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Square · Tournai, Hainaut
Grand-Place de Tournai
Tournai’s main square, triangular in shape, with the Renaissance Halle aux Draps, the church of Saint-Quentin and the statue of Christine de Lalaing. It lies between the beffroi and the museums.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grand-Place de Tournai
The Grand-Place of Tournai has an unusual shape: it is an elongated triangle, surrounded by houses with façades from different eras and by café terraces. In the centre stands the statue of Christine de Lalaing, the Princess of Espinoy, who led the city's defence against Spanish troops during the 1581 siege.
On one side is the Halle aux Draps, the old cloth market, rebuilt in 1610 in Renaissance style, a reminder of a time when Tournai lived from the trade in cloths and tapestries. At the tip of the square sits the church of Saint-Quentin, of Romanesque origin, which has accompanied the square's commercial life since the Middle Ages.
From the Grand-Place you can reach the beffroi and the cathedral in a few minutes on foot in one direction, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the TAMAT in the other. Near the square, on the Réduit des Sions, is the MuFIm, the city's folklore museum.
The square hosts markets, festivals and the Christmas market in December. It is also the natural spot for lunch or a coffee break between visits.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes, plus time for a coffee.
Best time
Late morning or late afternoon, when the terraces are open. From May to September the cafés fill up. In December the square usually hosts the Christmas market.
How to get there
From Gare de Tournai it is about a 15-minute walk, crossing the Escalda. It is 2 minutes from the beffroi.
Tip
Use the square as a starting point: the beffroi, the cathedral and the museums are all less than a 10-minute walk away. If you enjoy popular culture, you can drop by the MuFIm, the folklore museum, on a nearby street.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grand-Place de Tournai
Who was Christine de Lalaing?
The Princess of Espinoy, who led the defense of Tournai during the siege by Spanish troops in 1581. Her statue stands in the center of the square.
What is the Halle aux Draps?
The city's former cloth market, rebuilt in 1610 in the Renaissance style. Today it hosts exhibitions and events.
Where to eat near the square?
The terraces on the Grand-Place and the surrounding streets concentrate cafés and restaurants. Lunch usually runs from noon to 2 pm, and many kitchens close in the afternoon until dinner.