The Belfry of Tournai
The Belfry of Tournai
4.5
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4.5
256 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
104
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,893 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The Belfry of Tournai is an iconic structure at the Eastern point of Grand'Place. The freestanding bell tower stands at 72 metres high, construction of the Belfry began in 1188. It is one of several belfries in Belgium and France that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of their architectural significance. It is an impressive structure but unfortunately it was not possible go inside but it was still possible to view externally. Tournai is a beautiful city and the Belfry is one of the major highlights.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davlf23
Rzeszow, Poland32 contributions
Aug 2021
I'd give a 5/5 rating, but they have a break in the afternoon.
Besides, they currently have a problem on the 2nd floor and the tower is closed to visitors. Maybe another time.. moreover, beautiful and well presented, just a pity that it was not possible to visit and can't look from top
Besides, they currently have a problem on the 2nd floor and the tower is closed to visitors. Maybe another time.. moreover, beautiful and well presented, just a pity that it was not possible to visit and can't look from top
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Sept 2019
One of the 32 UNESCO inscribed bell towers and belfries of Flanders and Wallonia. Unlike most of the belfries, this one in Tourney is a completely free-standing bell tower. Originally built as a belfry in the 12th century, it’s been used as a keep, guardhouse and even a prison. The 256 steps to the top will give your heart quite a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the city from the top.
I’ve already seen and climbed several of the belfries in Belgium and have to admit that it does get a bit repetitive after a while, but it’s worth doing the one in Tournai as you’ll get to see the Cathedral from a totally different perspective. Unlike many of the other belfries, you can actually climb all the way to the top. Actually, there are two floors where you can step outside to get views of the city!
I’ve already seen and climbed several of the belfries in Belgium and have to admit that it does get a bit repetitive after a while, but it’s worth doing the one in Tournai as you’ll get to see the Cathedral from a totally different perspective. Unlike many of the other belfries, you can actually climb all the way to the top. Actually, there are two floors where you can step outside to get views of the city!
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ena S
Vancouver, Canada764 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
The belfry of Tournai is a freestanding bell tower of medieval origin, 72 m in height with a 256-step stairway. Construction of the belfry began around 1188.
This beautiful building is one of a set of belfries of Belgium and France designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is well worth the visit. The entrance fee is very affordable and the climb to the top is not that difficult. The views from the top are fantastic, especially towards the main square, Grand Place.
This beautiful building is one of a set of belfries of Belgium and France designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is well worth the visit. The entrance fee is very affordable and the climb to the top is not that difficult. The views from the top are fantastic, especially towards the main square, Grand Place.
Written 21 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ENTsinan
Istanbul, Türkiye102 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
I've seen Tournai while watching Tour de France 2012 and wanted to be there. This month we went to Belgium, Brussells. Tournai is one hour from Brussells by train and two direct trains every hour. We spent a whole day in Tournai. This medieval town is a gem, you can't see a word about Tournai in a worldwide standard travel books. For me The Belfry of Tournai, which is oldest in Belgium, much more spectacular than worldwide known Brugge Belfry. The Cathedral of Tournai, Pont des Trous, app.800 years old houses and Grand Palace are worth to visit. Around Grand Place you can find many good and cheap cafes or restaurants to drink refreshments and eat good food.
Written 21 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katrien S
Ghent, Belgium1,944 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
It claims to be the oldest belfry, and probably base is, however the upper part probably isn´t. Still, it is a nice and slender tower in the city centre symbolizing the power of the citizens. Along the climb there is not too much to see, other than the bells used of sounding the hours. However, the views from the top are very nice, and worth the climb up. Upstairs one also get a better view of the dragon and other creatures featured on the roof.
Written 6 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard P
Paignton, UK52 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
Dating from the 12th century, the Belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium and 72 metres high. It's bell informed citizens of trials and executions and warned of invasions and fires. It once held prisoners and has several chambers on the climb up but on reaching the top has breath taking views of Tournai and the surrounding area.
Written 28 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waitknowe
Edinburgh, UK131 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
This is not just a review of The Belfry, spectacular though it is! We visited Tournai on the day that the 3rd Stage of the 2012 tour De France finished there. The arrangements the town had in place were wonderful. Ample public car parks within an easy walk of the town centre, free of charge. Local businesses not putting their prices up for the day, and rubbish bins and bags checked every 30 minutes or so throughout the day. A friendly welcoming place that didn't attempt to "rip off" their visitors! Very impressive! And a very pretty place - we would like to go back without Le Tour!
Written 16 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RMW
Belton, TX96 contributions
Nov 2019
Just slightly over-shadowed by the Notre Dame Cathedral, this historical landmark is beautifully maintained and striking. Well worth the time spent and please pause to listen to the bells every half hour!
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissy
Wivenhoe, UK76 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Definitely worth a visit (check opening times) to get great views of the surrounding area for a very modest charge of 2.10. The steps are very narrow and could be difficult during busy times but fortunately was quiet when I visited. Informative plaques tell you about the history and the carillion has a lovely sound.
Written 12 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
J'aimerais savoir s'il y a une rampe pour se tenir lors de la montée (quand on côtoie le vide), combien il y a de "paliers" pour monter. Avec mes remerciements.
Written 1 March 2018
Bonjour,
nous visitons Tournai en août, j'aimerais juste savoir combien de temps faut-il prévoir pour visiter la cathédrale et le Beffroi dans l'intégral?
Written 26 July 2016
Bonjour, 2h 2h30 serait raisonnable pour visiter les 2 sites qui se trouvent l'un près de l'autre
Written 27 July 2016
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