Péniche sous le pont
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Pont des Trous Tournai

4.6
·491k reviews·Tournai, Belgium

Iconic 13th-century stone bridge with three arches, recently renovated to allow larger barges, offering historical tours and scenic riverside views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Select Sundays (May-August)

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
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Péniche sous le pont

Pont des Trous Tournai

Best Time

Select Sundays (May-August)

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 13th-century stone bridge with three arches, recently renovated to allow larger barges, offering historical tours and scenic riverside views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A unique European gateway, the Pont des Trous offers a fascinating glimpse into history and modern engineering."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Guided Tours Early

Tours are popular and offer unique access. Check Visit Tournai for schedules and booking. :ticket:

Check Renovation Impact

The bridge was raised to accommodate larger barges. Understand its historical evolution.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Arches

The Iconic Arches

Scheldt River

Marvel at the 13th-century stone bridge, a unique European gateway for boats arriving via the Scheldt.

Instagram
Guided Tour Experience

Guided Tour Experience

Bridge interior and surroundings

Explore the history and secrets of this emblematic monument with guided tours offered on select Sundays.

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Riverside Promenade

Riverside Promenade

Quais de l'Escaut

Enjoy a stroll along the modernized quays, offering picturesque views of the bridge and the river.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Pont des Trous was recently renovated, with its inauguration in April 2023. Check the official Visit Tournai website for guided tour schedules, as these are the best way to experience the bridge's history and interior. Instagram+1

Understanding the Renovation

The extensive renovation aimed to allow larger barges to pass, significantly altering the bridge's original structure. While it's a modern marvel, some historical purists might note the changes. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Select Sundays (May-August)
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (April-October)
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎥 Découvrez le Pont des Trous comme jamais auparavant ! Plongez dans l’histoire de ce monument emblématique de Tournai grâce à nos visites guidées. Deux façons de le visiter : 🗓️ Visites guidées tous les dimanches de mai à août à 10h30 📍 Rendez-vous au Pont des Trous (rive droite, quai Sakharov) ⏱️ Durée : +/- 2h 💶 8€/personne – Gratuit pour les moins de 6 ans ⚠️ Non accessible aux personnes à mo...
visittournai
80 likes • 1.4K views

Book Guided Tours Early

Tours are popular and offer unique access. Check Visit Tournai for schedules and booking. Instagram+1 :ticket:

Check Renovation Impact

The bridge was raised to accommodate larger barges. Understand its historical evolution. Instagram+1

Ce vendredi 14 avril 2023, les autorités wallonnes et communales ont inauguré le Pont des Trous rénové. Ce chantier marque le terme de six années d’un chantier intense sur et en bordure d’Escaut, en plein cœur de la cité des Cinq Clochers. #Inauguration #PontDesTrous #Pont #PontDesTrousTournai #Escaut #Festivités #Chantier #Tournai #VilleDeTournai #VivezlEscaut #Patrimoine #Hainaut #Wallonie #Wal...
villedetournai
296 likes • 5.5K views
Quand t'arrives à Tournai par l'Escaut... Les bateliers qui arrivent à Tournai ont quand même la chance d'arriver par une porte assez unique en Europe : le pont des Trous. Ce pont à l'origine du 13e siècle, a été récemment rehaussé pour laisser passer les péniches à grand gabarit. Aujourd'hui, la balade qui part de ce pont jusqu'au centre ville de Tournai par les quais, est l'une des plus belles...
les_escapades_dantoine
58 likes • 945 views

Explore the Quays

The modernized quays offer great photo ops and a pleasant walk. Instagram :camerawithflash:

Consider Boat Arrival

Arriving by boat offers a unique perspective of the bridge's grandeur. Instagram :ferry:

Ce week-end, on inaugure le Pont des Trous à Tournai ! 🤩 Un projet de longue date qui voit enfin le jour ! À cette occasion, notre belle ville prévoit un week-end festif ! 🎉 ⛴ La Défense est également présente avec un village du Centre de Formation de la Logistique de Tournai et de la Marine et nos Cadets de la Marine vous accueillent à bord du P902 « Libération ». Dès demain, un mur d’escalade ...
dedonderludivine
495 likes • 9.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Guided Tours Early

Tours are popular and offer unique access. Check Visit Tournai for schedules and booking. Instagram+1 :ticket:

Check Renovation Impact

The bridge was raised to accommodate larger barges. Understand its historical evolution. Instagram+1

Explore the Quays

The modernized quays offer great photo ops and a pleasant walk. Instagram :camerawithflash:

Consider Boat Arrival

Arriving by boat offers a unique perspective of the bridge's grandeur. Instagram :ferry:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the Pont des Trous's historical significance and its recent renovation, which has enhanced its role as a navigable waterway. The guided tours are frequently praised for their informative content and access to the bridge's interior. While the architectural grandeur is widely appreciated, some note the changes made during the renovation to accommodate larger vessels.

What People Like

Impressive historical architecture
Informative guided tours
Scenic riverside location

What People Dislike

Changes from renovation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Pont des Trous is located in the heart of Tournai, easily accessible by foot from the city center. If arriving by car, parking is available nearby, though it can be busy. Public transport options also serve the city center. Instagram

Yes, Tournai is well-served by public transport. Buses will take you to the city center, from where the Pont des Trous is a short walk away. Instagram

Absolutely! Arriving by boat on the Scheldt river offers a particularly impressive view of the Pont des Trous, as it's a significant gateway. Instagram

For the most comprehensive experience, consider joining a guided tour which often includes access to the interior of the bridge and its history. Instagram+1

Yes, there are parking facilities in Tournai's city center, which is a short walk from the Pont des Trous. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak times. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can view the exterior of the Pont des Trous for free from the riverbanks and surrounding areas. However, guided tours that offer interior access require tickets. Instagram+1

Guided tours typically cost around 8€ per person, with free admission for children under a certain age (check specific tour details). Instagram

Guided tours are often available on select Sundays, particularly from May to August. It's best to check the official Visit Tournai website for the most up-to-date schedule. Instagram+1

Generally, interior access to the Pont des Trous is only permitted during organized guided tours. Instagram+1

The bridge has seen significant events like its inauguration in April 2023, which included festive weekends. Keep an eye on local event listings for future celebrations. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

Excellent photo opportunities exist from the riverbanks, the modernized quays, and from boats on the Scheldt. The towers flanking the arches are particularly photogenic. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed during guided tours, but it's always a good idea to confirm with your guide. Instagram

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the bridge's architecture is impressive in any light. Instagram

As with most historical sites and urban areas, drone usage is likely restricted. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Wide-angle shots capturing the entire bridge and its arches are stunning. Detail shots of the stonework and towers also make for great photos. Instagram+1

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Beyond admiring the bridge, you can walk along the renovated quays, explore Tournai's historic city center, and take boat tours on the Scheldt. Instagram+1

Yes, the modernized quays offer a pleasant and accessible area for a leisurely walk with scenic views of the bridge. Instagram

Originally built in the 13th century, the bridge has undergone significant renovations, most recently to allow larger vessels to pass through its arches. Instagram+1

While generally safe, some discussions have raised concerns about safety on parts of the Escaut riverbanks without guardrails. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings. Instagram

The primary goal of the recent renovation was to raise the bridge's height, enabling larger barges to navigate the Scheldt river. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Pont des Trous can be an engaging sight for families. The sheer scale of the bridge and the boats passing underneath can capture children's imaginations. Consider a guided tour if your children enjoy historical stories, as guides often make the history come alive. Instagram The riverside walks along the Escaut are also pleasant for a family stroll, offering open space and views. Instagram

When visiting, ensure children are supervised, especially near the riverbanks, as some areas may lack guardrails. Instagram Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities directly at the bridge might be limited. The nearby city center of Tournai offers more family-friendly dining options and attractions to combine with your visit.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Pont des Trous is a photographer's dream, offering a blend of historical architecture and scenic river views. Capture the iconic triple arches from various angles along the Scheldt riverbanks or the modernized quays. Instagram+1 The towers provide excellent framing opportunities, and the play of light on the stone, especially during golden hours, can be spectacular. Instagram

For those on guided tours, the chance to photograph the interior structure offers a unique perspective. Instagram+1 Be mindful of potential crowds during peak times and weekends, which can impact your ability to get unobstructed shots. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings for a more serene photographic experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Evolution of Pont des Trous

The Pont des Trous, a significant landmark in Tournai, boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Originally constructed as a defensive structure and a vital crossing over the Scheldt river, it has witnessed centuries of change. Its iconic design features three imposing arches flanked by towers, a testament to medieval engineering. Instagram

Over time, the bridge has undergone numerous modifications to adapt to evolving needs. The most recent and substantial renovation, completed in 2023, involved raising the bridge's height. This ambitious project was undertaken to allow larger, modern barges to pass through, ensuring the continued navigability of the Scheldt and supporting regional trade. While this alteration has modernized its function, it also represents a significant chapter in the bridge's long architectural story. Instagram+1

This blend of historical significance and modern adaptation makes the Pont des Trous a fascinating site. Visitors can appreciate its medieval origins while also understanding the engineering feats that have kept it relevant today. Guided tours offer a deeper dive into its past and the details of its recent transformation. Instagram+1

Experiencing Pont des Trous: Tours and Riverside Walks

To truly appreciate the Pont des Trous, engaging with it through guided tours is highly recommended. These tours, often held on select Sundays, provide an in-depth look at the bridge's history, architecture, and the impact of its recent renovations. Participants can explore parts of the bridge not accessible to the general public, gaining a unique perspective on this iconic structure. Instagram+1

Beyond the tours, the surrounding area offers a delightful experience. The recently modernized quays of the Escaut (Scheldt) provide a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk. These riverside promenades offer excellent vantage points for photography and a chance to soak in the atmosphere of Tournai. Whether you're arriving by boat, enjoying a stroll, or taking a guided tour, the Pont des Trous offers multiple ways to connect with its heritage and charm. Instagram+1