Namur (Belgium)

Namur is a Meuse River (Moselle-Rhine river) cruise port and city in Belgium's Wallonia region, with population around 110,000. The city is also the capital of Wallonia that comprises 1/2 of Belgium's territory and ~1/3 of its population. Namur is located at the confluence of two rivers (Meuse and Sambre). Meuse (aka Maas River) originates in France and flows for approx 925 km (575 mi) through Belgium and Holland before the North Sea. Via Canal de la Marne au Rhin (Marne-Rhine Canal), Moselle River links with the French rivers Meuse, Saone and Rhone, and via other canals - with North Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

The settlement was originally founded by the Celts as river port serving the shipping trade routes of the Ardennes Forest region. In the early-Middle Ages (5th-15th centuries) the Merovingian kings built here a fortress overlooking the village. It received town rights in the 10th century. Current-day city's economy is based on commerce and industries like production of machinery, leather goods, porcelain, metal processing, shipping (cargo barges) and tourism. Railways through Namur link Brussels with Luxembourg City and Liege with Lille (France).

Among the best-known tourist attractions are Namur Citadel, St Aubin's Cathedral (18th-century), museums (ancient arts, archaeological, Felicien Rops), the annual festival Combat de l'Echasse d'Or (held in September). Near the town are located Maredsous Abbey (Benedictine monastery, in Denee), Floreffe Abbey (Premonstratensian monastery, in Floreffe), Chateau d'Annevoie (18th-century castle, in Annevoie-Rouillon).

Next is shown an exemplary 7-day "Tulip Cruise" (Holland and Belgium itinerary) that visits Namur.

The cruisetour was scheduled for the Avalon Waterways-owned ship Avalon Imagery 2 (2016-built). Prices started from ~USD 3270 per person (double-occupancy cabin rates).