Philippeville

Philippeville combines a still recognisable fortified structure with impressive reminders of the town's history. This is particularly clear from its radial-concentric layout: along the streets, starting from the Place d'Armes, the design of the fortress remains clearly visible. Anyone wishing to combine a trip featuring cultural discoveries and historic buildings with an active activity will find various options here for planning their day.

Fortress history reflected in notable buildings

The Church of Saint-Philippe holds a special place in the history of the town. Today, it is the only historic building that was constructed at the same time as the town of Philippeville, founded by the Spanish. The sanctuary also contains around 30 tomb monuments belonging to people connected with Philippeville's military past during French rule from 1659 to 1815.

Another impressive testament to the fortress complex is the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Remparts. It is housed in a former powder magazine built in the 17th century in the eastern bastion section of the fortification walls. The walls are 2.70 m thick. Based on plans by the architect Lohest, the former powder magazine was converted into a place of worship in 1922. On 13 January 1989, the chapel was protected both as a monument and as a site. Visitors interested in military history, religious buildings and unusual architectural forms can trace the development of the fortress in a particularly concentrated way here.

Market halls, clock and underground spaces

The market halls are also part of Philippeville's historical landmarks. The first building dates back to the 16th century; more precisely, it is first mentioned in 1588. The building has been listed since 1972. Following the completion of the work in 2014, the market halls are now home to the Foyer Socio-Culturel de Philippeville and the town's tourist office.

The restored Horloge de l'ancien Puits de la Place d'Armes can be seen every day in the tourist office beneath the market halls. It strikes the hours, half-hours and quarter-hours. The Drapeau d'honneur 1830 is also kept there. Those interested in the underground side of the fortified town can include the Souterrains de Philippeville in their plans: the entire underground network was around 10 km long, of which approximately 600 m can be visited today.

Cycling, diving and special travel ideas

For an active addition, consider the “Cocktail des sens de la Cité de Notre-Dame à la Cité Vauban” cycling circuit. It starts at 18 Place d'Armes in Philippeville and is 37.29 km long. The route therefore offers a clearly defined way to combine a stay with a longer bike ride without losing sight of the town's cultural highlights.

The Carrière de Rochefontaine, a former flooded quarry and now an exceptional freshwater diving site, is also located near Philippeville. A Joëlette can be rented from the Philippeville tourist office; this aid makes walks accessible to all users. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between historical discoveries, a bike ride, a visit to the underground spaces and time by the water.

The right accommodation for your plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Philippeville, it is worth deciding first on the rhythm you want. Should the trip focus mainly on fortress history, churches and protected buildings? In that case, the historic sites will take centre stage. This clear choice is helpful for families and other groups of travellers, because not every holiday day has to have the same character: cultural discoveries can be followed by an active activity, while the underground passages or the clock beneath the market halls can form a programme item in their own right.

The following destinations are also available for further orientation: Lessive, Hastière-Par-Delà, Dinant, Annevoie, Viroinval, Noville-Sur-Méhaigne, Ciney and Furnaux.

For the overarching travel overview: Namur.