The best running trails around Tournai

A nice climb nearby and with breathtaking views.

During a trip through Morocco, Guillaume Charlier (1854-1925) witnessed a moving scene in Tangier. Among groups of beggars, he saw four blind Arabs who, leaning on each other, obediently followed a young boy in rags. The sculptor quickly made sketches of this poignant spectacle, which he could later use as a source of inspiration. The result from 1908 stands here, in front of the former post office, on Rue des Chapeliers. Source: be.monumen.be

After the boutique "Le Loft" closed its doors in 2017, the former post office building stood empty for a while, until a restaurant based on a street food concept moved in in 2022... but it only lasted a few months. In May 2024, "Happy Days", a venue for birthday parties for children and young people, opened here. At the end of 2023, the City of Tournai had announced plans to temporarily house the Archaeological Museum (which had to be closed for safety reasons) here, pending the establishment of a specific 'History and Remembrance Centre'," (as can be read on notele.be), but it seems those plans did not go ahead (yet). Source: tournai.be, lavenir.be, dhnet.be

The Notre-Dame bridge is the only remaining movable bridge in Tournai. The current bridge only dates from 2021, but the bridge's history dates back to the 11th century (although it only received the name Notre-Dame bridge in the 17th century). The "bridge that goes up and down" has had various forms over the centuries. The predecessor of the Notre-Dame bridge, the 15th-century Tournu bridge, was located opposite Rue Dame Odile. In 1685, it was rebuilt under the leadership of Vauban and Louis XIV along the current axis, as part of their canalization projects in the Scheldt. At that time, the bridge received the name Notre-Dame bridge. A century later, in 1784, the increase in river traffic necessitated the construction of a wooden swing bridge. In 1856, the rotating bridge deck was replaced by a steel structure. These swing bridges were manually operated by bridge keepers. The construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge, specifically for pedestrians, dates from 1881. This bridge was built due to the slow operation and breakdowns of the nearby bridge. The first hydraulic lift bridge dates from 1908. The Notre-Dame bridge was demolished in 1908 to make way for a wider hydraulic lift bridge. This enabled two-way traffic. In 1918, the Notre-Dame bridge and the pedestrian bridge (like other structures) were blown up by German soldiers during their retreat and replaced after the war by temporary structures. In November 1925, the new Notre-Dame bridge was inaugurated. It was still a bascule bridge at the time. In 1957, a new bridge was constructed. On May 19, 1940, the Notre-Dame bridge and the pedestrian bridge were blown up again, this time by British troops, to slow down the German advance. A wooden footbridge temporarily replaced the bridge. The Notre-Dame footbridge was reopened in 1949, six years before the reconstruction of the bridge (in 1955). Excavation work to a depth of 14 meters was required for the construction of the abutments. In 1957, the new bridge was put into service. It is that bridge which was replaced in 2021. Source: lavenir.net

The Benedictine abbey of Saint-Nicolas-des-Près-sous-Ribemont was founded in 1083 by Anselmus II, lord of Ribemont. On one of the river arms, where the monks had fishing rights, the Hocquerel mill was built at the end of the 12th century, providing the monks with all necessary facilities and services. The abbey burned down in 1570, was looted and partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, but was rebuilt in 1663. Prior Dupart devoted himself to implementing reforms and restoring the Benedictine rule in its original purity. In 1832, Mr. Bonjour bought the remaining parts of the monastery to establish a wool spinning mill. This is now privately owned.

Around the corner is a bike repair station with a pump and first aid, and you can refill your water bottle!

Cobbled road with a view of Mont-Saint-Aubert (for those walking/climbing northwards) or Cain and Tournai (for those walking/descending southwards).

When you begin the climb to Mont-Saint-Aubert in Goudinière (near the square farm La Cense des Sources), the path initially leads through meadows. The final section runs through the forest. This section is a bit more challenging, partly because it's a bit steeper, and partly because it can be quite slippery. This combination can be treacherous in wet conditions.