# Tournai Cathedral

> Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It combines several building phases: the nave was begun in 1140 in the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/tournai-cathedral/

A Romanesque cathedral with five towers rising over the old town, one of Belgium's major medieval churches. Walk through the nearby streets to the riverside and the old belfry afterwards.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It combines several building phases: the nave was begun in 1140 in the Romanesque style and feels heavy and austere. The transept (1199–1213) is a transitional work, and the Gothic choir was built between 1243 and 1255. Characteristic are the five towers around the crossing, each 83 metres high.

On 14 August 1999 a tornado badly damaged the building; extensive repairs and archaeological investigations followed over many years. Afterwards, a walk through the surrounding lanes to the riverbank and the old belfry is worthwhile. The cathedral lies in the old town; allow about two hours for the church and its surroundings.

- **Nearest town:** Tournai, Belgium
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 50.6060, 3.3880

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Belgium: No motorway tolls for cars.** Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent; register foreign vehicles. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

## Sources

- [Tournai Cathedral – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tournai_Cathedral)

## Nearby

- [Tyne Cot Cemetery](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-tyne-cot/) – 42 km
- [Menin Gate](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-menin-gate/) – 44 km
- [Langemark German Cemetery](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-langemark-cemetery/) – 48 km
- [Canadian National Vimy Memorial](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-vimy/) – 50 km

## FAQs

### Where is Tournai Cathedral?

Tournai Cathedral is in Tournai, Belgium, at GPS 50.6060, 3.3880. It is about 23 km from Lille.

### Can you camp near Tournai Cathedral?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de Tournai, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Tournai Cathedral?

Places worth a stop nearby: Tyne Cot Cemetery (42 km), Menin Gate (44 km), Langemark German Cemetery (48 km) and Canadian National Vimy Memorial (50 km).

### When is the best time to visit Tournai Cathedral?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)