Namur: The Heart of Wallonia

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shey]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray sur lah kart]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay poor]

Namur's history dates back to prehistoric times, with archaeological discoveries indicating human presence as early as the Neolithic period. The strategic location at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers made it an attractive site for early settlers and traders.

During the Roman era, Namur became an important hub due to its strategic position. The Romans constructed roads and fortifications, contributing to the region's development. The area was part of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica.

In the Middle Ages, Namur flourished as a commercial center. The city was known for its markets and fairs, drawing merchants from across Europe. The Counts of Namur played a significant role in the region's politics and economy.

The Citadel of Namur, perched on a rocky outcrop, has been a focal point of the city's history. Originally a Roman fort, it was expanded over the centuries into a formidable fortress. The citadel witnessed numerous battles and sieges, particularly during the wars between France and the Habsburgs.

Namur came under Spanish rule in the 16th century as part of the Spanish Netherlands. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 transferred the region to the Austrian Habsburgs. During this period, the city saw significant fortification improvements and cultural development.

The 19th century brought industrialization to Namur. The establishment of factories and improved transportation networks, including railways and canals, transformed the city into an industrial hub. This period also saw urban expansion and modernization.

Namur experienced significant upheaval during both World Wars. In World War I, the city and its citadel were key defensive positions, leading to intense fighting. During World War II, Namur was again a strategic target, suffering occupation and damage.

Following World War II, Namur underwent extensive reconstruction. The city embraced its historical heritage while modernizing its infrastructure. Today, Namur is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and as the capital of the Wallonia region.

Namur is conveniently located in the Wallonia region of Belgium and is accessible via various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 65 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Namur, which typically takes around an hour. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi for a more direct route. Namur is also well-connected by train from other major Belgian cities such as Brussels, Liège, and Charleroi. The Belgian railway system (SNCB) offers frequent and reliable services.

Namur's public transportation system is efficient and user-friendly. The city has a network of buses operated by TEC (Transport en Commun), which covers most areas within Namur and its surroundings. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, TEC offices, or directly from the bus driver. Taxis are also available, and can be found at designated taxi stands or booked via phone. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, renting a bicycle is a popular option. Namur is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located within a short walking distance from each other.

Belgium uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Namur, including in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. Contactless payments are also commonly used and accepted in many places.

Namur is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and train stations. The areas around the train station and some parts of the city center can be a bit more prone to petty crime, so extra caution is advised in these locations.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for urgent assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. Namur has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English. For police assistance, the main police station is located at Rue de Bruxelles 61.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but neatly. While casual attire is generally acceptable, avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect in churches and religious sites by dressing modestly and maintaining a quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' depending on the time of day. A handshake is a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'escavèche' and 'blancs de poulet de Namur'. Don't refuse food or drink when offered, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Namur like a local, make sure to visit the local markets, such as the Marché de Namur, where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take a stroll along the Meuse River and enjoy a boat tour for unique views of the city. Engage with locals at cafes and bars; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about Namur's history and culture. Don't miss the Citadel of Namur for its historical significance and breathtaking views. For a unique culinary experience, try the local beer and cheese varieties.