Djoseph and Francwès

Djoseph and Francwès, in Namur

Djoseph and Francwès are two inseparable folkloric characters of Namur, humorous figures of the Walloon heritage. The Namur audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic duo, linked to the snail, symbol of the town.

The folkloric duo and the snail of Namur

While many choose a cat, a dog or a rabbit as a pet, Djoseph and Francwès preferred snails. Never one without the other, these two people of Namur are folkloric characters straight out of the Walloon popular imagination and traditions, who embody with humour and tenderness the spirit and the accent of the country. Their attachment to snails is not insignificant: the snail is indeed an affectionate symbol of Namur, which willingly mocks itself for its reputation of slowness and tranquillity, become a trademark and a pride. Represented by statues or figures in the town, Djoseph and Francwès are part of the living heritage and the Namur identity, transmitted by the tales, the festivities and the local culture. Witnesses of the humour and the soul of the town, Djoseph and Francwès are a likeable stop of the discovery of Namur.

What to see

Here you discover Djoseph and Francwès, two inseparable folkloric characters of Namur, out of the Walloon popular traditions, who have snails as pets, the affectionate symbol of the town and its reputation of tranquillity, represented by figures in the town. Djoseph and Francwès embody the humour and the soul of Namur. It is a likeable stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Djoseph and Francwès are discovered through the figures and the traditions of the centre of Namur, reachable on foot. They are elements of the folklore freely visible in the public space, present notably during the local festivities. You discover them during a walk in the town.

Who are Djoseph and Francwès in Namur?

Two inseparable folkloric characters of Namur, from the Walloon popular traditions, who have snails as pets; the snail is an affectionate symbol of the town, which mocks its reputation of slowness and tranquillity.

Where to discover Djoseph and Francwès in Namur?

Through the figures and the traditions of the centre of Namur, in Belgium.