On the Dubuisson beer trail in Tournai
Author: Erik Verdonck / Published: 2015-05-26 11:40:51 +0200 / Last Updated: over 4 years ago
Les Mille Paumes© BeerTourism.com
TOURNAI/DOORNIK - Only a long stone’s throw away from Brasserie Dubuisson lies one of the oldest cities in Belgium. When I hear the name of Tournai (Doornik), colourful images from the history books
Les 4 Saisons
© BeerTourism.com
go through my mind. In the 5th century, Tournai was the capital of the Kingdom of the Franks.
In 1513 Henry VIII of England captured it, making it, for a short period, the only Belgian city the British ever ruled.
The 16th-century Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and the French Sun King Louis XIV have also made their mark here.
Fortunately all this violence is now in the past. Today, people are enjoying themselves soaking up the spring sunshine on the Central Square, taking in the views of the splendid linen hall and a wide array of historic facades.
Just around the corner is the oldest belfry in Belgium. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was built to serve as a watchtower and still proudly symbolises this city.
The imposing cathedral with its five spires, a high point of Romanesque architecture, also has UNESCO recognition. However, I have come to this city in search of more worldly pleasures. A sign reading ‘amBushadeur’
Central Square, Tournai
© BeerTourism.com
and some splendid leaded glass windows entice me in to café Les 4 Saisons.
“People come to us to enjoy their degustation beer in peace and quiet,” says café manager Ludivine Ducoin while pouring a fresh Bush Ambrée.
The café is narrow and long with an arched ceiling; coming inside is a little like boarding a train carriage.
The walls are lined with ceramic images of the city. So after all, I do get to see the cathedral without any scaffolding.
I ask the staff if the local brewery is close to their hearts. “The father of Hugues Dubuisson, the owner of the brewery, is a regular here,” Ludivine answers.
La Vie est Belge
© BeerTourism.com
A Brown Café
My next stop has a completely different atmosphere. Les Mille Paumés is for those in the know. This brown café is reminiscent of the 1970s. (A brown café is a neighbourhood bar, not unlike a British local pub.)
Les Mille Paumes
© BeerTourism.com
It has withstood the ravages of time but, who knows, it may always have had the lived-in look it presents today. The first thing I notice are the frescos on the walls.
The colours have faded with the passing of time and under the clouds of tobacco smoke; now banished forever.
In a little corner, a customer is recovering from overdoing it the night before. Several others are practising their quality control.
The Cuvée des Trolls is judged to be fine, but the next beer is pronounced even better. The fine-looking juke box is silent for now, perhaps so it doesn’t aggravate anyone’s hangover.
There’s something theatrical about all this. You swing open the door to a café such as this and you enter a completely different world with its own codes, its own regulars and beers.
This is where you would expect to find the playful Cuvée des Trolls. The characters depicted on the frescos are partying in a Burgundian way I wonder, have times changed?
Serving it up in Tournai
© BeerTourism.com
Going for a Stroll
The banks of the river Scheldt are a lovely spot for a stroll. Here you will find La Vie est Belge, a fresh-looking, fashionable café with a twin on the Central Square in Mons.
Pêche Mel
© BeerTourism.com
Here, the dark atmosphere of the brown café atmosphere has melted away; this café is bathed in light. Typical Belgian products take centre stage.
For example, your beer comes with a tiny stone cone containing frietjes (chips or French fries).
One customer orders a Pêche Mel Bush, another is after a Cuvée des Trolls – perhaps they’ll go to the lounge upstairs to chill out with their beers.
I follow the course of the river until I reach the Pont des Trous.
Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest military river bridges in the world and a showpiece of medieval defensive architecture.
At the time it formed part of the second tier of city walls, which had 18 gates in total.
The trous (holes) that gave the bridge its name are, in fact, elegant arches that could be raised to let ships through. We’ll say cheers to that.
More on Dubuisson
Brasserie Dubuisson
Chaussée de Mons 28
B-7904 Pipaix
Website: www.dubuisson.com
Recent Blog Posts
Brussels Beer Challenge 2019, and the winners are...BRUSSELS/MONS - We’ve made our way down to the historic city of Mons (Bergen) for the eighth edition of the international Brussels Beer Challenge. A 90-strong jury is busy tasting; there are four morn ... [ read more ]
Brugge Tripel contributes to renovation of Burgundian chapel of worshipBRUGES - This city draws you back in time to the heydays of the Burgundian era. After years of renovation works the Gruuthusemuseum has re-opened its doors. This former city ... [ read more ]
Brewers of Europe Forum 2019: Craftsmanship on the old continentANTWERP - Brewers from 59 different countries flocked to attend the Brewers of Europe Forum 2019 in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, right next to the renowned Antwerp Central Station building. ... [ read more ]
Craftsmanship and balance at brewery Van SteenbergeERTVELDE - To track down a brewer within his own domain is a high-ranking form of sports, or that’s the impression I get. After a bit of practice I spot Jef Versele, CEO of the Van Steenberge brewery, ... [ read more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2018 - The results!MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates th ... [ read more ]
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment
SHARE:
You Might Like
Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck, well known for it's "Kasteel" beer range, now offers their Bierkasteel beer experience; brewery visit, event location, restaurant, bar and shop.
This freemium App for IOS and Android lets you explore and find the best that Belgium's UNESCO recognised beer culture has to offer. Find breweries, bars, restaurants, festivals, events, experiences and beer shops; create you own beer trips and be your own tour guide!
Everything you ever wanted to know about (Belgian) beer under one roof. You get to feel, smell and taste ingredients and discover the typical Belgian beer styles. Come celebrate Belgian beer culture in heart of historic Bruges! Shop and bar are accessible without visiting the museum.
The Duvel Moortgat Brewery caters to everyone’s tastes with 3 different brewery experiences. From complete novice to experienced beer lover, Duvel has the brewery visit package for you.
Brasserie Dubussion prides itself on tradition and taste and has opened a brand new visitors centre, the Beerstorium. Learn about the rich history, beers and brewing at the oldest brewery in Wallonia. You can visit this authentic Belgian brewery, see brewing in action, as well as taste some of their delicious brews for yourself, including their legendary Bush (Scaldis) beer range.
BLOG
POSTS
Brewery visits: The Brasserie Dubuisson tour
PIPAIX - Embark on the new visitor experience at Dubuisson. You can put your own group together for a tour of the Dubuisson brewery. Group visits require a minimum of 15 participants and are available ... [ more ]
On the beer trail in Mons with Dubuisson
MONS - As joint European Capital of Culture for 2015, Mons is showing its best face to the world this year. This is the place where Vincent Van Gogh swapped the life of a preacher for that of a painter. ... [ more ]
From tank to tap: Dubuisson's Brasse-Temps
MONS / LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE - In September 2000, Brasserie Dubuisson unveiled its Le Brasse-Temps café-brewery in the university city of Louvain-la-Neuve. Three years on, a second brewpub bearing the ... [ more ]
More Beer
This is a venerable brew, which has recently marked its 80th anniversary. 1933 was the year that the Bush Ambrée (Scaldis Ambrée) was first introduced, under the name of Bush Beer.... [ more ]
Beer Tourism Newsletter Signup
Enter your name and email address on the right and click "SignUp" to join.