By bike around Tournai

A visit that reveals the heritage of Tournai, the city of five bell towers, and the surrounding countryside. A journey full of surprises...

When we go to the center, we can only admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. It is a pearl of medieval architecture, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mixture of Romanesque and Gothic style and the five Romanesque towers that reach 83 meters high make it a reference among the religious monuments of the West.

From the center we go up to the surrounding countryside and to a wind farm that makes you dizzy in its own way. The route continues along the largest nurseries in Belgium. Thousands of trees, fruit trees and shrubs adorn the Lesdain region. Further on we admire the soothing landscapes that defile before our eyes: the beautiful church of Bruyelle or the recurring ballet of boats on the Scheldt.

For the return we take the RAVeL 1 to the lime kilns of Chercq. Tournai approaches and fascinates, first with its bell towers that stand out on the horizon, then with its century-old Pont des Trous. Back at the Grand-Place we drink a local beer on one of the many terraces...

Route type
RAVeL and small asphalt country roads.

Type of bike
STB (Sport & Touring Bike).

Level of difficulty
A journey of 34 km. The first part requires some effort, with a hillside leading to Saint-Maur. The return along the RAVeL 1 is easier.

Children
From +/- 15 years old.

Departure
At the Tournai Tourist Office, Place Paul-Émile Janson.

Signage
Follow the intersections: (not indicated on the map because in the city center: 48, 3, 36, 47, 46) 52, 75, 77, 68, 72, 82, 73, 84, 81, 83, 90, 57, 58, 96, 73, 24, 25, 9, 11, 8, 51 (arrival in the city center, not indicated on the map: 49, 1, 45, 27, 3 and 48

Parking lot
At the Tournai Tourist Office (exit 48) or free places at the Plaine des Manoeuvres in Tournai (exit 85).

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 3 hours.