- Best time to go
- April-June and September
- Type
- City
Tournai, on the River Scheldt close to the French border, is one of the oldest cities in Belgium. It was an important Roman settlement and an early capital of the Frankish kings, and its medieval wealth shows in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, whose five towers dominate the skyline.
It sees relatively few British visitors, which is part of its appeal: a handsome, unhurried city with a wide Grand-Place, good museums and an easy connection from London via Lille. Tournai is in Hainaut, part of Wallonia; see our Belgium guide for more.
Things to do in Tournai
- Cathedral of Notre-Dame – a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining a Romanesque nave with a Gothic choir and five tall towers. Long restoration work means some areas may be closed, so check before visiting.
- The Belfry – dating from the 12th century, it is the oldest belfry in Belgium and part of the UNESCO-listed group. Climb to the top for views of the cathedral and Grand-Place.
- Grand-Place – a large, irregular square with cafés, fountains and the Cloth Hall.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts – a fine-art museum in a building designed by Victor Horta, with works ranging from Flemish masters to Impressionists.
- Pont des Trous – a medieval fortified bridge over the Scheldt. Its central arch was rebuilt higher to let modern barges pass.
- Tapestry museum – Tournai was a major tapestry-weaving centre in the Middle Ages, and the museum covers this craft.
- Riverside walks – stroll the quays along the Scheldt through the city.
Where to stay
- Around the Grand-Place and cathedral – the most convenient base for sightseeing.
- Near the station – practical for day trips to Lille, Mons and Brussels.
- Countryside around Tournai – rural B&Bs suit visitors with a car.
Getting there
For UK travellers, the quickest rail route is Eurostar from London to Lille (around an hour and a half), then a regional train to Tournai in about half an hour. Alternatively, travel via Brussels-Midi and continue by direct train in roughly an hour. Driving from Calais takes about an hour and a half, so Tournai works well for a weekend by car. Brussels Airport (BRU) is roughly an hour and three-quarters away by train.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times to explore on foot. Summer brings events on the Grand-Place, and the city is uncrowded year-round compared with the Flemish art cities.
Combine Tournai with Lille, just across the border, for a two-country weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tournai worth visiting?
Yes, for its cathedral, belfry and peaceful historic centre. It is a good choice for travellers who prefer quieter places.
How do you get from London to Tournai by train?
Take Eurostar to Lille Europe, walk to Lille Flandres station, and catch a regional train to Tournai. Check connection times, as the stations are a few minutes' walk apart.
What language is spoken in Tournai?
French, although it is very close to Flemish-speaking areas and the French city of Lille.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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