Tournai Belgium

November months one month and not very convenient (since the beginning of winter) but due to holiday commitments of children we planned trip to Belgium. Specifically, our destination was a small town on the northern border of Belgium with France called Tournai.
H Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and is just one hour from Brussels (by car) arrives in town by a very good road network.
The town lies 20 km west of the French city of Lille and counts 50000 inhabitants who are all one and the Francophone region is the center of Walloon. The charm of it is what creates positive impressions to the traveler. All roads in the city, which is constantly renovated, is paved and surrounded by traditional buildings that are as beautiful decorative details and review and make many different wind vanes located on the roofs of some buildings.

What to see

Cathedral of Notre Dame cathedral a huge Gothic church in central square
Grand Place The central square of Tournai is the focal point of the city. From one of the many cafes and restaurants can one overlooks the tower, the Cloth Hall and many other beautiful buildings around the square.
Belfry of Tournai is located between the "Grand Place" and the cathedral, and is the oldest in Belgium. Formerly used as observation point and municipal fylaki.Perilamvanetai the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. To reach someone at the top will have to climb 257 steps but well worth the effort to make a climb to enjoy the magnificent view of Tournai and the surrounding area.

Princess d'Epinoy statue of Christine de Lalaing in Central Square

The small Cathedral Church of St-Quentin in the same square bell tower is almost as old as Notre Dame, Tournai of people call it "small cathedral."
Pont des trous bridge in the western part of town. Is said to be one of the most characteristic monuments of medieval architecture preserved in the western world. The bridge was restored after the Second World War
Hall. Paradoxically, the City Hall of Tournai is the Grand 'Place, but Abbatial neoclassical palace of the former monastery of St. Martin. This very opposite, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a building designed by Victor Horta, which houses an important collection of works by Flemish and Renaissance artists.
Conservatory built in the 19th century The dozen buildings that are built around the Grand Place
The many museums are the most important: , ART Nouveau Museum, Folklore Museum in Tournai Fine Arts Museum of Natural History, etc.


Where to stay

Proposes unreservedly "La Maison du Baryton" (Rue Jean Noté 13, Tournai). A three-story historic house where a famous Belgian baritone of the last century. The rental includes all the home at very reasonable prices
Cathedrale Hotel downtown with a nice garden

Food

Tens of bars pubs and pizza (up Greek cuisine) are around the Grand Place). But it is worth close to browse around the cathedral where there are many French style bistro with values ranging from 20 to 30 € per person.
Certainly you should try the excellent local beer Jupiler which we liked very much.
The restaurant Beffroi de Tournai (main square) you can taste some local specialties, of course if we can agree with the waiters who unfortunately did not speak English
Are there physical and all known fast food chains in the malls at the city entrance.
Fries with different dressing in one of the many shops located throughout the city.


We liked

The magnificent layout of the city which has kept its medieval architecture
The Grand Place special evening with the illuminated buildings and all these historical monuments
The friendly attitude of the residents
The easy access to all sites
A stroll around the river
The La Maison du Baryton


We did not like

The cars  park in the center of the square spoiling the lovely views across
Whereas the city sleeps tooearly when the 20.00 after the move was too little
The dull weather

Overall Impressions

We consider it worthwhile to visit some of the provincial and city people-that which is truly a "doll" and knows how to combine and to respect the past and the present. The country's history (architecture, religion, etc.) is concentrated. It is also a point for excursions to the French north. Beer lovers should not ignore the region since in this produced a large number of chips

Crete a fantastic island in Greece

Tour of Crete

Chania Crete Heraklion Elafonissi
to see maps and details for gps click the appropriate links below texts

Day 1 Piraeus - Chania by ferry
The afternoon we arrived at Piraeus and boarded the ship which had closed cabin. Like all ships, and so it was very salty and a price closed cabin after traveling with children (and cars)

Day 2 City of Chania
The hotel located in the center of Platanias, was hospitable and privileged part provide basic services.The price however was very good. The tourist area especially with many restaurants and bars provide many options for night-life. The beach it is organized with umbrellas, but not very clean.
Evening in the city of Chania
Day 3 mountains Chania - Floria
Climbing to the mountains of Chania, where we hosted by our friends in a village with only 15 residents The village called Floria. The road is steep but with good speed and drive through the village Kandanos on the south side of the island to Paleochora The landscape and the wild but enchanting journey.. after villages Voukolies and Kakopetros begins the forest and ravines. Village Flora is almost on the "neck" of the mountain and there is a square trees and a cafe where a stop for a rest is necessary for those traveling to or from Paleochora. Alsothere is a monument in memory of German soldiers who died during the occupation.
To view a complete analysis and route mileage click here more

4th days Kandanos Flora Paleochora

Floria is about half an hour from Paleochora is the largest southern port of Crete. The landscape is wild but magnificent where the village is tourism development efforts. The beaches to the right side of the village is quite good while to get somewhat out will find some other very quiet beaches. . In the center of the village there are lot of restaurants but we recommend the restaurants that are at the center of Kantanos (near church), which all offer excellent local cuisine. In Kandanos one can see the church and tried the sweetness of the local pastry shop. If you are lucky may participate in a local festival, which usually lasts until morning

To view a complete analysis mileage and route data and GPS click here

5th days Elafonissi

From Floria began to Elafonisi located southwest of the island. The road from that side through the woods while the usual path followed by someone from Chania Kissamos Platanias is through. Approaching Elafonissi the road passes through picturesque villages that are actually hanging from the mountainside. The road has several turns and wants attention.. Before reaching you mast to visit Chrysoskalitisa monastery which was poliorkithei by the Turks has obvious signs of bullets and shells in the walls. The view from there is amazing. After 5 kilometers to reach Elafonissi. Do not expect to see a beach with umbrellas etc, because the region is missing (and rightly so) as a reference to tourist facilities. The landscape is wild and beautiful and the sea is very good specially the most suitable for children. We went across on foot (across the sea), to the small island which had been less crowded. There are several beaches in the area that will certainly compensate. But it should be organized before you go for the reason that there is only one canteen (operated generator) and the prices are a little expensive.

6th day (Samaria Gorge Agia Roumeli)
From Chania with the local bus we started at 6.00 oclock in the morning for the Samaria Gorge. The bus arrived after 1 hour and something in Omalo and where is the entrance to the gorge.

7th day (Chania, Moni Arkadi, Peninsula)


8th day (Akrotiri Agios Nikolaos)








9th days Akrotiri Plaka Elounda Spinalonga


10 days Knossos Palace








11 days Heraklion - Rethymnon Heraklion

This page updated continuously