An outstanding quality of life

If the way people let their gaze linger on the Namur region is anything to go by, its beauty is a safe asset. With delicate brushstrokes, it takes care to preserve and develop its charms, and its picturesque valleys are foremost among them.

The fortified citadels of Namur and Dinant, the many castles, abbeys and churches and the prevailing mood of its villages are the delight of lovers of history, traditions and legends.

Sports enthusiasts can choose between paddling down the Lesse or the Semois rivers in a kayak, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing or sailing on the Meuse or the Lakes of L'Eau d'Heure, karting in Mariembourg or Floreffe, the enjoyment of a pleasurable ride on a railbike along the old rail tracks in the superb Molignée valley, not to mention the many mountain bike circuits, the splendid golf courses, opportunities for climbing or potholing, hang-gliding or ultralight aviation and all the footpaths crisscrossing the Province.

In the Rochefort area, the wonderful caves of Han, which represent three out of the sixteen kilometres of underground galleries, are the flagship of the Belgian tourist industry. Over 700,000 visitors a year go down and marvel at them.

A little rest? A cruise on the Meuse is waiting for you, unless you prefer the shade of the tall trees of the Chevetogne Estate, the serenity of the Gardens of Annevoie and of Freÿr, or even the simple pleasure of a moment's relaxation on a terrace as you taste one of the specialities of the Province.

Namur li glotte ("the greedy", in Walloon) is rightly named. You will have to taste the famous strawberries of Wépion, the biétrumés of Namur (caramels), the flamiche of Dinant (cheese tart), the avisances (sausage rolls) and the pekêt (gin), the couque of Dinant (biscuit), the cheeses and beers of Maredsous, the foie gras of Upigny, the "petits gris" (brown snails) of Bierwart or Warnant ... not forgetting the Trappist beer of Rochefort and all the other craft beers.