Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Bridge · Tournai, Hainaut
Pont des Trous
Fortified gate over the Escalda, from the late 13th century, with two towers and three arches. It was part of Tournai's second wall and was renovated up to 2023 to allow passage for larger barges.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Pont des Trous
The Pont des Trous is a Gothic water gate built at the end of the 13th century, when Tournai gained its second wall with 18 gates. It closed the passage of the Escalda through the town. The left-bank tower, called Bourdiel, dates from 1281; the right-bank tower, the Thieulerie, was completed in 1304. The arches took about 25 more years.
It was not a pedestrian bridge but a military work: heavy grilles could be lowered between the towers to prevent enemy boats from entering. The original name was pont des Arcs. Boatmen began calling it Pont des Trous because of whirlpools that formed downstream near a lock.
The central arch was blown up at the start of the Second World War. In the reconstruction in 1948, the whole structure was raised by 2.40 metres to ease navigation. From 2019 the three arches were dismantled and rebuilt with larger spans for barges of up to 2,000 tonnes, and the towers were restored. The renovated bridge was inaugurated in April 2023 after years of debate in the town.
The quays along the Escalda were refurbished and now form a pedestrian and cycle promenade, with views of the towers and the passing boats.
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 30 minutes, plus the time for a walk along the quays.
Best time
At late afternoon, with the low light over the river. From May to September the quays are livelier. The bridge can be viewed from the outside at any time.
How to get there
It is north of the centre, about a 10-minute walk from the Grand-Place following the quays of the Escalda. From Gare de Tournai it's around a 10-minute walk.
Tip
Photograph the bridge from the opposite bank, along the quays, to capture both towers and all three arches. Combine this with a walk along the riverbank back to the centre.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pont des Trous
Why is it called Pont des Trous?
The name does not come from the arches. Boatmen called the whirlpools that formed downstream, near a lock, 'trous', and the nickname stuck.
Is the bridge original?
The towers date from the late 13th century. The arches were rebuilt after World War II and again between 2019 and 2023, with a larger span for barges.
Can you cross the bridge?
The Pont des Trous is a water gate, built to close the river, and not a pedestrian crossing. The walk is along the quays on both banks.