The best road cycling routes around Rumes

The belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium (12th century). The building, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage, is 72 meters high and dominates the Grand-Place. During the ascent of the tower with its 257 steps, one discovers various didactic exhibitions, the prison, the carillonneur's room, and finally the bells which ring every Sunday during the summer (around 3:30 PM). The belfry of Tournai, built in 1192, symbolizes municipal freedoms. Its bell (the “Bancloque”) was used to warn the population of trials, executions, invasions, fires, etc. The belfry served as a watchtower, prison, bell tower, and town hall. You have access to the first terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of Tournai and its surroundings. source: visitwapi.be

Not to be missed

The church of Froidmont is dedicated to Saint Piatus. According to legend, Saint Piatus was active in the Christianization of the region of Tournai, in the third century. The church was built in 1854 in neo-Gothic style by architect Louis Dethuin, replacing the old 17th-century church. The church has a three-bay nave, side aisles, a tower in the facade and a choir with a semi-hexagonal apse. The building was restored between 1969 and 1973 by architect Louis Dethuin from Tournai. Source: paysdepevele.com

The Moulin de Barbissart is a historic windmill located in Obigies, a village in the municipality of Pecq, in the Hainaut province of Belgium https://www.mymileestonecard.com

The Pont des Trous, or "Bridge of Holes," is a historic Gothic bridge spanning the Scheldt River in Tournai, Belgium. It's considered one of the most significant vestiges of medieval military architecture in Belgium and a symbolic monument of Tournai https://www-crediblebh.com

Beautiful ballad

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic-style belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium. A powerful symbol of urban liberties, it was likely built following the granting of a charter of freedoms in 1188 by Philip II Augustus, King of France. The lower belfry dates back to the city's founding, although it was remodeled at the end of the 14th century during the construction of the upper belfry. The upper belfry houses the bells and the clock and exhibits remarkable architectural unity. Restorations in the 19th century and, to a lesser extent, those in the 20th century, gave the belfry its current appearance. Reopened to the public in 2002 after ten years of work, visitors can discover a multimedia show about its history, panels explaining its functions, the carillonneur's room and the carillon itself, and, from its summit, a breathtaking panoramic view of Tournai.

The Pont des Trous (Bridge of Holes) is one of Tournai's most famous landmarks. It is a fortified water gate of the second city wall, dating for the most part from the 14th century. This bridge spanning the Scheldt River connected the sections of the rampart on the left and right banks. The Pont des Trous consists of two towers, actually gates that provided access to the medieval city, linked by a gallery. Circular in plan, the towers present one convex face facing outwards from the city and another straight face facing inwards. This design is a strategic adaptation intended to present enemies with a facade offering no easy points of attack and fewer blind spots. Some arrow slits are also augmented with a stirrup, a bottle-shaped opening designed to improve the defense of the rampart's base, as well as a circular orifice, evidence of the fortification's adaptation to firearms. Severely damaged during the Second World War, the central arch was destroyed. The bridge was restored and its entire height raised by 2.40 meters, and its central arch widened during a highly technical operation. This modification was intended to improve and facilitate river navigation, which was constantly evolving.