Alsace Wine Tour – Tournai City Visit

Previous day || Back to trip summary page. ¦¦ Next day

Tournai to Givet

A brilliant sunny start to the day here in Tournai, Gill is already starting to feel uncomfortable in the heat. The aire de camping cars is very good, a little noise during the evening from youths on the skateboard park in the sports centre, but nothing that would keep you awake. We site in bed and catch up on the UK news, then complete some google reviews for places we have been. I made breakfast, then went out and did the 24 form tai chi by the side of the Hymer, calming and relaxing movements to start the day.

We both had showers in Hymer’s bathroom and commented that the water flow was not very good. Earlier this year major work was done on the Truma heating system and that coincided with a fall in water pressure. I assumed it was something to do with the work, perhaps debris that had been released, however, with hindsight we know that the pump was failing rapidly, read about that here (opens in a new window).

Tournai is not a place we would have thought about visiting except that it was along our proposed route to the Alsace and looked like a convenient distance from Calais. We normally look for overnight stops that are about 100 to 150km apart. On reflection, Tournai is a really interesting place to visit, with a lot of historical and interesting things to see.

We began by walking the short distance to the main square, actually it is triangular and home to many bars and cafes with outdoor seating. The church of Sint-Kwintenskerk located at one side of the triangle. A classical church with a plain interior and very interesting organ that was being played during our visit. Interpretive panels around the triangle tell that the whole area was badly damaged during the second world war, then completely rebuilt in the original manner. A short distance away is the 70m tall bell tower, an impressive sight. We then moved on to look at the cathedral, under renovation so not a lot to see, and finally the Pont de Trous, a bridge over the river. When we visited the bridge was in the process of being completed renovated, so it was half rebuilt.

Walked back to the aire de camping cars for lunch. Our final visit was to the Museum of Tapestry and Textile Art, €5 each for entrance. We both found this a disappointing visit, too elitist, with very few items on display, many of which were painted, printed maps or carpet. Not at all what we expected to see.

34°C outside the Hymer when we get back, we decide to stay another night, the aire is convenient and has good facilities. We are a few minutes walk from the city centre, this is a great asset to the city, our UK towns and cities should take note and provide similar facilities.