Namur to Luxembourg | Through the Wallonia countryside

[@vicsams4431]

I always did this line from London using the first Eurostar and connecting with train EC97 Iris, the 12.15 Brussels to Chur. Hauled by a Belgium Class 20 electric loco, the train was formed of Belgium and Swiss coaches. Sometimes the kind guard used to let you sit in the Swiss panoramic coach, behind the loco, which had a glass roof, if only travelling as far as Luxembourg.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

nice route Brussels to Chur. Lots to see along the way!

[@Timstravels01]

A super watch as always. I was impressed with SNCB when I used them in 2023 and that station at Namur is something else!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, Namur really is something. I'd obvs seen some pictures when I researched the trip and decided to start the run there... but boy, the reality was so much better than the pictures! Thanks for the kind words Tim 👍

[@thomasroell8979]

Thanks!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much. That is very kind of you 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks 👍

[@lancpudn]

Hello, I'm not much of a traveller myself but I really do enjoy watching your train journeys & narration of the stations & the journey, Thank you for doing these videos.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

What a lovely thing to say! You are very kind. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch, as it is your views that help to make all this possible 👍

[@ampersand.]

Namur Station is very elegant for such an industrial design, we thought. So airy and bright. Loved the trip - thanks Mr. Hoover.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it really was an interesting station design. I loved the angular light wells. Thank you so much for sticking with the channel and watching another! Friday, it will be time to leave Luxembourg and head to Liège.

[@colinriley123]

Just watched this one. Excellent footage and commentary on Namur station. Yours is the only channel I have discovered that gives due prominence to railway architecture, and shares its joys. Thank you.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well, as you know, I love a bit of architecture. So I'm very happy that it comes through as "my thing". Stations are so important in creating that sense of occasion that travel should be about.

[@phronsiekeys]

Looked like a nice afternoon to spend comfortably on a train enjoying the view.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed it was. Those old push-pull sets are remarkably quiet and comfortable. Long may they continue!

[@horsehollerer]

Wow, Namur is a tardis of epic architectural delights. Many thanks!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Very much a tardis of epic architectural delights! - that entrance hall with the modern industrial staircases could indeed have been an interior design for Dr Who's tardis Thanks for was another 👍

[@tonguepiercing]

This line is being upgraded to make it safer from falling trees or rocks, and to increase the speed to 140 km/h at least, and in parts 160 km/h (longer stretches then now). This project started a long time ago, but luckily the works are approaching the end. This is what remains from an ancient project referred to as Eurocaprail, that once even wanted to get a high speed line (>200km/h) on this connection. Luckily some smart people understood there would not have been enough demand for that. In Ciney you can get on a heritage line during the warmer months. If you like scenic rides through the Ardennes, there is also a second slower line via Virton, Bertrix and Dinant back to Namur

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for all that extra information, it is very much appreciated. Next week I'll be doing Lux-Liège, so there'll be more Ardennes countryside. I would like to return again, so thanks for the tips on other things I could do 👍

[@sandiandgregh]

Namur Station was a jaw-dropping surprise. Wow. Nice journey, too.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, someone asked why I hadn't recorded Lux-Namur, and the reason was that I wanted to highlight Namur station as it is such an interesting building. But don't worry Lux lovers, Luxembourg will be the departure next week! Thanks for sticking with me 👍

[@russellb1212]

Looked a relaxing journey, some train and bus station that is

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was a lovely, relaxed trip. and yes, it one hell of a building at Namur - worth a trip there as not only the station, but the whole town is lovely

[@walterfillingham]

Again you have found a line going through countryside I really wasn’t expecting. Absolutely fascinating, certainly a lot of trackside work going on too.. i often think travelling in winter is actually a better idea as you can see much more without the leaf cover in the trees :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. Yes, it is a quandary because the light is often so poor, but as you say, there's no leaves on the trees either. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video, 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks 👍

[@ozgirl45]

Amazing station and a great trip!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I just had to work it so I was starting a trip at Namur, just we I could share the station with you. Many more interesting stations still to come as I continue my rides through the Benelux countries in future videos 👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

Some nice views on this stretch of line, Namur old Station building almost gave me Westminster underground station vibes, great video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh yes, I see what you mean... That modern industrial chic is very similar. Thanks for watching another 👍

[@garrytuohy9267]

That is an amazing Station in Namur. Almost worth a visit by itself.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well I have to confess the choice of this route was made when I saw what an interesting station Namur had... I knew I needed to go there and experience it for myself (and share it with you!) Thanks for watching 👍

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Interesting journey (and history). Thank you for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

no problem. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. 👍

[@berberbro]

Down or up, it doesn't really matter in the greater scheme of things (i.e the universe). Thanks for showing us this part of the world!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching 👍

[@andrewjameson5918]

Love a bit of infrastructure works

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

don't we all 😉

[@kevincollis4768]

Excellent again JH 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you 👍

[@PaulGodfrey]

Great video and what a station. Luxembourg is really nice city. Hotel was dear but the buses are cheap.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I really wanted to feature Namur on this trip because of the station - stations will be a recurring theme of this December wizz around FR and Benelux. Ah yes, publuc transport in Lux is, well, as cheap as it possibly could be! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Vanmanyo]

I did this exact same journey in the summer! Apart from our train being chronically late it was a very pleasant journey!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is a lovely journey. No doubt you saw some better window views than me in the summer light. Thanks for watching another, and bext wishes for your Class 390 series! 👍

[@Vanmanyo]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I did the journey twice (Once from Namur to Luxembourg, then Luxembourg all the way to Brussels), and I have to say it was a very nice journeys on both occasions! The windows were indeed much cleaner - interesting to see all that infastructure work was still occuring as it's been going on for over a year now (we got delayed as it was reduced to single track due to works). Thanks for your comment and thanks for your good wishes!

[@bigjj1109]

I love the Belgian trains every year I travel around Belgium on the 10 journey ticket (€96 it also allows you to break your journey ) for a couple of days love your vlogs!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I have looked at the 10 ticket deal, and I may well take it up in the future. Thanks for the kind words and for watching. It is much appreciated 👍

[@simonpilk]

As always very interesting! Thanks for posting!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. you are very welcome 👍

[@simonpilk]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I am a huge interrailer myself and just returned from a 22 day over Xmas and New year

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@simonpilk Excellent! I still have another interrail ticket bought in the black friday sale and will be doing Switzerland in March and then maybe Austria in April (I may go somewhere warmer in April though!)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

If you've got any tips/advice on routes to record or generally around Interrailling, I'm always happy to accept them!

[@simonpilk]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels same as me regarding a ticket from that sale. Austria is magnificent in so many ways as to me it is the ‘poor man’s Switzerland!’ There are so many classic scenic routes in Switzerland such as Montreux- Interlaken on the Panorama Express as well as Interlaken - Lucern on the Brünig line which is quite spectacular. In Austria there is Linz - Selzthal which is amazing in its later stages, Stainach Irdning - Attnang Puchheim which is stunning. If doing the latter I would suggest taking EC164 0945 ex Graz towards Zurich as it connects at Stainach into R4409 which is one of the few loco hauled trains in daytime over the Salzammergut route. Gets so busy in summer with tourists going to Hallstadt but it is a superb route. In Czechia there is Rybnik to Lipno and Tabor - Bechyne which are quite oddball type trains with for the moment little loco hauled trains and Bechyne has a shared railway / road section towards the terminus. I could go on…

[@jimcrawford5039]

Very nice indeed. I remember listening to Radio Luxembourg when I was young. I take it the train travelled through the Ardennes? Cheers from Oz.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I used to listen to Radio Luxembourg too! A night with dodgy AM reception. Yes, this went through some of the Ardennes. Next week I do Lux-Liège, so there'll be even more Ardennes! Best wishes from Devon 👍

[@JohnResalb]

Yes, I also will do Interrail. I notice one major advantage of your "off-season" travel - the train was nearly empty. However, there are ways round this problem at the height of summer - the major one being - use stopping trains. These won't be listed as through connections in English, so you need to be able to read timetables in the respective language as changing trains en route is usually necessary (great way to see the locals, as opposed to summer tourists).

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, that is good advice. And also if you like different types of trains, then you often get something "interesting" on these stoppers too! The "All by Twos" video I did last year was all about using the stopping/local trains. It was a fun challange and exactly as you say, I was pleased to see a few more places that I would have shot through at 100mph if I'd been on the fast train. Thanks again for sharing you views and information 👍

[@barvdw]

The reason for the Marbehan stop is that it's a hub for bus connections to southern Belgium, among them to Florenville, Virton (the latter on the parallel Athus-Meuse line, but it's faster to take a bus from Marbehan than to take the train all the way there from Brussels and Namur), and even Orval, another famous Trappist abbey. Another minor claim to fame for Marbehan is that neighbouring Rûlles (of which Marbehan was a part at the time, they are both amalgamated in the new Habay commune) is the birthplace of Maurice Grévisse, author of a very famous French grammar book (Le Bon Usage). There might even still be a mural of him in the station.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@barvdw thanks for that. Very interesting indeed 👍

[@Kulla1berg]

Hi Excellent video. Little surprised that you were travelling from Namur to Luxemburg and not reversed, as you arrived to Luxemburg in lats video. Good to see that were rebuilding the stations and platforms, last time I was in Belgium did one make big steps from platforms to the trains

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was all a ploy so that I could feature Namur in one of my videos as this was a day trip from Lux to Namur (and back). Next up will be Lux to Liège, where we'll finally get a proper look at Luxembourg and it's station Until next week, thanks for coming along with me 👍

[@Kulla1berg]

The station in Liege/Luik/Luttish and more names is fantasic. Sadly for me was there no train connection from Liege to Bastogne was I took the bus@@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Kulla1berg yes, the station at Liège will feature in a future video!

[@barvdw]

@@Kulla1berg Unfortunately, the line to Bastogne was 'temporarily' replaced with a bus in 1993 because of the state of the track, and a few years ago, they finally bit the bullet and just scrapped the line. I don't see it coming back, to be honest, Bastogne is relatively big, but very far away, and it's the only place around there with any real size, the rest are all villages, really. The old line from Libramont was also a big detour from the main destinations, Liège and Namur. Also unlikely, but slightly less so, might be the CFL line from Wiltz extended to Bastogne, because the Grand Duchy at least has money.

[@richardstreet7518]

Found hotels in Luxembourg to be much cheaper at the weekends... Glad it isn't just me who experiences grey days in this part of the world in the winter..!!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I was somewhat limited by the which days I was there. The simple place I stayed at was quite enough for my needs and it also had a fridge and microwave, so it certainly helped on costs. Thanks for watching 👍

[@brianbell4937]

Glad to see a tram passing the station in Luxembourg, it had not reached that far on my most recent visit.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, they were very regular, although I didn't ride them on my latest trip. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@john07973]

Good stuff 👍A ride through some nice countryside, a shame it was murky. I think it's a bit slack them not having any power sockets, and good job you stocked up on food with no trolley service on an intercity route. I know in Holland they used covid as the excuse to withdraw trolley service and when I was last there in July they'd not brought it back - looks like the same applies in Belgium.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, for a route between two capitals you might expect more. But honestly, I knew there was no catering, so bought my lunch at Namur and I personally always have a power bank with me! After a bit more research, I understand there are a very few power supplies for seats near the ends of the coaches. But the correspondent said these obviously get nabbed pretty quickly by peiople with laptops and the like. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barvdw]

There are 2 power sockets per carriage, normally, above the doors at each end. But I agree, to me, these still look quite modern, but they came about in the mid-90s, when most people had hardly heard of mobile phones... There's still a little corner on some platforms where a pay phone was meant to be installed. The modernisation they are currently undergoing is quite basic, just new floors, new upholstering, but no major changes to the interior otherwise.

[@btrs]

Sorry Jo to thrash your positive views about Namur station, but to me (as a Flemish Belgian) it has the typical pedigree of Belgium's view on buildings and infrastructure. The former station was demolished in the late 1990s and the station throat was rebuilt so the Liège-Namur-Mons line could dive under the Brussels-Luxembourg line. This concrete bunker style station was "just about" finished in 2004-2005. Then nothing happened of substance until the mid-2010s (!), when the plan for the bus station was finally approved, and construction restarted to finish the station as you now see it. The glass cladding with the city name was only fitted as recent as 2022.. I visited it once, way back in 2008 when the last EC's still existed (albeit with an even more elaborate stopping pattern than your IC - not even worthy of carrying the EC-moniker, at least in Belgium!). The best I could compare it with would be Beograd Centar (aka "Prokop" for the locals), a similar monstrosity that has been even longer in the making (35 years!) and still hasn't reached final completion. It's really hard to have a positive view when such mistakes and finishing delays are made over and over again.. Mons station, a 350 mio. EUR station for about 100,000 residents. Construction of Ghent (Gent-Sint-Pieters) station with 2.5 times that resident number had to be scaled down to make up for the budget deficits.. I could go on, but point is that while every country has its fair share of troubles, it intrigues me that we find the grass is always greener on the other side. 🤨

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I think it is true to say that foreigners (me included this case) only see the finished building and are unaware of the pain that has been endured and the costs to get it to the state we see. Still, I did like what i saw... ...Mons build does seem to be going on forever! Thank you for your thoughtful comment and thank you too for watching my video. Both are very much appreciated 👍

[@barvdw]

That's a huge simplification. Sure, the old station of Namur was a little more pleasing to the eye, even if the platforms weren't anything special either, but it was impractical, very noisy, with all the freight moving through it, and an absolute mess for the tracks. While I'm not exactly enamoured with the current platforms (as Johnny wasn't either), and they will need to be raised sooner or later to the new uniform standard of 75 cm, they are doing the job. I will also defend the decision to build a fly-over to disentangle train flow, especially the frequent freight trains, which have since been put in a box to reduce the noise in the station. Frankly, I wish they did something similar in Ghent. Or better, built a freight line along the R4 connecting L.59, 50, 75 and 50A. The concourse is quite nice, with enough waiting areas that are not exposed to the elements, like at so many other stations, it has the necessary services, and I agree with Johnny, the industrial chique entrance is quite nice, if the escalators aren't broken, that is... Yes, the bus station has taken far too long, but it's become one of Belgium's best bus stations out there, and with excellent connectivity between bus and trains. It's also simply inaccurate to blame the delay for Ghent on Mons, yes, Mons is years behind and massively over budget, but so is Ghent. The first contractor in Ghent also went into receivership, which is the main reason for the delays in Ghent, not the budget overruns in Mons. Any money not spent on Mons would not have gone to Ghent either way, with the strict 60/40 division of financing, if Mons has delayed other projects, they are projects in Wallonia, not in Flanders.

[@JohnResalb]

Yes, i understand you want to make use of winter (I'll come back to that in a moment). I always consider European-Summer- Time as the signal to start exploring. You start getting enough light to continue travelling until well into the evening. Did you know there is another scenic line to Luxembourg from Namur. Its a slower line, and these days you make a quick change at the border for a Luxembourg domestic line. Now about winter - can you speak Spanish ? I would recommend going by train from Argentina, to Chile and through the clouds!! in Peru. Don't forget that outside Europe, you can live in a modest hotel for cheaper than the cost of staying in your own home in UK.!!! And with regards to rail fares and food - all a tiny fraction of what you pay here - what you would consider a 'tip' in UK.!!! Don't book with any British package. They charge MUCH more than what all the locals pay.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

thanks for all that info too. btw this week's video is the ride north from Luxembourg main station up through the north of the country and through the Ardennes into Liège - I think it covers some of the route you were suggesting above. 👍

[@barvdw]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels they probably meant the Athus-Meuse line, as they spoke of a line from Namur. That's the succession of lines down to Dinant (L.154), Bertrix (L.166, where there's a connection to Libramont) and down to Virton and Athus on the Luxembourgish border (L.165) This line was heavily modernised in the 1990s to be the main freight corridor to Luxembourg and Alsace, electrified with 25 kV from roughly Dinant southwards instead of the traditional 3 kV in most of Belgium. Main disadvantage, it's the same rolling stock as on Luxembourg-Liège, the dreaded Desiro... But the landscape is absolutely bucolic, you start along the Meuse to Dinant, where you cross the Meuse and start following the Lesse, famous for its kayak tourism. Many of the stations are sold off (a friend of mine bought one and is in the process of converting it into his residence), but most are lovingly restored, or are going to be.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@barvdw oo.. thanks for that! 👍

[@raphaeltaylor755]

What’s the catering situation like on this train?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

There is no catering provided on this service, right through from Brussels to Luxembourg. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barvdw]

No SNCB train has catering, these days, high-speed trains not included. Which is a pity, while I doubt they will every bring back dining cars or even cafe cars, a trolley service would be highly appreciated, and operated for a period of time in the 90s.

[@JohnResalb]

It's a pity you didn't put so much effort into a better time of year. It's not only a question of weather, just as important is the amount of light for photography.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I completely agree with you. Though, of course, I will be putting in that effort somewhere else later in the year. I don't really want to stay home all winter. Although maybe I should spend these months nearer the Equator where the light and weather are better (or in the Southern Hemisphere!) Nevertheless, thanks for watching along 👍