Tournais

Tournais is the French demonym for residents of Tournai, a historic city in western Belgium. In French, a person from Tournai is referred to as a Tournais (masculine) or Tournaise (feminine). The term also appears in historical and cultural contexts to describe the people of this specific city.

Geography and history: Tournai lies in the province of Hainaut, near the Belgian-French border on the Scheldt river. The city has ancient origins dating back to the Roman era and developed as a significant episcopal and commercial center in the Middle Ages, helping shape regional trade, culture, and religious life.

Landmarks: The city is notable for its architectural heritage. The Notre-Dame de Tournai Cathedral is a Romanesque and early Gothic church begun in the 12th century and renowned for its sculptural program and massing. The Pont des Trous, a medieval river crossing, remains a prominent historical landmark. The Belfry of Tournai is another key site; this freestanding bell tower is part of the UNESCO-listed Belfries of Belgium and France and symbolizes the city’s civic history.

Today: Tournais identify with a city whose historic core attracts visitors for its monuments, museums, and markets. The city is part of the French-speaking community of Belgium and maintains a diverse economy rooted in services, tourism, and local commerce, continuing a long tradition as a regional hub near the border with France.