2026 | Place de Namur Inaugurated in Québec City: A New Bridge Between Two Twin Cities

During a visit by Ms Charlotte Bazelaire, Acting Mayor of the City of Namur, the City of Québec officially inaugurated Place de Namur, a new public space located at the intersection of Rue Saint-Nicolas, Rue des Vaisseaux-du-Roi and Côte de la Potasse, in the heart of Old Québec.

Inspired by more than 25 years of exchanges under the twinning partnership between Québec City and Namur, the square highlights the historical, cultural and heritage connections between the two cities. It also provides a welcoming and safe place for people to meet and pass through.

“With Place de Namur, we are creating a new public space that showcases our heritage while celebrating the special ties that have united Québec City and Namur for more than 25 years.” — Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec City

“This space reflects the deep friendship between our two cities. […] This square becomes a true bridge between our two cities, on either side of the Atlantic.” — Charlotte Bazelaire, Acting Mayor of the City of Namur

Confluences: An Artwork Bringing the Two Cities Together

The public artwork, entitled Confluences, was created by Danielle April, an artist who lives and works in Québec City. It evokes the similarities between two fortified, French-speaking cities, both established at the confluence of two rivers. Certain place names shared by the two capitals are engraved on the artwork, alongside their latitudes and longitudes.

Composed of metal plates with mirrored or brushed finishes, cut into wave-like shapes around a central pivot, the sculpture contrasts with the straight lines of the surrounding buildings. It is positioned at an angle, as an extension of the slope of Côte du Palais.

A Symbolic Gift from Namur

The square also features an interpretive display designed to mark the 40th anniversary of Old Québec’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It showcases La Hure du Grognon, a bas-relief donated by the City of Namur. This replica of an 18th-century carved stone slab is inspired by what is considered the oldest work in Namur’s municipal collection.

The Acting Mayor Addresses Québec City Council

On the eve of the inauguration, the cooperation protocol between the two cities was ratified by Québec City Council. On this occasion, Ms Bazelaire’s address was a highlight, providing an opportunity to reiterate the very essence of relations between local authorities and the benefits they bring to citizens.

Artists from Namur at Réverbère

As part of the cultural exchanges between the two cities, street performers selected during the Namur en Mai festival took part in the 2026 edition of Réverbère, held from 9 to 12 October.

A Musical Collaboration Between Namur and Québec City

On 8 October, at Québec City Hall, the EP resulting from a collaborative music creation project between the two cities was officially presented to LOU FRE$H and L’Ampli de Québec. The result of two artistic residencies held in Namur in 2024 and Québec City in 2025, the EP brings together the creative worlds of electronic music artists LOU FRE$H (Québec) and Aemone (Belgium). Supported by the Cities of Namur and Québec, this project illustrates the richness of cultural exchanges between the two partners and their shared commitment to artistic creation and to raising the international profile of their artists.

Economic Opportunities

The next Rendez-vous d’affaires de la Francophonie de Québec (RVAFQ) will provide an opportunity to inform Namur-based businesses about the prospects offered by this event. In collaboration with AKT, UCM and AWEX, information will be shared with entrepreneurs, particularly regarding the support they may be eligible for.

Objectives:

• To establish business partnerships and B2B networks between entrepreneurs, institutions and decision-makers from across the Francophone world.
• To foster innovation and economic exchanges within the international Francophone community, which brings together more than 320 million French speakers.

2026 edition: https://www.quebecinternational.ca/fr/rv-affaires-francophonie