Les Solidarités 2026 | 3-Day Motorhome Parking
Secure a 3-day parking spot for your motorhome during the popular Les Solidarités festival in Namur.
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Citadel of Namur (tunnels)
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Highlights of 2026
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Les Solidarités 2026 | Sunday Visitor Parking
Parking space reservation for festivalgoers attending on Sunday at the Les Solidarités festival in Namur.
Les Solidarités Parking | Saturday
Parking ticket for festivalgoers on Saturday, providing convenient parking near the festival grounds.
Les Solidarités Parking | Friday
Reserve your official parking spot for a stress-free visit on the festival Friday in Namur.
The Citadel of Namur, positioned at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, is one of Europe’s most formidable fortresses, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Its current intricate design is largely the work of the master military engineers Vauban and Coehoorn, who turned it into an impregnable bulwark during the 17th century. A defining feature is the extensive network of underground tunnels, often nicknamed the 'termites of Europe,' which stretches for several kilometers through the heart of the rock. These passages served as secure communication lines, magazine stores, and defensive positions during countless sieges by Spanish, Austrian, French, and Dutch forces. For centuries, the citadel was a vital strategic asset for controlling the Meuse valley and remained a military post until 1977. Today, the entire site is a bustling cultural and recreational area, accessible by cable car and offering panoramic views of the city below. Visitors can delve into the restored tunnels on guided tours that use cutting-edge multimedia installations to bring the fortress's turbulent history to life.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Fort d'Orange · Quai 22 · Nom de la Rose
- Nearby: Fosses-la-Ville (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 66 | 62 | 45 | 65 | 68 | 73 | 82 | 55 | 64 | 72 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The underground network of this impressive fortification features a unique glimpse into defensive warfare strategies. Visitors can typically explore select sections of these subterranean passages, often requiring participation in an organized tour for safety and historical context.
Typical hours
Access to the subterranean areas is generally restricted to the scheduled times of guided historical tours, which typically run during the main daytime hours. These tours may operate more frequently during the summer season and often have a reduced schedule in the winter months.
Photography
Photography inside the passages may be subject to specific rules or entirely restricted due to limited space and guided tour conditions. When permitted, capturing the low-light ambiance of the historical stone vaults requires a steady hand or a camera with good low-light capabilities.
Time needed
Exploring the underground sections through a standard guided excursion typically takes between one and one and a half hours. Combined with walking around the expansive outdoor areas of the surrounding fortification, visitors should plan for at least a half-day trip.
Combine with
This immersive underground experience aligns perfectly with touring the rest of the massive Namur defensive complex and its sweeping valley views. After resurfacing, you can easily wander down into the historic core of Namur to enjoy its animated cafes and riverside promenades.
Getting there
Reaching the entrances to these historical subterranean networks often involves ascending to the main fort areas via steep roads, dedicated shuttle services, or a modern cable car. Once at the assembly point, be prepared to navigate stairs and uneven floors typical of old military structures.
Insider tip
The temperature inside the subterranean passages remains consistently cool and somewhat damp throughout the entire year, regardless of the outside weather. It is highly advisable to bring a warm sweater or light jacket and to wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes for a comfortable tour.
Geography
Facts
- The rocky outcrop has been used strategically since Celtic and Roman times
- Vauban (1692) and Coehoorn (1695) redesigned it as a modern fortress
- The underground tunnel network spans nearly 7 kilometers in length
- The site was only officially decommissioned by the military in 1977
- The citadel stands at an elevation of 190 meters above sea level
- A new cable car system was inaugurated for tourists in 2021
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Citadel of Namur (tunnels) (10)
Pont de la Libération
Bridge in France commemorating the liberation of World War II.
Porte de Bordial
Gate of the Citadel of Namur, part of the historic city fortifications.
Tour Saint-Aubain🗼 tower
Tower in Namur, once part of the city's defensive wall.
Musée de la Citadelle🏛 museum
Museum in the Citadel of Namur dedicated to the fortress's history.
Parc Louise Marie🌳 park
Park in Namur named after the first Queen of the Belgians.
Cathédrale Saint-Aubain
Cathedral in Namur, seat of the Diocese of Namur.
Musée Diocésain et Trésor de la Cathédrale Saint-aubain🏛 museum
Museum housing religious art and the cathedral treasury.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are there guided tours through the tunnels?
Yes, there is an impressive multimedia tour through the underground passages, spanning about 500 meters.
What is the best way to reach the citadel?
You can take the cable car from the city center or walk up via the paths and stairs.
Is entry to the park free?
Access to the citadel grounds is free; only the exhibitions and tunnel tours require a fee.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to explore the viewpoints, visitor center, and tunnels.
Are there dining options on-site?
Yes, there is a restaurant and a cafe with panoramic views over Namur and the Meuse valley.
Citadel of Namur (tunnels): where is it located?
Citadel of Namur (tunnels) is located in Belgium.
Citadel of Namur (tunnels): what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort d'Orange, Quai 22, Nom de la Rose.
Citadel of Namur (tunnels): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Citadel of Namur (tunnels): why is it worth visiting?
The Citadel of Namur, positioned at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, is one of Europe’s most formidable fortresses, with a history spanning over 2,000 years.
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