Full of antique pleasures, nothing appears to be hiding
BELGIUM: We often forget Belgium’s astonishing art history, its spectacular carnivals, exciting artistic life and of course, the fabulous food. And not to forget the beer and chocolate as taste of Belgium. But this country has much more to offer. Art and history enthusiasts will love the galleries, and for a taste of medieval past step back in time with a visit to Ghent and Bruges.
Dutch and French
Belgium is a country of two districts. Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north with its historic sites, and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. Wallonia with its caves, castles, valleys and outdoor activities, such as Festival of Wallonia with classic music played in castles, abbeys and churches. For those exploring the country, a great rail service connects the towns, villages and cities and most of the hotels are of excellent standard.
Capital of EU
Brussels is the capital and in fact the capital of the European Union. The Visitors Centre has free entry and interactive multi-media displays that guide visitors through the journey of European integration and the impact this has on people’s everyday lives. The centre caters to all 24 official languages of the EU.
The heartbeat of Brussels is the Grand Place which houses markets, the Hotel de Ville, cafes, festivals, museums and shops. The Brussels’ Jazz Marathon, the Nuits Botanique Festival, the floral extravaganza Tapis de Fleurs and the Belgian Beer Weekend attract many visitors as part of the Taste of Belgium.
For art lovers
Try to visit the galleries in Mons and Leuven, the Hergè museum, the Magritte Museum. The Grand Curtius in Liège, and the Liège-Guillemins station give a taste of old and new.
“Everything we see hides another thing”, said the Belgium artist René Magritte. As Belgium is full of antique pleasures, nothing appears to be hiding.
Read more: Brussels the alternative to Paris
