Tag Archive for: Tournai

Flea Market Dates in Belgium

In Belgium, flea markets and antiques hold a cultural significance that goes far beyond mere nostalgia. They reflect a deeply rooted appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and everyday aesthetics. The country, whose towns and cities have often preserved their medieval character, has a long tradition of trade and a rich material and industrial culture. Within this context, a refined sensitivity to the objects of the past has evolved – to furniture, household items, and artisanal works that have endured through time and tell fragments of lived history.

Please make sure to check online before your visit to confirm whether the flea market is taking place. This list has been compiled with great care, but dates may change, and even regularly scheduled markets may be cancelled, for example due to other events or public holidays. Opening hours may also vary, so it’s best to arrive early. The number of stalls can fluctuate significantly, depending on factors such as weather or holidays.

Below you’ll find the dates for particularly well-known and highly recommended antique and flea markets, which offer a wide variety of goods but no new items. You can find my personal favourites, details and tips here.

Every day

Brussels

TOP Marché aux puces du Jeu de Balle
Location: Place du Jeu de Balle
Time: 9 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 350

Sundays (weekly)

Antwerp

Antiek- & Brocantemarkt
Location: Sint-Jansvliet
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
Stands: 100

Brussels

Sablon Antiques Market
Location: Grand Sablon
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 25

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Herve

TOP Brocante du Marché Couvert de Battice
Location: Rue des Forges les Eaux
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 200

Raeren

Megahalle Hauset
Location: Aachener Straße
Time: 8 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 75

Spa

TOP Brocante de Spa
Location: Place Royale
Time: 7 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Tongeren

TOP Antiekmarkt
Location: Leopoldwal
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 350

Tournai

Brocante des Bastions
Location: Boulevard Walter de Marvis
Time: 4 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Waterloo

Brocante du Lion
Location: Drève Richelle
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 300

from March to November

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

from March to October

Namur

Brocante de Jambes
Location: Quai de Meuse
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Saturdays (weekly)

Brussels

Sablon Antiques Market
Location: Grand Sablon
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 25

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Raeren

Megahalle Hauset
Location: Aachener Straße
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 75

from March to November

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

Fridays (weekly)

Antwerp

Vrijdagmarkt
Location: Vrijdagmarkt
Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 50

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Liège

TOP Brocante Saint-Pholien
Location: Boulevard de la Constitution
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 150

from June to September

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

Wednesdays (weekly)

Durbuy

Brocante Durbuy
Location: Parc de Julienas
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Kortrijk

Eurometropolis Brocante Kortrijk
Location: Engelse Wandeling
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Sundays (monthly)

first Sunday of every month from March to October

Arlon

TOP Marché aux Puces du Vieil Arlon
Location: Grand Place
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 250

Various dates

Antwerp

Brocantwerpen
Location: Grote Markt
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 100
Dates

Brussels

TOP Voddemet Brussels Flea Market
Location: Rue Picard
Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Stands: 100
Dates

first Sunday of July and August, fourth Sunday of September

Bruges

TOP Zandfeesten
Location: ’t Zand
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 250
Dates

three times a year over three days

Ciney

TOP Ciney Puces
Location: Rue du Marché Couvert
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 500
Dates

Annually

June: Sunday

Stavelot

Grande Brocante de l’été
Location: Place Saint-Remacle
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 400
Dates

August: Friday

St. Vith

TOP Großer Kunst- und Trödelmarkt
Location: Hauptstraße
Time: 1 PM to 8 PM
Stands: 1,200
Dates

August: Saturday and Sunday

Namur

TOP Brocante de Temploux
Location: Rue Arsène Grosjean
Time: almost all day
Stands: 1,200
Dates

September: Sunday

Kemmel

Rommel- en Antiekmarkt
Location: Kemmelstraat
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 1,000
Dates

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From Roman “Belgica” to Belgium

Belgium owes its name to a Roman province: Gallia Belgica. As early as the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar used the term Belgae for the tribes living in northern Gaul. In his work “De Bello Gallico”, he described the Belgae as a distinct group within the Gallic world. From the name “Belgae” later emerged “Belgica” – a term that endured for centuries.

Roman Province of Belgica

The Roman province was established under Emperor Augustus toward the end of the 1st century BC. It covered an area larger than present-day Belgium: parts of northern France, Luxembourg, the southern Netherlands, and western Germany were also included. The capital of the province was Durocortorum (Reims, France).

For the Roman Empire, the region was strategically important above all else. It lay between Gaul and the Rhine frontier and was crossed by major military and trade routes. Cities such as Augusta Treverorum (Trier, Germany), Bagacum Nerviorum (Bavay, France), Atuatuca Tungrorum (Tongeren), as well as Roman settlements in Arlon and Tournai, developed into important centers of the province.

Today, Tongeren often refers to itself as the oldest city in Belgium, as an important administrative center already existed there during Roman times. However, visible Roman traces can also be found in other Belgian cities. This is precisely why Belgium’s Roman past remains present in many places to this day.

After the province of Belgica disappeared with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the territories of present-day Belgium belonged to various realms and empires over the following centuries – including the Frankish Empire, the Burgundian and Habsburg Netherlands, Spain, Austria, and France. Borders and power structures in this part of Europe changed repeatedly over time.

Belgian Revolution

Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the “United Kingdom of the Netherlands” was established. However, what is now Belgium was part of it only until the Belgian Revolution in 1830. This revolution led to the creation of the independent Belgian state.

At the time, a historically rooted and linguistically neutral name was sought for the new state. The deliberate choice fell on Belgium / België / Belgique / Belgien – as a direct reference to the ancient Belgica. The name evoked the shared history of the region without referring exclusively to a particular dynasty, province, or linguistic group.

The borders of the young Belgian state continued to shift for some time. During the Belgian Revolution, half of Luxembourg joined the uprising. In 1839, the territory was divided: the western part became part of Belgium (now the province of Luxembourg), whilst the eastern part remained the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In the same year, Limburg was also divided between Belgium and the Netherlands. After the First World War, Belgium additionally received Eupen-Malmedy, as well as Neutral Moresnet, from Germany.

Thus, the Roman province of Gallia Belgica lives on to this day – not only in history books, but in the name of modern Belgium.

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Belfries: Belgium’s striking City Towers

The belfry (Dutch belfort, French beffroi) is a significant architectural and historical landmark in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, but also in Wallonia and northern France. These imposing towers were erected in the Middle Ages by secular city authorities or guilds as symbols of civic power, often in contrast to that of the Church. Many of these belfries have been preserved in Belgium and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Most belfries were built during the Gothic period and rank among the most important secular buildings of the Middle Ages. Typically, a belfry is connected to the town hall or stands independently beside it.

As the safest place in a city, the tower usually housed the city archives and the treasury. Additionally, it served as a watchtower, with its bells warning the population of dangers such as fires or attacks, as well as announcing public matters. These duties were carried out by the tower keeper. A city bell also structured daily life, marking time and signaling various events.

Belgium is particularly rich in belfries. Their architectural designs are often stunning and reflect the craftsmanship of medieval builders. These structures showcase unique architectural styles, blending Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque influences.

My personal Top 5 Belfries in Belgium

Tournai

The oldest surviving belfry stands in Tournai, built in the 12th century. At 72 meters high, it is not only the oldest but also one of Belgium’s most impressive belfries.

Bruges

The Belfry of Bruges is one of Belgium’s most famous and most visited towers. Standing 83 meters tall, it dominates the city’s market square. Built in the 13th century, it houses an impressive carillon with 47 bells.

Mons

Built in the 17th century in Baroque style, this is Belgium’s only Baroque belfry and a striking landmark of the city of Mons. It stands on an elevated site, away from the town hall.

Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent, built in the 14th century, is crowned with a dragon, which has become a symbol of the city.

Charleroi

A more recent belfry from the early 20th century, it is connected to the town hall of Charleroi and represents a modern interpretation of traditional belfries.

I would also like to mention the belfry of Lille, located in French Flanders, near the Belgian border. This tower is particularly slender and tall (104 meters) and was only completed in 1932. It impresses with its magnificent Art Deco style.

The belfries of Belgium and France were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999, 33 of them in Belgium alone. This recognition highlights their historical and cultural significance. These towers are not only architectural masterpieces that reflect the history and development of medieval cities, but also symbols of freedom, self-governance, and economic prosperity.

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World Heritage in Belgium

Belgium is a small country filled with historically significant sites. Currently, there are 79 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Belgium, with more being added. Here is an updated overview:

Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels was built in the 11th century and is now the historic center of Brussels. Originally, the square showcased a vibrant mix of styles from the 15th to the 17th centuries. After its destruction in 1695, the city council redesigned it with its current cohesive Baroque facade.

Major houses of the architect Victor Horta in Brussels

Victor Horta was a Belgian Art Nouveau architect who gained international acclaim in the late 19th century for the innovative designs of his buildings.

Stoclet House in Brussels

The Stoclet Palace is a private villa designed by architect Josef Hoffmann, built between 1905 and 1911 in Brussels for banker and art enthusiast Adolphe Stoclet. Considered Hoffmann’s masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace is one of the most sophisticated and luxurious private houses of the 20th century.

33 Belfries in Flanders and Wallonia

Belfries were primarily built during the Gothic period and are tall, slender bell towers typical of Belgian (and northern French) cities.

26 Beguinages in Flanders

The Beguines and Beghards were members of a Christian community who lived together in monastic-style communities. The 26 preserved beguinages in Flanders are examples of typical architectural ensembles.

Historic Center in Bruges

The medieval old town of Bruges, with its historic buildings, impressive churches, and numerous canals, has been almost entirely preserved.

Plantin-Moretus House in Antwerp

The museum in Antwerp traces its origins to a printing house founded in 1555 and is the only preserved printing workshop from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai

Construction of the cathedral of Tournai began in 1110 in the Romanesque style. Subsequent modifications introduced early Gothic elements. Due to its architectural harmony and historical significance, it is considered one of the most beautiful cultural monuments in Western Europe.

4 Boat Lifts of the Canal du Centre

The Canal du Centre connects the Canal Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes with the Charleroi-Brussels Canal. The height difference along its course posed a significant challenge during its construction. The boat lifts, mostly preserved in their original condition, were built between 1882 and 1917 to overcome this obstacle.

4 Walloon Mining Sites

The World Heritage sites includes the coal mines of Grand-Hornu, Bois-du-Luc, Bois du Cazier, and Blegny in the Walloon coal basin, dating from the industrial revolution. These four mines stretch across Belgium from east to west and are among the best-preserved mines from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes in Mons

The flint mines at Spiennes in Mons date back to the Neolithic period and are the largest in Europe, with shafts approximately 15 meters deep.

And also:

Carnival of Binche

Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse

Processional Giants and Dragons

Traditional Games in Flanders

Shrimp Fishing on Horseback in Oostduinkerke

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