Flanders Directory 2026

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Flanders Direory

A Beau Business Media Group Publication

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Tour at your pace.

Straight to any place.

leshuttle.com/trade/coach-operators Email: coachsales@eurotunnel.com Call: 0344 335 8446

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Flanders for UK Groups Art isn’t an aerthought here; it’s oxygen. From frescoes to avant-garde furniture, Flanders builds beauty into its daily routine. A church might host a Baroque masterpiece; a café might serve your coffee in a cup that could be in the Design Museum. ere’s no separation between culture and living just a seamless, stylish overlap.

Flanders. e name still carries the weight of history a landscape once torn open by war, where trenches clawed through the soil and silence came to live among the poppies. e ghosts remain, though soer now, driing over fields reborn into barley, corn, and calm reflection.

Yet to see Flanders only through the sepia filter of its battles is to miss its extraordinary second act. is small, selfpossessed region in northern Belgium has managed the rare feat of honouring its past while dancing, quite elegantly, into the future. Compact but cultured, it is a place where Gothic towers and minimalist glass façades cohabit with easy grace where the centuries don’t so much clash as converse.

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Flanders doesn’t go in for theatrics. It’s not a city-break peacock flashing its feathers. It’s a quiet confidant, winning you over in whispers rather than billboards. Bruges is its postcard face canals like liquid mirrors, bridges with a memory of horses, a town so picturesque it almost apologises for it. Ghent is the rebel sibling, creative, unbuttoned, and slightly intoxicated its nightlife stitched together from laughter and neon. Antwerp, of course, is the

And then there’s the food. e clichés beer, chocolate, waffles are true, but they’re only the amuse-bouche. e Belgians take their appetite seriously. Fries are revered, seafood is poetry, and Michelin stars shine where you’d least expect them. Flemish cuisine walks the tightrope between farmhouse comfort and fine-art precision proud, generous, and wholly unpretentious.

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Flanders doesn’t shout, it murmurs and in doing so, commands attention. Its charm lies in the details: the reflection of a spire in canal water, the scent of hops from a local brewery, the blend of reverence and reinvention that defines its streets. Come for the history, stay for the invention, and leave with the feeling that you’ve discovered not just a region, but a rhythm slow, subtle, and quietly unforgettable.

aesthete: home of Rubens and diamonds, fashion houses and cathedrals that look like they were designed to impress both God and Vogue.

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Flanders

Contents

P.8 Spotlight On… Fresh features highlighting standout stories, destinations.

P.28 Antwerp Historic port city mixing diamonds, fashion, baroque art and vibrant riverside culture.

P.30 East Flanders A quiet charmer of medieval cities, scenic countryside and slow-burn regional allure.

P.34 Flemish Brabant Rolling landscapes, abbey breweries, heritage towns and leafy escapes near Brussels.

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P.38 Limburg Cycling paradise with forests, waterways, open-air museums and contemporary cultural surprises.

P.42 West Flanders Coastal towns, wartime remembrance, craft breweries and windswept landscapes full of atmosphere.

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P.46 Editor’s Choice: Brussels Belgium’s bold capital blending grand squares, surreal art, politics, food and mischief.

Front cover Ecstk22 shutterstock Marina Datsenko shutterstock Shutterstock Elena Pominova Shutterstock_Natalia Paklina Shutterstock Anton Ivanov Mattpix shutterstock Ana Sun shutterstock Beau Business Media Group Ltd e-mail: beaubusinessmedia@gmail.com This is a controlled circulation publication and freely available to qualifying applicants. Care is taken to ensure that the information contained within the magazine is accurate. However, the publisher cannot accept liability for errors or omissions, no matter how they arise. Readers are advised to get facts and statements confirmed by suppliers when making enquiries. The opinions of the author are not necessarily those as the publisher. All rights are reserved.

No reproduction of any part of this magazine may be carried out without the consent of the publisher being obtained in the first instance.

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Spotlight on

Spotlight on ... Flanders 2026: A Year That Knows How to Bloom, Buzz & Breathe...

Flanders does not do drama.

It prefers the slow reveal, the kind that creeps up behind you somewhere between a sip of beer and a church bell. And 2026, by all accounts, is shaping up to be another of those quietly confident years when the region does not so much perform as prove.

It starts, fittingly, with flowers.

Every few years, Ghent decides it cannot hold back any longer and bursts into colour for Floraliën Gent from 1 to 10 May. It is less a flower show and more a horticultural opera.

Greenhouses become cathedrals, petals the chorus.

Whole squares are draped in floral compositions that seem to whisper, see what happens when peace and patience have a century to grow. e city smells of soil and possibility.

Barely has the last petal dropped before Bruges does something distinctly unBruges. It opens Kunsthal BRUSK on 8 May, a new space so contemporary it art practically hums. Here, heritage steps aside for experimentation. e

building’s sharp lines sit against a skyline of belfries and cobbles, a sly wink that says, we know we are beautiful, we just like to stay interesting.

July arrives, and with it the glorious chaos of Gentse Feesten from 17 to 26 July.

Ghent, usually scholarly and composed, lets its hair down for ten straight nights. Street stages bloom where traffic once crawled, and music leaks from every doorway. It is democracy by volume.

Everyone gets to join in, no ticket required.

e following weekend, the beer pilgrims take their turn.

Toer de Geuze on 9 and 10 May returns to the rolling countryside of Pajottenland and the Zenne Valley, where breweries older than some countries open their doors to the curious. You wander from lambic to gueuze to kriek, each sip tasting faintly of time and rebellion. It is the kind of event that starts as a tasting and ends as a philosophy seminar.

By September, attention turns west to Poperinge, where hops, not history, rule. e Beer and Hop Festival from 18 to 20 September celebrates the humble cone that fuels the nation’s best exports. Farmers, brewers, and drinkers swap tales and samples in equal measure. e air smells of malt and pride.

By late May, Flanders exhales again. Dag van het Park on 24 May turns the whole region into a garden, with parks and reserves celebrated as civic treasures rather than forgotten green patches.

Children chase each other through wildflower meadows and the rest of us remember how to sit still.

Autumn belongs to art again.

In Ghent, the Jenny Montigny exhibition runs from 10 October 2026 to 10 January 2027, giving long-overdue spotlight to the city’s pioneering female impressionist. Her brushstrokes, tender, restless and stubborn, feel like conversations across time.

Meanwhile, Antwerp counters with Van Hemessen and Father from 14 October

en, as if on cue, Antwerp pours the next round with the 25th Anniversary Beer Passion Weekend from 19 to 21 June. Expect tents brimming with foam, locals debating yeast strains like football scores, and visitors quickly learning that Belgians do not drink beer, they curate it. Somewhere between the trappists and the triples, enlightenment happens.

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2026 to 31 January 2027 at the Snijders and Rockox House, where old masters remind you that Flemish art has been mastering light and shadow long before electricity arrived.And somewhere in between, in the quiet months of spring, Ghent’s Museum of Fine Arts opens Unforgettable from 7 March to 31 May. e name says it all, an immersive show that dares you to look slower, think deeper, and maybe, just maybe, feel something inconveniently human.

So that is Flanders in 2026, a year in bloom and ferment, equal parts art and ale, past and progress. It does not need a slogan or a fireworks display.

It just keeps doing what Flanders has always done best, turning its history into habit, its cra into culture, and its quiet confidence into a kind of understated perfection.

Come for the flowers, stay for the beer, linger for the art, and leave with the feeling that you have walked through a place that never stops remembering how to live.

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Exploring the enchanting beauty of Meise Botanic Garden Nestled in the heart of Belgium, just a short trip from Brussels, Meise Botanic Garden stands as a tranquil oasis, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating world of flora and fauna.

With its rich botanical heritage and breathtaking landscapes, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike. Captivating Gardens: Spanning over 92 hectares, Meise Botanic Garden boasts an extensive collection of plants from around the globe.

As you wander through its diverse gardens, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing array of flowers, trees, shrubs, each one revealing its unique charm. From the vibrant colors of the Rose Garden to the romanticism of the Island Garden, there is an ambiance of beauty and serenity at every turn.

Hidden Gems:

A feast for the senses

Meise Botanic garden is home to several hidden gems that will leave visitors awestruck. e Plant Palace, and Green Ark, a series of glasshouses, houses rare and exotic plants, creating an enchanting tropical paradise. e Tree Arboretum offers a delightful stroll amidst towering trees from various continents, showcasing the awe-inspiring diversity of the plant kingdom.

Meise Botanic Garden is not just a visual delight but also a treat for the senses. e fragrant aromas of blooming flowers and the harmonious sounds of birdsong create a symphony of nature’s wonders. Pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot to savor the tranquility or relish a refreshing cup of tea at the gardens’s charming café surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Educational and Entertaining

Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or a journey of discovery, Meise Botanic Garden is a destination that will leave you an indelible mark on your heart. With its breathtaking gardens, educational opportunities, and enchanting ambiance, this botanical haven invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. Plan your visit today and explore the wonders of Meise Botanic Garden.

Beyond its natural allure, Meise Botanic Garden also caters to the curious minds of all ages. e guided tours provide fascinating insights into the world of botany and conservation.e interactive exhibitions engage visitors in hands-on activities, making learning a joyful experience.

Group Discounts Meise Botanic Garden offers group discounts for those planning a visit with friends, family or organization.

www.plantentuinmeise.be

Plantentuin Meise

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Plantentuin Meise

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In the heartlands of Flanders, where life's simple pleasures are savored with the zeal of a well-versed epicure, a collective of passionate souls converges, united by an insatiable "GOESTING" - a term indigenous to these parts, encapsulating a yearning for the finer aspects of existence: chocolate, beer, and the camaraderie that music and love engender. is motley crew, self-dubbed the "Ambassadors of GOESTING," is a centre of culinary maestros: chefs, chocolatiers, brewers, and other gastronomic artisans, each a custodian of the Flemish dining narrative, an opus yet to be fully unveiled to the world.

And then, there's Belgian Beer a libationary chronicle etched into the annals of Belgium's heritage. is narrative is steeped in tradition, a continuum from the distant past to the fervent innovation of modern brewers. Belgium's beer saga is a storied one, earning its place in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It's an epic of rich traditions and bold innovations, where beers like Westmalle, Duvel, and Chimay are not mere names but symbols of a legacy passed down through generations.

ese brewers of today's Belgium are not mere guardians of tradition; they're revolutionaries in their own right, experimenting with novel ingredients and methods, injecting new life into a culture revered worldwide. Belgian beer, in its myriad forms - from the hallowed halls of Trappist monasteries to the innovative cra breweries - offers a palette of flavors and styles as diverse as theland itself.

Belgian beer transcends mere taste. It's an embodiment of history, a sensorial journey through time. From the early days of gruit-infused brews to the modern cra movement, Belgian beer has weathered epochs: the Industrial Revolution's scientific enlightenment, the tumult of wars, and the flux of global trends. Yet, through it all, Belgian beer has retained its soul, a testament to the resilience and creativity of its brewers.

brewing tradition that dates back to 1366, this beloved pilsner has become synonymous with quality and crasmanship, making it a true symbol of Belgian brewing heritage.

its perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

You'll also get to enjoy a freshly poured glass of Stella, served in the iconic chalice glass that enhances its taste and aroma.

Stella Artois was originally craed as a special Christmas brew and was so well-received that it became a year-round staple. Its name, meaning "Star" in Latin, reflects its shining reputation. e beer is known for its golden hue, crisp flavour, and refreshing bitterness, making it a favourite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.

For beer lovers and history buffs alike, experiencing Stella Artois in Leuven is a must.

Discover more about this legendary beer at www.stellaartois.com

A visit to Leuven offers a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of Stella Artois. e brewery tour takes visitors through the fascinating history and meticulous brewing process, revealing the secrets behind

Today, Belgium stands at the cusp of a beer renaissance, where tradition and innovation coalesce. It's a land where beer is more than a drink; it's a part of the national psyche, a thread in the social fabric, and a testament to a culture that values the art of living well.

For the connoisseurs and the casual drinkers alike, Belgian beer offers an experience that's not just about the beverage but about the heritage, the community, and the relentless pursuit of "GOESTING."

TASTE THE STORY OF LEUVENS’ MOST ICONIC BEER Book your brewery visit tickets here

Leuven's Iconic Beer: Stella Artois Leuven, a charming city in Belgium, is home to one of the world’s most iconic beers—Stella Artois. With a 12

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Add some wonder to your walk

• One of Europe’s largest botanical gardens • Historic castle grounds • 10 themed gardens and tropical greenhouses • Local Belgian cuisine and beers • Electric Botanic Garden Train

meisebotanicgarden.be e Eurotunnel is oen seen as a convenient passage under the English Channel, a quick route from the UK to the continent. However, to think of it as merely a functional shortcut would be missing the point entirely. e Eurotunnel is more than just an engineering marvel; it’s a gateway to a world that awaits on the other side, an entrance to the rich cultural tapestry of Europe, and specifically, the enchanting region of Flanders.

Boarding the Eurotunnel is like stepping into a portal that whisks you effortlessly from the familiar landscapes of England to the charming allure of Belgium. In just 35 minutes, you’re transported from the hustle and bustle of British shores to the tranquil, yet vibrant heart of Flanders. e journey itself is a marvel of modern travel quick, seamless, and a bit magical in

from one captivating locale to another. e Eurotunnel allows you to take your car along, adding a sense of freedom to your journey. You can meander through the Flemish countryside at your own pace, stopping to explore quaint villages, savour local delicacies, or simply take in the picturesque scenery that stretches out like a postcard at every turn.

its ability to connect two distinct worlds in less time than it takes to enjoy a leisurely meal.

As you emerge on the other side, Flanders unfurls before you, offering a blend of historic charm and contemporary vibrancy. e Eurotunnel’s swi transition leaves you with more time to explore what truly matters: the winding canals of Bruges, the buzzing streets of Ghent, and the artistic flair of Antwerp. It’s a journey that doesn’t just bring you to a destination; it opens up a realm of experiences, from the cultural to the culinary, making Flanders not just accessible but invitingly close.

In essence, the Eurotunnel is more than just a passage; it's the beginning of an

ere’s a unique pleasure in this form of travel no airports, no lengthy waits, just the smooth, direct route 13

adventure. It turns the act of getting there into an experience in itself, enhancing the excitement of what lies ahead. So, when you think of the Eurotunnel, don't just think of it as a means to an end. ink of it as the first chapter in your journey to Flanders a prelude to the wonders that this captivating region has in store.

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Poperinge, city of the good life e unique sights, the many hop fields, local beers and authentic pubs make Poperinge a place you love to return to. With plenty of opportunities for groups, it is a must during your visit to Flanders.

Anyone driving into Poperinge will soon see them, the many hop fields shape the landscape in this region. If you come between May and June, you will see the hop vines in growth. By July, the vines reach their highest point, to be harvested in September. e Hop Museum is the perfect starting place to learn more about our hop and beer culture with either a guided visit or a tasting tour. Our local hop farms offer group visits to see the harvest from

yourself in a friendly and relaxed way. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and take a break to soak up the unique atmosphere with delicious

close by. Or you can make a stop at the St. Bernardus brewery to taste one of their delicious beers.

local products and typical old games in one of our many authentic pubs.

Poperinge, where life tastes good!

During World War I, Poperinge was part of a small piece of unoccupied Belgium. Immerse yourself in Poperinge’s city walk and discover the city’s history.

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery is the prime witness of more than four years of violent warfare. e cemetery evokes daily reflections of the Great War. e visitor centre offers you an interpretation of this unique place as it used to be the biggest evacuation hospital in the Ypres Salient.

Talbot House invites you to visit the Old House, a home away from home for many soldiers. e permanent exhibition shows the story of Talbot House from its opening in 1915 till today.

In Poperinge, you can enjoy

VISIT

Poperinge IN GROUP

DIVE INTO THE PAST AT LIJSSENTHOEK M.C. VISITOR CENTRE OR TALBOT HOUSE DISCOVER THE HOP MUSEUM & TASTE LOCAL BEERS

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Lier is a cosy city by the water, situated between Brussels and Antwerp, nearby Mechelen.

Perfect for a day trip or weekend. Young and old will find what they are looking for: culture and heritage, nature, shopping and good food.

Within walking distance, you will discover the heritage that the city has to offer. e bestknown attraction is the Zimmer Tower. On the front side of the tower, you will see an extraordinary clock with 13 different time indications.

In the Zimmer Museum you

view on the mediaeval looking skyline and enjoy a cup of coffee with a Liers Vlaaike, a local pastry. Time le for a bit of shopping?

Pop into the local boutiques.

During your visit to the city, stop at Visit Lier for more information and activities. e tourist information

can learn more about astronomy, time and the ingenious mechanisms of Zimmer's clocks.

Did you know that the belfry and the beguinage are UNESCO World Heritage sites? Stroll through the 11 little streets of the beguinage and marvel at the charming little houses. In some of these houses you can admire Lier lace, a special technique in the world of lace.

Be sure to take a boat trip in a traditional eel barge on the Nete river. During the trip, the skipper will tell entertaining anecdotes and you can admire Lier from the water. Also visit the interactive city museum that tells all about Lier and its inhabitants in different themes. Get to know the artists of Lier, the festive traditions, the local dialect, the legend of the sheep's heads, the adoration of Saint Gummarus and much more.

You can also try lots of things in this interactive museum!

Aer these activities it’s time to sit back and relax with a 16

office is located in the historical town hall. Or take a look on the website and start dreaming about your trip!

Discover, experience and enjoy Lierke Plezierke!

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In Flanders Fields Museum: A Journey Through History ere’s a hollowness in many war museums, a sterile hush draped over relics as if grief were a veneer. But in Ypres, inside the reconstructed Cloth Hall, the In Flanders Fields Museum refuses to whisper. It makes you listen, lean in, and feel the contours of a world once torn open. e setting itself is a story: the great Gothic hall, bombed to the point of vanishing in the First World War, rebuilt stone by stone a phoenix with mortar and regret. To enter is to walk into both memory and architecture, history etched in stone and steel and

human will.

other through installations by Reniere & Depla. It’s not parachuted in for novelty’s sake; it aims to show that darkness isn’t only when bullets fly sometimes it’s the silence that arrives aerwards.

Once you cross the threshold, you’re handed a poppy bracelet. It seems simple. But it unlocks something uneasy.

At interactive stations you log the life of a soldier, nurse, civilian four lives selected at random, but in truth all of them one life. e machine reads the bracelet, scans your story, personalises the war. In the gallery, you’ll hear the hiss of mustard gas canisters, see the drop of sleepless hours, feel the recoil of trenches.

Real voices, not echoes.

What’s new for 2026? First, you’ll see the museum’s latest temporary exhibition, titled “Nightwalker.” Running from 5 July 2025 to 4 January 2026, the show invites you into a nocturnal journey past and present bleeding into each

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e museum website flags it now as part of the core “programme & activities” section.

ird: access and timing. For 2026 the museum will be closed on very specific dates.26 and 27 June and from 5 to 19 January.

Opening hours remain daily from 10:00 to 17:30, with variations in winter. ese details matter: the museum isn’t static. It bends with seasons, with memory, with the rhythm of Ypres itself.

Second, there’s an invitation for visitors to contribute. e museum has opened a collection drive: photographs, diary excerpts, flight-stories of Great War refugees. ey’re not just collecting objects, they’re collecting turmoil. e web-page urges you to share whatever you can from family archives. In 2026 this will mean fresh voices, fresh artefacts, fresh fragments of lives once anonymous.

e museum does not soen war’s reality. It presents the trenches and craters, the broken rifles, the barbed wire, yes but also the human resilience. e bell tower awaits, climb its 231 steps and gaze out across the walls of Ypres, the quiet rows of the Menin Gate, the fields where poppies still find foothold.

You’ll see civilisation rebuilt, but you’ll also see how close it came to fading.

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is is a destination for history lovers from the UK who crave more than displays.

It offers remorse and reflection, but also connection. When you press that poppy bracelet, you don’t just read a story, you become its witness. When you leave,

the field doesn’t feel distant any more. It lingers under your shoes, in your breath, in your pause at a café outside the museum.

Book ahead. Ask about “Nightwalker.” Allow 1.5 to 2 hours at least. en climb the tower. Sit in silence. Let the place do what it does best: remind you that remembrance is not a place you visit, it’s a responsibility you carry long aer you’ve gone.

So plan your visit. e website’s live: opening hours, tickets, temporary exhibitions.

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Peace Village, Flanders: Where the Past Sleeps Lightly Peace Village doesn’t announce itself with grandeur. ere’s no stately façade or brass plaque gleaming in the sun, just a collection of low, honest buildings set against the green hush of Mesen Belgium’s smallest city, where the loudest sound most mornings is birdsong or the low hum of a coach engine arriving from Ypres. But this is no ordinary hostel. It’s part classroom, part sanctuary, part quiet act of defiance against the idea that history has to repeat itself.

Built with remembrance in its bones, the Peace Village was conceived not as a hotel but as a conversation between generations, between nations, and sometimes between the living and the ghosts who never le Flanders. e Ypres Salient is just up the road: Menin Gate, Tyne Cot, the In Flanders Fields Museum. You could visit all three before lunch and still feel the weight of their silence through the aernoon. at’s the point. e landscape holds memory better than marble ever could.

e accommodation itself is simple, clean, and deliberately communal. Rooms sleep six, and the corridors echo with the kind of chatter that happens when strangers become friends by proximity.

Teachers bunk down near students, veterans near teenagers, and somehow it works. ere are private rooms too for the weary or the reflective but the real design here is social. You come as a group, and you leave as one.

when we forget either.

Teenagers arrive thinking they’re on a school trip; they leave quoting Wilfred Owen and arguing about the nature of forgiveness. at’s a win by any measure.

Aer all, Peace Village isn’t trying to recreate history; it’s trying to make sense of what came aer. Workshops turn the abstract into the personal.

Guided tours trace the battle lines and then ask: what did we learn? e staff are equal parts historians and diplomats, steering groups through the contradictions of war without sermon or sentimentality. ey have mastered the art of education by osmosis you leave smarter without realising you were being taught.

ere’s life beyond the lesson, too. Football fields, a playground, and the sort of table-tennis tournaments that end in laughter rather than rivalry. e canteen serves the kind of hearty Flemish meals that taste even better aer a long day’s walking through history. Everything is sturdy, well-fed, and unpretentious hospitality as philosophy.

What’s remarkable about the Peace Village is how ordinary it feels. at’s its genius. You could mistake it for a youth hostel until you notice the quiet reverence in the evenings, when the sky goes pink over the fields and the students stop talking, just for a moment, as if they can hear

And then there’s the peace programme, which is exactly what it sounds like but done properly. No slogans, no forced smiles, just honest conversations about tolerance, difference, and what happens

something distant. Maybe they can. is place isn’t about spectacle. It’s about stillness.

It’s about what happens when people share space and stories long enough to understand that peace isn’t an abstract noun it’s a practice, one you have to renew daily.

Booking is easy, but the experience isn’t casual. It stays with you. Groups leave changed in ways that don’t fit into feedback forms. Maybe that’s what remembrance should look like: not a monument, but a night’s sleep in a place where history and hope share the same roof.

For details, visit peacevillage.be but don’t just go to stay. Go to listen, to talk, and to remember that the war may have ended, but the work of peace never does.

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every field a story.

Heuvelland Flanders does not so much remember its history as wear it, in the soil, in the wind, in the way light falls over the fields as if it too is paying respects. Nowhere is that more true than Heuvelland, that quietly undulating corner of West Flanders where the past is not so much commemorated as ever present. e name means hill country, which is almost boastful by Belgian standards. ese are not mountains, nor even hills by Alpine measure, more polite ripples across an otherwise obedient landscape.

North and South, thrown together in the most hellish conditions imaginable, and yet performing an act of courage and cooperation that still astonishes.

A century later, you can walk where they walked. e Heuvelland hills are laced with trails that map the lines of advance, the trenches, the craters. It is all so green now, so deceptively serene. e wind that moves through the grass whispers, not wails.

Poppies still appear where the soil is turned, tiny red reminders that the land remembers everything.

Yet here, on these modest ridges and folds of earth, empires collided and generations were defined.

Heuvelland lies just south of Ypres, that ghost of a city rebuilt from its own ashes, and holds within its contours one of the most poignant chapters of the First World War: the story of the 16th Irish and 36th Ulster Divisions at the Wijtschate and Messines Ridge. In 1917 they fought here, side by side, in a rare moment of unity that history and politics have since struggled to replicate.

Catholics and Protestants,

e Wijtschate and Messines Ridge Experience is more than a marketing phrase; it is a pilgrimage for the curious and the reverent alike. e route carries you across the same ground those soldiers fought over, though now you are more likely to be dodging cyclists than shellfire. You start to realise that the shape of this place, the dips, the slopes, the vantage points, dictated lives and deaths.

What was once military strategy now feels like geography turned memorial.

Every contour has a name, 22

e Heuvelland Visitor Centre in Kemmel is where most begin, at Sint Laurentiusplein 1, a rather unassuming address for a place that handles so much memory. Inside, maps and timelines chart the unthinkable, years of bombardment and inches of progress. Yet there is no solemn stiffness here. e staff are quietly passionate, quick to recommend a route, a cemetery, or a café with a good slice of cake where you can sit and digest both your history and your emotions. It is that combination, reverence with hospitality, that Flanders does better than anywhere else.

From Kemmel you can strike out in almost any direction and find something that stops you in your tracks. e landscape rolls away in a series of gentle waves, ideal for walking or cycling, though the real journey is inward.

Vineyards now drape the slopes that once shook with artillery. e contrast is almost indecent: where men once dug for survival, vines now burrow for flavour. e wines, crisp and quietly confident, taste of renewal, of a land that insists on growing again no matter what it has seen.

You might find yourself pausing at the Pool of Peace, a vast still crater formed by one of the enormous mines detonated beneath German positions in 1917. It looks almost tranquil now, a mirror

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THE S H O RT 20 TH CE NTURY TRACES OF THREE WARS IN HEUVELLAND Heuvelland is the only municipality in Flanders where there are still traces of the three great conflicts of the previous century. Inspired by the book The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century, 1914-1991 by the famous British historian Eric Hobsbawn, Heuvelland Tourism has put together an interesting arrangement. Accompanied by a specialist guide, you will visit the following three sites:

WWI: BAYERNWALD: The Germans captured this 40 metre-high strategic location in 1914 and turned it into an impregnable fortress, which they held until the summer of 1917. The ingenious trench system at Bayernwald was the German answer to the mining threat posed by their British opponents.

Part of this system has been accurately reconstructed. Its listening shafts, trenches and four bunkers tell the story of the war from the German side.

WWII: BUNKER FROM THE MAGINOT LINE ON THE ZWARTEBERG: Increasing German militarism during the 1930s forced France to build a new defensive line along its frontier. The brain behind this plan was the French Minister of War, André Maginot, a decorated veteran from the Great War. He died in 1932 but the new fortifications were named after him posthumously. The Maginot bunker on the Black Mountain is of the S10 type and was known as Ermitage Sud (Hermitage South).

COLD WAR: THE COMMAND BUNKER After WWII, France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg decided to develop a joint air defence system. Three huge underground bunkers were constructed as part of this system, with one of them – in Kemmel, started in 1952 – serving as the command post. The guide will conduct you through two of the underground levels, where some of the more than 50 rooms have been turned into a museum. Wherever possible, the rooms have been left as they were during the Cold War, so that you can sample the authentic 1950s atmosphere.

All the locations in this arrangement can be visited individually.

Bayernwald

Maginotbunker

Commandobunker 1953

VISITORS CENTRE ‘HET HEUVELLAND’ Sint-Laurentiusplein 1, B-8950 Heuvelland-Kemmel T. +32 57 45 04 55 • E-mail: toerisme@heuvelland.be website: www.tourismheuvelland.be • facebook: www.facebook.com/heuvelland.be

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to the sky. But knowing what made it renders the calm almost unbearable. at is the contradiction of Heuvelland: beauty and tragedy, side by side, as if the past refuses to leave but has at least agreed to behave. e villages scattered through the region, Kemmel, Wijtschate, and Mesen, seem almost too small for their historical weight. Churches lean modestly into the wind, their spires no longer riddled with bullets. ere is a certain humility here, an acceptance that history is not something you display behind glass but something you live with.

And yet, Heuvelland is not only for the solemn. It is also for the living, the walkers, the cyclists, the quietly curious. e trails thread through farmland and forest, through villages that still keep their shutters open and their beer cold. e scenery might surprise you, rolling vineyards, old mills, and the so geometry of fields laid out with an almost painterly precision. You can follow marked routes that trace both the military lines and the modern pleasures, a pint here, a viewpoint there, a moment of reflection followed by the gentle pleasure of a cheese board.

For those drawn to the Irish story, the connection stretches further than the ridge. In Leuven, about an hour east, sits the Irish College, a beautiful 17th century building that once trained priests and now keeps the cultural ties alive between Ireland and Flanders. Visit there and you will find exhibitions and archives detailing how two nations found common cause amid catastrophe. It gives the

history texture, a reminder that war is not just about armies but identities colliding and reshaping each other. ere is a strange intimacy to Heuvelland. You can stand at a memorial or cemetery and almost hear the quiet pulse of the past beneath your boots.

But you can also look up and see cyclists racing along ridge roads, couples picnicking, children chasing each other between gravestones, life continuing as it must. at is the real legacy of this place: endurance, not despair.

If you visit, take your time. is is not a place to rush through or tick off. Begin at the Visitor Centre, where the staff will arm you with maps and context, then walk. Feel the tilt of the land underfoot, the rhythm of its undulations.

Stop at the craters, the bunkers now soened by moss, the cemeteries with their perfect symmetry and impossible quiet. Let the history settle gradually, like dust aer a shelling, it is the only way to understand it properly.

16th Irish and 36th Ulster Divisions would probably be astonished to see it now, vineyards in bloom, hikers with GPS instead of compasses, birds where there were once biplanes. And yet perhaps they would recognise something of themselves in the place’s quiet dignity.

And when you have had your fill of ghosts, reward yourself the Flemish way, with good food and better beer. ere are local breweries that take their water from the same ground where the soldiers once dug in. Kemmel’s Heuvelland Hops beer is among them. It is excellent, slightly bitter, deeply earthy. e sort of drink that demands reflection and perhaps forgiveness.

To walk here is to feel the strange comfort of continuity, that even aer chaos, life insists. e trenches have filled, the grass has grown, the seasons have returned.

Heuvelland stands as proof that memory can coexist with renewal. It does not need grand monuments or slogans. e land itself is enough.

Heuvelland no longer wears its history like a wound. It wears it like a medal, tarnished but proud. e land has healed, but it has not forgotten. e men of the

So come, not just to mourn, but to walk, to breathe, to 24

listen. Because in Heuvelland, history is not behind you. It is beneath your feet, patient and permanent, waiting to be remembered properly.

Heuvelland is tidying itself up for 2026 not with fanfare or ribbon-cuttings, but with the quiet competence of a place that knows improvement should be noticed only aer it’s done. Here’s what’s happening, though you might have to squint to see it. e Great Cycling Renaissance Come April 2026, Heuvelland’s cyclists will find their pedals meeting smoother tarmac and better views. e region’s entire cycling web — the so-called

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Fietsnetwerk — is getting a complete overhaul. Safer routes, new detours, cycle bridges that actually make sense, and little picnic spots tucked where the hills catch the best light. It’s all part of something modestly titled “Fietsnetwerk 3.0,” which sounds like a soware update but will actually make your thighs ache less and your ride more scenic.

Detours Before Delight Between now and spring, the current cycling routes are a bit of a puzzle old signs vanishing, new ones half up, others pointing bravely at fields. ink of it as Heuvelland’s transitional phase: slightly inconvenient now, gloriously efficient later. e reward for patience will

be a network designed for the sort of cycling that ends with wine rather than mud.

Cemetery, and the vast, echoing crater at Spanbroekmolen have officially joined the UNESCO family. You won’t find souvenir stalls or fanfare, but you’ll see subtle touches new signs, a little polish, maybe a discreet walking trail that leads you from sorrow to reflection to the nearest café.

Heuvelland understands that reverence doesn’t have to be loud.

A Blueprint for the Future Behind the scenes, the town hall is quietly draing its grand plan the Meerjarenplan 2026–2031. It’s not glamorous, but it matters. It’s the playbook for what Heuvelland will look and feel like over the next decade.

Expect a focus on sustainable tourism, better infrastructure, and keeping those postcard views unspoiled. In other words: progress, without upsetting the sheep.

e Rise of the Ramblers e tourism office has

UNESCO Joins the Guest List e French Ossuary on Kemmel Hill, the Lone Tree 25

doubled down on walking and cycling as its calling card.

Forget coaches; this is a place best met on two feet or two wheels. Expect a growing calendar of vineyard walks, heritage rambles, and those quietly spectacular views that make you wonder why anyone ever leaves.

So that’s 2026 in Heuvelland evolution rather than revolution. A few new paths, a little more UNESCO prestige, and a lot of fresh air between the sentences.

Nothing here is being reinvented. It’s simply getting better at being itself: a landscape that never hurries, never shouts, and somehow still manages to get everything done.

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Heuvelland: Where History Learned to Breathe Again

reminder that history isn’t ancient here it’s just below your feet, waiting.

you’ll feel it: the earth has layers. Clay, chalk, flint, and memory. e vineyards sit on the same ridges that once decided who lived and who didn’t. Every slope here is both battlefield and tasting note.

e Kemmelberg.

Heuvelland’s pride, 154 metres of strategic arrogance.

Once a killing ground, now a cycling challenge. e view from the top is wide, green, and disturbingly peaceful as if the hill has decided to forgive everyone.

e Pool of Peace.

A huge, silent crater where a British mine once erased a German stronghold. Today it’s a perfect circle of still water, reflecting clouds that no longer hold smoke. You can stand there and almost hear the echo not of war, but of everything that came aer it.

Vineyards, not trenches.

Once upon a time this soil trembled with artillery. Now it trembles for Chardonnay.

Heuvelland has reinvented itself as one of Belgium’s few official wine regions, its slopes striped with vines where soldiers once dug in. Around 200,000 bottles a year come from these hills proof that even the most wounded land can ferment into something beautiful. e ground tells stories.

Walk across these fields and

Walking without ghosts, but never alone. e trails here are designed for contemplation, not conquest. Cyclists sweep by, walkers dri along, and the air feels clean enough to start over. ere’s something quietly revolutionary about a place that once measured progress in yards gained and now measures it in steps taken.

Villages with good manners.

Kemmel, Wijtschate, Mesen they sound like places where time stopped for a polite conversation and forgot to start again. Churches tilt, cafés hum, and the local beer tastes faintly of minerals and memory.

Bayernwald.

A preserved German trench system you can still walk through. Duckboards, dugouts, claustrophobic corridors. It’s a chilling

26

Wine as an act of defiance.

Each bottle from Heuvelland’s vineyards carries a subtle rebellion: you can destroy a place, but you can’t stop it growing. e reds are sturdy, the whites crisp, the sparkling quietly ambitious. You get the sense the vines know what they’re doing. e visitor centre that whispers.

You’ll find it in Kemmel, where the staff speak about history as if introducing you to an old friend rather than lecturing about the dead. ey hand you maps, point to trails, and send you out to walk among the memories not to mourn, but to understand.

Small in scale, vast in feeling.

Heuvelland isn’t big, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s what happens when a landscape outlives its tragedy and decides to make art out of recovery. e hills still remember, but they also move on and invite you to do the same. www.toerismeheuvelland.be/en

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Talbot House e first time I stepped through the doorway of Talbot House, I felt that odd tightening in the chest you get when a place isn’t merely historic but somehow aware of its own history. It wasn’t dramatic. Just a quiet house on a quiet street in Poperinge, sunlight glancing off the brickwork as if the place were trying not to attract attention. But inside, the air had that charged stillness familiar to anyone who has ever walked into a room where thousands of private moments have accumulated like sediment.

anything but. A front-line refuge that never advertised itself as such, it became the unofficial antidote to the machinery of the First World War: a home, a chapel, a sanctuary, a place where soldiers could remember that they were human before they were uniformed.

Talbot House was built to be ordinary and ended up being

What surprises you isn’t the solemnity; it’s the warmth.

e creak of the floorboards, the mismatched furniture, the tea cups still lined up as if waiting for a group of young men who’ve simply stepped outside for a moment. It’s easy to sentimentalise these things, but Talbot House resists the syrupy version of remembrance. Instead, it gives you texture: the laughter that once bounced off the walls, the cigarette smoke that clung to winter coats, the patched-together hope that ordinary people carry even when the world is collapsing.

Even now, walking up the narrow staircase to the attic chapel, you can almost feel the ghost of someone ahead of you, hand trailing along the banister, rehearsing a prayer that may or may not have been answered.

rooops, I realised Talbot House isn’t a museum. It’s a reminder that peace was once a daily, intentional act — improvised in the margins, held together by kindness, and stubbornly preserved.

Standing in the garden, listening to church bells somewhere beyond the

TALBOT HOUSE 1915 - ?

EVERY MAN’S CLUB POPERINGE - BELGIUM

--COMING 2023 UPDATED KIDSTOUR, NEW TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, …

---

A House of People and the Stories.

During the Great War, Poperinge was part of ‘unoccupied’ Belgium. Away from the turmoil of battle in the Ypres Salient, the town developed into the nerve centre of the British sector.

In the heart of this bustling town, the Army chaplains Neville Talbot and Philip “Tubby” Clayton opened a club. From December 1915 onwards, and for more than three years, the House provided rest and recreation to all soldiers coming in, regardless of their rank. Today, as real as then, the place offers a welcoming and friendly stop in Flanders Fields.

FORGET ALL YOUR WORRIES AND ENJOY THE PEACE OF THE LAST REMAINING SOLDIERS CLUB OF THE GREAT WAR. Gasthuisstraat 43 I B-8970 Poperinge I Belgium I tel +32 57 333 228 I info@talbothouse.be I www.talbothouse.be

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Antwerp: Where Diamonds, Art, and Chocolate Collide

Flanders

Antwerp is the city you don’t expect. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Belgium, it’s oen overshadowed by its louder, more obvious neighbours Brussels with its political gravitas, Bruges with its fairytale aesthetics. But then, you stumble upon Antwerp and realise you’ve wandered into the sly, sharp-witted sibling.

It’s like bumping into that friend who went to art school, has an obscure record collection, and drinks whisky neat. Yes, Antwerp is all of that and diamonds.

Your introduction to this city begins the moment you step foot in Antwerp Central Station, an architectural spectacle that looks as though it was designed by someone with far too much time and money. e station is a baroque fantasy, a blend of Renaissance, Rococo, and raw industrialism, all served up in a heady cocktail of marble and iron. It’s excessive, but Antwerp doesn’t do subtle.

One minute you’re gawping at the sheer extravagance of the design, the next you’re swept away by the bustling throngs of commuters and diamond dealers, going about their daily lives as if this is all perfectly normal. And for them, it is. But for you, it’s the start of something very strange and very, very beautiful.

Diamonds are Antwerp’s notso-hidden obsession. e Diamond District, a cluster of

streets just a stone’s throw from the station, is the epicentre of the world’s diamond trade. To the untrained eye, the district looks like nothing special a few shop windows glinting with jewellery, a scattering of office buildings. But behind the doors and under the surface, trillions of pounds’ worth of gemstones exchange hands, polished, appraised, and traded with the kind of cool precision only a diamond cutter can muster. e world’s wealth flows through these quiet streets, and you get the feeling Antwerp knows something the rest of us don’t.

Of course, it’s not just Rubens. Antwerp’s art scene is prolific, with galleries and museums that showcase everything from Flemish masters to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. e Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) is a must-visit for any art lover, home to works spanning centuries, while the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) offers a more modern take on the city’s history and culture. Perched on the banks of the River Scheldt, MAS is a modernist monolith that tells Antwerp’s story through a series of layered exhibitions.

From trade to migration, art to conflict, this museum shows that Antwerp is more than just a pretty face it’s a city with deep roots and a complicated past.

It’s a city that lets you peer into its treasure chest but doesn’t expect you to touch.

When you tire of diamonds an odd but inevitable feeling you’ll find yourself drawn to the city’s artistic heart.

But Antwerp isn’t all high culture and heavy history. It has a sweet side, too.

Chocolate, in Belgium, is not so much a treat as a national treasure, and Antwerp takes this seriously. Chocolate Nation, the city’s chocolate museum, is less a museum and more a temple to the cocoa bean. e exhibits are interactive, immersive, and, most importantly, delicious.

By the time you leave, you’ll have eaten your body weight in pralines and truffles, and you’ll wonder how the Belgians manage to stay so slim.

Antwerp is synonymous with Peter Paul Rubens, and the city’s devotion to its favourite son borders on the obsessive.

Rubens wasn’t just a painter; he was a rock star, a diplomat, and a businessman rolled into one. And in Antwerp, he’s revered with the kind of fervour usually reserved for religious figures. e Rubenshuis, his former residence and studio, is a museum that offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s world. e house is a Renaissance masterpiece, with an elegant garden that feels as though Rubens himself might wander through at any moment, pondering his next painting.

Food in Antwerp doesn’t stop at chocolate. e city’s culinary scene is a reflection of its cosmopolitan spirit. Yes, you’ll find the traditional 28

Belgian fare moules-frites, stoofvlees, and waffles but there’s also a vibrant mix of international influences, thanks in large part to Antwerp’s status as a major port. You can start your day with a Flemish breakfast, move on to some Middle Eastern mezze for lunch, and finish the evening with sushi or Moroccan tagine. It’s a city that feeds both body and soul.

And then, when you’ve eaten more than you thought possible, you can walk it off by exploring Antwerp’s neighbourhoods. e Zuid district, with its chic galleries, stylish boutiques, and trendy cafés, feels like Antwerp’s answer to Shoreditch a place where artists, creatives, and painfully hip people gather.

But just as you think you’ve got the city figured out, it throws you a curveball.

Stumble into Zurenborg, and you’ll find yourself in an architectural wonderland of Art Nouveau buildings, each more elaborate than the last. e eclectic façades make you feel as though you’ve stepped into some whimsical parallel universe where no two houses are alike.

Antwerp is a city of contradictions. It’s medieval and modern, lavish and understated, artistic and industrial. It’s a place where diamonds, art, and chocolate collide in the most seductive way, and where you can never quite predict what’s around the next corner.

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Arenberg eatre Enjoy a diverse range of performances, including theatre, music, and comedy, at this lively venue in the heart of Antwerp.

Arenbergstraat 28, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. www.arenbergschouwburg.be Group Discount: Yes Basilica of the Holy Blood Admire the beautiful architecture of this medieval basilica, known for its relic of the Holy Blood.

Burg 13, 8000 Bruges, Belgium.

Web: www.holyblood.com Group Discount: N/A Beguinage of Antwerp Walk through this peaceful historic site where a community of Beguines once lived, a quiet retreat in the city. Rodestraat 39, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Group Discount: N/A De Singel Discover contemporary art, music, and theater at this cultural center, hosting a wide range of performances and exhibitions.

Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.desingel.be Group Discount: Yes DIVA Antwerp Home of Diamonds Explore Antwerp's rich diamond heritage and crasmanship through interactive displays at this museum.

Suikerrui 17-19, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.divaantwerp.be Group Discount: Yes Dokmarkt Browse through this weekend market offering local produce, food trucks, and artisan goods in the trendy Eilandje district.

Dokmarkt, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.dokmarkt.be Group Discount: N/A

Web: www.muhka.be Group Discount: Yes Parkbrug Walk or cycle across this striking modern bridge that connects the Eilandje district to Park Spoor Noord.

Parkbrug, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: N/A Group Discount: N/A

Het Eilandje Explore this vibrant waterfront neighborhood, home to the MAS Museum, trendy eateries, and artistic spaces.

Eilandje, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: N/A Group Discount: N/A

Plein Publiek Visit this innovative cultural hub housed in a glass dome, offering art exhibitions, events, and a lively atmosphere.

Van Craesbeeckstraat 16, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.pleinpubliek.be Group Discount: N/A

Het Paleis Enjoy a wide range of performances, including children’s theater and contemporary productions, at this dynamic cultural center. eaterplein, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.hetpaleis.be Group Discount: Yes

Royal Ballet School Antwerp Watch performances from one of the most prestigious ballet schools in Belgium, known for training talented dancers.

Orgelstraat 3, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.koninklijkeballetschool.be Group Discount: N/A

Lambermontmartre Experience the creative atmosphere of this open-air art market where local artists showcase and sell their works.

Lambermontplaats, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: N/A Group Discount: N/A

Sint Anna Tunnel Walk or cycle through this unique pedestrian tunnel beneath the Scheldt River,

Maagdenhuis Museum Explore this museum focused on the history of an orphanage for girls, featuring beautiful artworks and historic objects.

Lange Gasthuisstraat 33, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.maagdenhuismuseum.be Group Discount: Yes

Marina Datsenko shutterstock

Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) Discover contemporary art from Belgium and around the world at this renowned museum, located in the Zuid district.

Leuvenstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

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offering an alternative way to cross the river.

Sint-Jansvliet, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: N/A Group Discount: N/A Stadsfeestzaal Shop and dine in this beautifully restored 19thcentury building, now a luxury shopping center with elegant architecture.

Meir 78, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: www.stadsfeestzaal.com Group Discount: N/A Zurenborg District Explore this charming neighborhood known for its remarkable collection of Art Nouveau and eclectic architectural styles.

Zurenborg, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium.

Web: N/A Group Discount: N/A

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Discovering East Flanders: A Region That Doesn’t Shout, It Seduces

Flanders

East Flanders isn’t a place that shouts. It’s more the quiet cousin you notice sitting at the edge of the party, sipping a glass of wine, listening to conversations, waiting for you to make your way over. It doesn’t make grand gestures, doesn’t strut with the selfconscious grandeur of Bruges, or flaunt political clout like Brussels. No, East Flanders is a region that whispers its charm, subtly drawing you in until you realise, suddenly and unexpectedly, that you’re completely captivated.

First, let’s start with the capital of East Flanders: Ghent. Oen overshadowed by its more famous, prettier cousin Bruges, Ghent has long played the role of the wallflower. But here’s the thing about wallflowers once you notice them, really notice them, you realise they’ve been the most interesting person in the room all along. Ghent is that person. is city, cradled by rivers, is a medieval masterpiece, a sprawling Gothic set piece complete with cathedrals, castles, and cobbled streets. But don’t mistake it for some preserved museum town. Ghent lives, breathes, and pulses with the kind of authentic energy that Bruges, in all its Disney-like perfection, has long since lost.

Ghent is unapologetically Flemish. Its people, while friendly, are not the sort to roll out the red carpet and fawn over tourists. No, they’re too busy enjoying their city to bother with that. And rightly

so. Walk along the Graslei and Korenlei quays, where medieval guild houses line the riverbanks like proud sentinels of history, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a painting albeit one with the hum of conversation and the scent of beer waing through the air.

celebrated altarpieces in the world: "e Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. is painting by the Van Eyck brothers is one of those rare masterpieces that lives up to its reputation. It’s the Mona Lisa of Flemish art, a work so detailed, so mesmerising, that you’ll find yourself lost in it, trying to decode the mysteries hidden in the folds of robes and the eyes of saints.

But Ghent isn’t just medieval nostalgia. It has a surprising undercurrent of rebellion and irreverence, as if it knows it has one foot in the past and the other firmly planted in the future. is is a university town, aer all, and with it comes a youthful energy that manifests in street art, music festivals, and bars that stay open far later than you’d expect in a city that looks, on the surface, like a place that should have a strict curfew.

Don’t be fooled. Ghent plays hard and, unlike its more sedate counterparts, doesn’t care if you’re watching.

But East Flanders isn’t all about Ghent, even though the city certainly steals the spotlight. e region stretches out like a pastoral dream, a rolling landscape of farms, fields, and forests dotted with small towns and villages that seem untouched by time. is is the countryside that people write poetry about, the kind of place where the air feels a little fresher, the sky a little wider.

At the centre of Ghent is the formidable Gravensteen Castle, a hulking medieval fortress that looms over the city like a protective elder. It’s one of those places that seems to have stepped out of a child’s imagination complete with turrets, battlements, and dungeons. Walk through its ancient halls, and you can almost hear the clash of swords and whispered plots.

Take a trip to the town of Oudenaarde, known for its tapestries, which were once among the finest in the world. e town hall here is a Gothic wonder, its spire piercing the sky like a needle threading history together. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to these tapestries intricate works of art that tell stories of battles, myths, and royal intrigue, woven into the very fabric of European history.

e castle is a time capsule, a place where you can’t help but feel small in the presence of history.

And yet, just a short stroll away lies one of the most

Further afield lies Aalst, where, every year, the streets are taken over by the raucous Aalst Carnival. It’s loud, chaotic, and utterly joyful, a 30

week-long party where the town throws off the constraints of polite society and revels in anarchic glee. ink of it as Belgium’s answer to Mardi Gras, but with more wit and fewer sunburns.

And then there’s the Flemish Ardennes, a region beloved by cyclists and walkers alike for its rolling hills and winding roads. e landscape here is a gentle undulation, green and peaceful, with the occasional village appearing like punctuation marks in an otherwise endless sentence of fields. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, to take your time. You don’t rush through East Flanders; you meander, like one of the rivers that crisscross the region, lazily curving through the countryside at its own pace. e food in East Flanders is, predictably, wonderful. is is Belgium, aer all. You’ll find hearty Flemish stews, mussels cooked in white wine, and chips that are fried twice to golden perfection. But there are surprises too Ghent’s vegetarian scene is booming, with restaurants serving inventive, plant-based dishes that would make any carnivore reconsider their choices. And, of course, there’s the beer. East Flanders is home to some of Belgium’s finest breweries, where monks still brew ales that taste like liquid heaven.

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\Dmitry Rukhlenko shutterstock

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Aalst Carnival Join the famous Aalst Carnival, a UNESCOrecognized event with parades, performances, and colourful costumes.

Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium.

Web: www.aalstcarnival.be Group Discount: N/A Belfort van Aalst Climb the Belfry of Aalst, a medieval bell tower with panoramic views over the city.

Grote Markt, 9300 Aalst, Belgium.

Tel: +32 53 72 36 36 Web: www.aalst.be Group Discount: Available on request.

Belfry of Ghent Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Emile Braunplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 233 07 72 Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: Available for groups of 15 or more.

Begijnhof of Dendermonde Explore this UNESCO-listed beguinage, featuring charming whitewashed houses and tranquil gardens.

Begijnhoflaan 1, 9200 Dendermonde, Belgium.

Web: www.dendermonde.be Group Discount: N/A Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve Discover this expansive wetland, perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and connecting with nature.

Driepikkelstraat 32, 9030 Mariakerke, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 210 10 10 Web: www.natuurpunt.be Group Discount: N/A Broel Towers Visit the iconic medieval towers guarding the river Lys,

symbolizing Kortrijk's rich history.

Broelkaai, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.

Web: www.kortrijk.be Group Discount: N/A

Web: www.dekrook.be Group Discount: N/A Design Museum Ghent Admire innovative designs from different eras in this contemporary museum.

Jan Breydelstraat 5, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 267 99 99 www.designmuseumgent.be Group Discount: Special rates for groups over 15.

Castle of Laarne Discover one of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval castles, full of historical artifacts and artwork.

Eekhoekstraat 5, 9270 Laarne, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 230 38 48 Web: www.kasteelvanlaarne.be Group Discount: Available on request.

Donkmeer Lake Relax by this scenic lake, known for its boating, fishing, and nature walks.

Donklaan, 9290 Berlare, Belgium.

Web: www.berlare.be Group Discount: N/A

Castle of Wissekerke Admire this neo-Gothic castle, surrounded by a romantic park and featuring a unique suspension bridge.

Kasteelstraat 1, 9150 Bazel, Belgium. Tel: +32 3 744 01 64 www.kasteelwissekerke.be Group Discount: Available on request.

Flanders Expo A large exhibition and convention centre hosting various events, fairs, and concerts throughout the year.

Maaltekouter 1, 9051 Gent, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 241 92 11 Web: www.flandersexpo.be Group Discount: N/A

Citadelpark A large public park near the Museum of Fine Arts and SMAK, perfect for relaxing and picnicking.

Citadelpark, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: N/A

Flanders Field American Cemetery Visit this cemetery dedicated to American soldiers who fought in World War I, located in Waregem.

Wortegemseweg 117, 8790 Waregem, Belgium. Tel: +32 56 60 11 22 Web: www.abmc.gov Group Discount: N/A

Cloth Hall of Dendermonde Visit this Gothic-style cloth hall, a testament to Dendermonde's medieval trading power.

Grote Markt, 9200 Dendermonde, Belgium.

Web: www.dendermonde.be Group Discount: N/A

Flemish Ardennes Walking Routes Explore the rolling hills and scenic trails of the Flemish Ardennes, a paradise for hikers.

Flemish Ardennes, East Flanders, Belgium. Web: www.vlaamseardennen.be Group Discount: N/A

De Krook Library Explore Ghent’s stunning modern library, which serves as a cultural hub with exhibitions and events.

Miriam Makebaplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 210 10 10

Floraliën Gent 32

Attend this prestigious flower and plant show, held once every four years, showcasing spectacular botanical displays.

Various locations in Ghent.

Web: www.floralien.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 20.

Ghent Altarpiece (Saint Bavo’s Cathedral) View the world-famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” a masterpiece of early Northern Renaissance art.

Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium.Tel: +32 9 269 20 45 Web: www.sintbaafskathedraal.be Group Discount: Available on request.

Geraard de Duivelsteen (Gerard the Devil Castle) Discover this 13th-century castle in Ghent, once used as a prison and an arsenal.

Geraard de Duivelstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: N/A Gravensteen Castle Explore this medieval fortress, complete with towers and an engaging audio tour.

Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 225 93 06 Web: www.gravensteen.stad.gent Group Discount: Available for large bookings.

Het Huis van Alijn Learn about daily life in 20thcentury Flanders in this nostalgic museum housed in a former hospital.

Kraanlei 65, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 235 38 00 Web: www.huisvanalijn.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 15.

Het Land van Saeinghe Explore this tidal marshland near the Dutch border,

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perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Saeingestraat, 9170 SintGillis-Waas, Belgium.

Web: www.saeinghe.be Group Discount: N/A Kasteel van Beervelde Visit this 19th-century castle, famous for its gardens and twice-yearly garden fairs.

Beervelde-Dorp 75, 9080 Beervelde, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 356 81 82 Web: www.kasteelvanbeervelde.be Group Discount: Available for garden fairs.

Kasteel van Gaasbeek Tour this romantic castle, filled with historical artifacts and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Lennik, Belgium. Tel: +32 2 531 01 30 www.kasteelvangaasbeek.be Group Discount: Available for groups of 15 or more.

Laarne Castle Discover one of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval castles, complete with guided tours and historic treasures.

Eekhoekstraat 5, 9270 Laarne, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 230 38 48 www.kasteelvanlaarne.be Group Discount: Available on request.

Melle Brewery Take a tour of this historic brewery, known for its traditional Belgian beers.

Geraardbergsesteenweg 51, 9090 Melle, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 210 15 00 www.brouwerijdemelle.be Group Discount: N/A

Middelheim Open-Air Sculpture Museum An outdoor museum displaying works from

classical to contemporary artists, located in a scenic park. Antwerpen, East Flanders, Belgium.

Tel: +32 3 288 33 60 www.middelheimmuseum.be Group Discount: Special rates for large groups.

Wander through Ghent’s charming medieval district, filled with narrow streets, cafes, and historic houses.

Patershol, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: N/A

Museum Dr. Guislain A unique museum offering insight into the history of psychiatry, housed in an old psychiatric hospital.

Jozef Guislainstraat 43, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 216 35 95 www.museumdrguislain.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 15.

Puyenbroeck Provincial Park Enjoy outdoor activities in this expansive park, featuring lakes, forests, and recreational areas.

Puyenbrug 1a, 9185 Wachtebeke, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 342 42 42 Web: www.puyenbroeck.be Group Discount: N/A Reinaertpark Stroll through this park, known for its charming sculptures and peaceful walking paths.

Reinaertpark, 9041 Gent, Belgium.

Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: N/A

Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) Ghent Enjoy works from old masters to modern artists in one of Belgium’s oldest art museums.

Fernand Scribedreef 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 240 07 00 Web: www.mskgent.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 15.

Sint-Michiels Bridge Take in stunning views of Ghent’s medieval skyline from this picturesque bridge.

Sint-Michielsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Web: www.visitgent.be Group Discount: N/A

Muzee Scheldeland Discover the rich history of the Scheldeland region, with exhibits on industry, cras, and archaeology.

Stationsstraat 16, 9200 Dendermonde, Belgium. Tel: +32 52 21 30 10 www.muzeescheldeland.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 10.

STAM Ghent City Museum Delve into the rich history of Ghent, from medieval times to today, through interactive exhibits.

Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 267 14 00 Web: www.stamgent.be Group Discount: Available for groups of 15 or more.

SMAK - Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst A museum for contemporary art, showcasing works by international and Belgian artists.

Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Ooidonk Castle Visit this Renaissance castle, with its impressive architecture and surrounding parklands.

Ooidonkdreef 9, 9800 Deinze, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 282 32 32 Web: www.ooidonk.be Group Discount: Available for groups of 20 or more.

Patershol District 33

Tel: +32 9 240 76 01 Web: www.smak.be Group Discount: Available for groups over 15. e Carmelite Monastery Visit this tranquil monastery, where you can attend mass or explore the peaceful gardens.

Burgstraat 46, 9000 Gent, Belgium.

Tel: +32 9 225 84 27 Web: www.karmelgent.be Group Discount: N/A Tour of Flanders Centre Visit the museum dedicated to the famous cycling race, with interactive exhibits and cycle route tips.

Markt 43, 9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium.

Tel: +32 55 33 99 33 Web: www.crvv.be Group Discount: N/A Van Eyck Swimming Pool Take a dip in this beautifully restored Art Deco swimming pool in the heart of Ghent.

Veermanplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 225 29 61 Web: www.gent.be/vaneyck Group Discount: N/A Velzeke Roman Archaeological Museum Explore East Flanders' Roman past through excavated artifacts and reconstructions of ancient buildings.

Paddestraat 7, 9620 Zottegem, Belgium. Tel: +32 9 367 75 70 www.archeocentrumvelzeke.be Group Discount: Available for groups of 20 or more.

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Flemish Brabant: Belgium's Best-Kept Secret

Flanders

Flemish Brabant is a place that most people don’t talk about. Which is strange, really, because it’s hiding in plain sight. You’ve probably been there without realising, maybe passing through on your way to Brussels, glancing out the window at the rolling hills and tidy villages, not giving it a second thought. But if Flemish Brabant were a person, it would be the quietly confident one at the dinner party, the one who doesn’t need to shout to be heard, whose stories are rich and layered, but who lets you come to them. It’s a region that rewards curiosity, a place that unfolds slowly, like a good book that grips you just when you least expect it. e truth is, Flemish Brabant doesn’t scream for attention.

It’s far too subtle for that.

Yet, tucked between Belgium’s louder destinations, this region has a way of surprising you, with its understated elegance and pastoral beauty, its cultural depth, and its slightly offkilter charm. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why it’s not on everyone’s list, and you’re secretly glad that it isn’t.

Let’s start with Leuven, the capital of Flemish Brabant and arguably its beating heart. Leuven is, in many ways, the perfect university town. Its centrepiece, the University of Leuven, is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, with a history stretching back nearly

six centuries. But don’t expect the stuffy academic atmosphere you might find in other old university cities.

Leuven is lively, youthful, and entirely unpretentious.

It’s a place where centuriesold architecture and cutting-edge ideas collide, and somehow, it all works.

At the heart of Leuven is the stunning Town Hall, a Gothic masterpiece that looks as though it’s been plucked from a storybook.

It’s almost too intricate, too ornate to be real, with its dozens of statues perched on every ledge and corner, like a gathering of stone saints watching over the city. Next to it stands St. Peter’s Church, a more sober, but no less impressive, structure.

Inside, you’ll find a hidden gem the "Last Supper" by Dirk Bouts, a painting that rivals anything you’ll find in the grander galleries of Europe, yet is quietly tucked away here, as if only those who really care to look will find it.

the home of Stella Artois, though, if you have any taste at all, you’ll steer clear of the industrial brew and opt instead for one of the city’s cra beers or head to the nearby monastery to sip on an authentic Trappist ale, made with centuries of monkish wisdom.

Beyond Leuven, Flemish Brabant offers a rural escape that feels a world away from the city. It’s a region of gentle hills, forests, and farmland, a place where time seems to slow down. e Hageland, to the east of Leuven, is a dreamy, undulating landscape of vineyards and orchards, where you can spend your days lazily exploring by bike or on foot. is is the heart of Flemish Brabant’s wine country, and yes, Belgium does make wine surprisingly good wine at that. Cycle through the hills, and you’ll stumble across small, family-run vineyards producing crisp, light whites that are perfect for a summer’s aernoon. ere’s something almost timeless about the countryside here, and nowhere is this more evident than in the town of Tervuren, just outside Brussels. Tervuren is home to the Royal Museum for Central Africa, an institution that feels as though it belongs to another age. It’s a strange, grandiose place, a monument to Belgium’s colonial past, filled with artefacts and curiosities from the Congo. e museum has

But Leuven’s charm goes beyond its historical treasures. e city is brimming with life, from its vibrant student population to its thriving café culture.

Walk along the cobbled streets of the Oude Markt, oen referred to as the ‘longest bar in the world’, and you’ll see tables spilling out onto the square, locals and students alike chatting over beers as the sun sets. is is Belgium’s beer capital, aer all, and Leuven takes its brewing seriously. You’re in 34

been updated to reflect a more critical view of colonialism, but walking through its opulent halls, you can still feel the weight of history, the uncomfortable ©PietDeKersgieter legacy of an empire that le its mark on both Africa and Belgium.

And then there’s the Sonian Forest, a vast stretch of ancient woodland that covers much of the southern part of Flemish Brabant. is is where Brussels’ city dwellers come to escape, to breathe in the fresh air and lose themselves among the towering beech trees. e forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, not just for its beauty, but for its biodiversity a reminder that even in the heart of Europe, nature can still surprise you.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of wild boar or deer, roaming the forest as they have for centuries.

Flemish Brabant is full of these surprises. It’s a region that doesn’t try too hard, that doesn’t need to. It’s content with being what it is authentic, rich in history, but unassuming. It’s a place for those who like to discover things for themselves, who appreciate the slow, steady pace of life here, the quiet joys of wandering through small villages, sampling local cheeses, and sipping beers in sun-dappled courtyards.

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Arenberg Castle A stunning Renaissance castle surrounded by a scenic park, offering picturesque views and historical insight into Flemish architecture.

Heverlee, Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, 3001 Leuven, Belgium www.kuleuven.be/english/livi ng/culture/arenberg Group Discount: Available.

Begijnhof Diest A historical beguinage featuring well-preserved medieval buildings, providing a glimpse into the lives of beguines.

Begijnhofstraat, 3290 Diest, Belgium Web: www.toerismediest.be/ begijnhof Group Discount: Available for groups over 15.

Botanical Garden Leuven A beautiful and tranquil botanical garden in the heart of Leuven, home to a wide variety of plants and trees.

Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Web: www.visitleuven.be/en/botani cal-garden Group Discount: Not available.

Castle of Horst A charming medieval water castle known for its fairy-tale appearance and scenic surroundings.

Horststraat 28, 3220 Holsbeek, Belgium Web: www.kasteelvanhorst.be Group Discount: Available.

Coloma Rose Garden An extensive rose garden featuring thousands of varieties of roses from around the world.

Joseph Depauwstraat 25, 1600 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium Web: www.colomarozen.be

Group Discount: Available.

A magnificent castle with a rich history, featuring splendid gardens and an impressive art collection.

Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Gaasbeek, Belgium Web: www.kasteelvangaasbeek.be Group Discount: Available.

De Molenbeek A beautiful nature reserve perfect for walking and birdwatching, showcasing Flemish Brabant's natural beauty.

Dreefstraat 1, 3040 Huldenberg, Belgium Web: www.vlaamsbrabant.be/natuu rgebieden/de-molenbeek Group Discount: Not available.

Herkenrode Abbey A historic abbey surrounded by tranquil gardens, providing insight into the monastic life of the past.

Herkenrodeabdij 4, 3511 Hasselt, Belgium www.abdijsiteherkenrode.be Group Discount: Available.

Domein Drie Fonteinen A scenic park and historical estate offering beautiful walking trails and lush green spaces.

Hendrik I-leerlaan 2, 1800 Vilvoorde, Belgium Web: www.vilvoorde.be/ driefonteinen Group Discount: Not available.

Engelenburcht Tildonk A former convent with a rich history, now hosting cultural events and exhibitions.

Kloosterlaan 7, 3150 Tildonk, Belgium Web: www.engelenburcht.be Group Discount: Available.

FelixArt Museum A museum dedicated to the works of Flemish artist Felix De Boeck, set in a serene rural environment.

Kuikenstraat 6, 1620 Drogenbos, Belgium Web: www.felixart.org Group Discount: Available.

Floreffe Abbey An impressive abbey with historical significance and beautiful architecture, offering a peaceful retreat.

Floreffe, Route de Floreffe 16, 5150 Namur, Belgium Web: www.abbayedefloreffe.be Group Discount: Available.

Gaasbeek Castle

Huizingen Provincial Domain A vast park offering various recreational activities, including a zoo, swimming pool, and gardens.

Henri Torleylaan, 1654 Huizingen, Belgium www.vlaamsbrabant.be/ domein-huizingen Group Discount: Available.

Kasteel van Beersel A medieval castle with a moat, showcasing the architectural and historical heritage of the region.

Lotsesteenweg 65, 1650 Beersel, Belgium www.kasteelvanbeersel.be Group Discount: Available.

Kasteel van Gaasbeek A historic castle set in a large park, featuring art exhibitions and beautifully decorated rooms.

Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Lennik, Belgium www.kasteelvangaasbeek.be Group Discount: Available.

Kasteel van Horst A fairy-tale-like water castle surrounded by lush forests and meadows, offering guided tours and events.

Horststraat 28, 3220 Holsbeek, Belgium 36

Web: www.kasteelvanhorst.be Group Discount: Available.

Leuven Town Hall An iconic Gothic building in the center of Leuven, known for its ornate architecture and historical significance.

Grote Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium www.leuven.be/en/town-hall Group Discount: Available for groups over 15.

Meise Botanic Garden One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, featuring a vast collection of plants and a stunning greenhouse.

Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, Belgium www.plantentuinmeise.be Group Discount: Available.

Museum M Leuven A contemporary art museum with a diverse collection, housed in a modern building with a rooop terrace.

Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Web: www.mleuven.be Group Discount: Available.

Museum Tervuren Also known as the Royal Museum for Central Africa, it showcases the art, culture, and natural history of Central Africa.

Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium Web: www.africamuseum.be Group Discount: Available.

Natuurgebied De Doode Bemde A beautiful nature reserve ideal for hiking and birdwatching, featuring diverse ecosystems.

Oud-Heverlee, Belgium www.natuurpunt.be/natuurge bied/de-doode-bemde Group Discount: Not available.

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Ninde Nature Reserve A small but charming nature reserve offering a peaceful setting for walking and enjoying nature.

Veldkantstraat, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium www.natuurpunt.be/natuurge bied/ninde Group Discount: Not available.

Old Market Square Leuven Known as the "longest bar in the world," this lively square is lined with cafes and is a hub of nightlife.

Oude Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium www.visitleuven.be/en/oldmarket-square Group Discount: Not available.

Park Abbey Leuven A serene abbey surrounded by picturesque gardens and ponds, offering guided tours and events.

Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Leuven, Belgium Web: www.parkerfgoed.be Group Discount: Available.

A recreational area with a lake, sandy beach, and numerous outdoor activities for all ages.

Zilvermeerlaan 2, 2400 Mol, Belgium Web: www.zilvermeer.be Group Discount: Available.

the Royal Castle of Laeken, showcasing an impressive plant collection.

Avenue du Parc Royal, 1020 Brussels, Belgium www.monarchie.be/royalgreenhouses Group Discount: Available.

Provinciedomein Halve Maan A popular recreational park with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and walking paths.

Omer Vanaudenhovelaan 48, 3290 Diest, Belgium www.provinciedomeinhalvem aan.be Group Discount: Available.

Saint Peter's Church Leuven A beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and historical significance.

Grote Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Web: www.visitleuven.be/en/saintpeters-church Group Discount: Not available.

Rock Werchter Park A famous venue for music festivals and outdoor concerts, located in a picturesque park setting.

Werchter, Haachtsesteenweg, 3118 Rotselaar, Belgium Web: www.rockwerchter.be Group Discount: Not available.

Sint-Agatha-Rode Natural Park A peaceful natural park offering scenic walking trails and diverse wildlife.

Sint-Agatha-Rode, Belgium Web: www.vlaamsbrabant.be/sintagatha-rode Group Discount: Not available.

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken A complex of large greenhouses in the grounds of

Sonian Forest A vast forest perfect for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature, located on the outskirts of Brussels.

Vorstlaan 1, 1170 Brussels, Belgium Web: www.sonianforest.be Group Discount: Not available.

Stedelijk Museum Aarschot A local history museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Aarschot and its surroundings.

Elisabethlaan 103, 3200 Aarschot, Belgium Web: www.museumaarschot.be Group Discount: Available. e Abbey of Vlierbeek A historic abbey offering a serene setting for reflection and exploration, surrounded by lush gardens.

Abdij Vlierbeek 1, 3010 Leuven, Belgium Web: www.vlierbeek

Provincial Domain of Kessel-Lo A family-friendly park with playgrounds, sports facilities, and beautiful walking paths.

Lindenbosstraat 1, 3010 Leuven, Belgium www.vlaamsbrabant.be/kessello Group Discount: Not available.

Provincial Domain of Huizingen A large park offering a variety of activities, including a zoo, swimming pool, and scenic walking trails.

Henri Torleylaan, 1654 Beersel, Belgium Web: www.vlaamsbrabant.be/ domein-huizingen Group Discount: Available.

Provincial Domain of Zilvermeer

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Limburg: Flanders’ Quiet Corner, Belgium’s Hidden Gem

Flanders

While Belgium’s popular cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent attract much of the attention, Belgian Limburg, in the northeastern part of Flanders, offers a tranquil, lesser-known escape. It’s a region that charms visitors with its unspoilt landscapes, rich history, and a unique pace of life that feels worlds away from the bustle of Belgium’s better-known destinations. is serene enclave provides the perfect retreat for those seeking nature, culture, and history without the crowds.

A Haven for Cyclists Limburg is renowned for being a cyclist’s paradise, offering over 2,000 kilometres of wellmaintained cycle paths. e gently undulating landscape, unlike the flat plains found in much of Flanders, provides stunning, varied scenery for riders of all levels. Cyclists can enjoy routes that wind through forests, past rivers, and into sleepy villages where they can stop to enjoy a coffee and a slice of **vlaai**, a traditional local pie. e region has also made a name for itself with its innovative cycling experiences. One of the most famous is the **‘Cycling through Water’** path near **Genk**, where the trail cuts directly through a lake, allowing riders to pedal with water at eye level on both sides. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience, as

Hasselt: A Taste of Limburg

though you’re floating on your bike. Similarly, the “Cycling through Trees”route in Bosland takes cyclists up to 10 metres above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the treetops. ese creative routes turn a simple bike ride into an immersive experience with nature, making Limburg a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts.

A short drive from Tongeren is **Hasselt**, the capital of Limburg and a culinary hub oen referred to as the ‘Capital of Taste’ Hasselt is famed for its **jenever**, a juniper-flavoured spirit that is the precursor to gin. e **National Jenever Museum** offers an in-depth look at the history and production of this traditional Belgian drink, and visitors can enjoy a tasting aerwards at one of the city’s cosy bars.

Tongeren: Steeped in History History lovers will find plenty to explore in Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest town, which dates back to Roman times. Tongeren’s rich heritage is evident as you wander its cobbled streets, which are home to the imposing Basilica of Our Lady and the **Gallo-Roman Museum**, one of the best collections of Roman artefacts in the country. e town’s layered past is visible in everything from its ancient walls to its beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

Hasselt is also known for its food scene, with a growing number of restaurants and cafés that focus on using local, seasonal ingredients.

Speculaas, a spiced shortbread biscuit, is one of the local specialities, oen enjoyed with a hot drink in one of the city’s many charming patisseries. e city also plays host to the **Japanese Garden**, the largest of its kind in Europe.

In spring, this peaceful oasis is particularly enchanting, with cherry blossoms in full bloom and traditional tea ceremonies that transport visitors to a different world.

On Sundays, Tongeren hosts its famous **Antiques Market**, one of the largest in Europe. Visitors come from across the continent to browse an eclectic array of antiques, from vintage jewellery to furniture with stories to tell. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning, getting lost among the treasures and perhaps picking up something unique to take home.

Castles, Abbeys, and Villages Limburg is dotted with castles, abbeys, and charming villages that seem frozen in time. One of the most notable is **Alden Biesen**, a grand castle complex built by the Teutonic Order.

Surrounded by manicured gardens, this Flemish 38

Renaissance masterpiece is a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll or a cultural event. It’s a fine example of Limburg’s hidden architectural gems, which blend grandeur with a serene setting.

For beer enthusiasts, Limburg’s abbeys offer a delightful experience. Many abbeys, such as **Herkenrode Abbey** just outside Hasselt, brew their own beers.

Visiting these abbeys offers not only a glimpse into monastic life but also the opportunity to savour the local brews in peaceful garden settings, a perfect way to unwind aer a day of exploring.

Villages like Borgloon are also worth visiting, particularly in spring when the surrounding orchards burst into blossom. e region is famous for its fruitgrowing, and in these rural areas, you can explore endless rows of pear and apple trees.

Whether by foot, bike, or while sipping local cider, these villages provide a postcard-perfect glimpse into the peaceful side of Belgian life.

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Alden Biesen Castle A grand castle estate with beautiful gardens, offering insight into Limburg's aristocratic past.

Kasteelstraat 6, 3740 Bilzen, Belgium Web: www.alden-biesen.be Group Discount: Available.

Bokrijk Open-Air Museum An extensive open-air museum showcasing traditional Flemish life, with historical buildings and live demonstrations.

Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium Web: www.bokrijk.be Group Discount: Available.

Bokrijk Arboretum A large botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of trees and plants, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium www.bokrijkarboretum.be Group Discount: Not available.

C-Mine A cultural center and former coal mine offering interactive exhibitions and an insight into the region's mining heritage.

C-Mine 10, 3600 Genk, Belgium Web: www.c-mine.be Group Discount: Available.

De Teut Nature Reserve A stunning nature reserve with expansive heathlands, ideal for hiking and experiencing the region's natural beauty.

Hasseltweg, 3520 Zonhoven, Belgium Web: www.limburg.be/deteut Group Discount: Not available.

Domain Bokrijk A large park with a playground, botanical garden,

www.kasteelvanhoeselt.be Group Discount: Available.

and an open-air museum depicting Flemish rural life.

Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium Web: www.domainbokrijk.be Group Discount: Available.

Kolenspoor A unique attraction offering train rides on the historic coal tracks through Limburg's former mining region.

Kolenspoorweg, 3600 Genk, Belgium Web: www.kolenspoor.be Group Discount: Available.

Gallo-Roman Museum A museum dedicated to the region's rich Roman past, featuring archaeological finds and interactive exhibits.

Kielenstraat 15, 3700 Tongeren, Belgium www.galloromeinsmuseum.be Group Discount: Available.

Lieteberg An interactive nature and insect museum with a barefoot path, allowing visitors to experience nature in a unique way.

Stalkerweg, 3690 Zutendaal, Belgium Web: www.lieteberg.be Group Discount: Available.

Hasselt Japanese Garden e largest Japanese garden in Europe, offering a tranquil space with traditional Japanese landscaping and cultural events.

Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium Web: www.japansetuin.be Group Discount: Available.

Limburg Mining Museum A museum dedicated to the history of coal mining in Limburg, featuring exhibits on the lives of miners and the mining process.

Eisden, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium Web: www.limburgminingmuseum.be Group Discount: Available.

Hasselt Fashion Museum A museum showcasing the history and evolution of fashion, with an impressive collection of garments and accessories.

Gasthuisstraat 11, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium Web: www.modemuseumhasselt.be Group Discount: Available.

Maasmechelen Village A popular shopping destination featuring a wide range of designer outlet stores and dining options.

Zetellaan 100, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium www.maasmechelenvillage.com Group Discount: Not available.

Hoge Kempen National Park Belgium's only national park, offering extensive hiking and cycling trails through forests, heathlands, and lakes.

Kattevennen, 3600 Genk, Belgium www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be Group Discount: Not available.

Kasteel van Hoeselt A historic castle surrounded by a large park, offering guided tours and beautiful views of the countryside.

Kasteelstraat 2, 3730 Hoeselt, Belgium 40

A museum dedicated to fashion and textile design, showcasing an extensive collection of garments and fashion history.

Gasthuisstraat 11, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium www.modemuseumhasselt.be Group Discount: Available.

Museum of Everyday Life A museum featuring an extensive collection of everyday objects from different eras, highlighting the evolution of daily life.

Marktplein 2, 3740 Bilzen, Belgium www.museumofeverydaylife.be Group Discount: Available.

Nature Reserve De Teut A beautiful natural area with heathlands and forests, perfect for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

Hasseltweg, 3520 Zonhoven, Belgium www.natuurpunt.be/deteut Group Discount: Not available.

Open Air Museum Bokrijk An expansive museum depicting rural Flemish life with historical buildings, reenactments, and cra demonstrations.

Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium Web: www.bokrijk.be Group Discount: Available.

Mines of Beringen A former coal mine turned into a museum and adventure park, offering insight into the region's industrial heritage.

Koolmijnlaan 201, 3582 Beringen, Belgium Web: www.mijnmuseum.be Group Discount: Available.

Reading Between the Lines A unique see-through church installation in the Haspengouw region, blending art and nature in a striking manner.

Doorkijkkerk, 3840 Borgloon, Belgium Web: www.borgloon.be/readingbetween-the-lines Group Discount: Not available.

Modemuseum Hasselt

Sint-Truiden Abbey

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A historic abbey with beautiful gardens and an impressive church, offering guided tours and cultural events.

Abdijstraat, 3800 SintTruiden, Belgium Web: www.sinttruiden.be/abbey Group Discount: Available.

Tongeren Antiques Market One of the largest antiques markets in Belgium, held every Sunday, offering a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

Leopoldwal, 3700 Tongeren, Belgium www.tongeren.be/ antiquemarket Group Discount: Not available.

A city rich in history and culture, featuring beautiful architecture, museums, and lively markets.

Sint-Truiden, Belgium Web: www.visitsinttruiden.be Group Discount: Not available.

Lanaken, Belgium Web: www.waterburchtpietersheim.be Group Discount: Available.

Z33 House for Contemporary Art A contemporary art museum featuring innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions in a modern setting.

Zuivelmarkt 33, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium

Waterburcht Pietersheim A medieval water castle with a moat and beautiful gardens, offering guided tours and historical exhibits.

Neerharenweg 12, 3630

Web: www.z33.be Group Discount: Available.

Zolder Circuit A famous motorsport circuit hosting various racing events and offering driving experiences for enthusiasts.

Terlaemen 30, 3550 HeusdenZolder, Belgium Web: www.circuit-zolder.be Group Discount: Available.

Tongeren Basilica A stunning Gothic basilica with a rich history and beautiful stained glass windows, located in the heart of Tongeren.

Basiliekstraat, 3700 Tongeren, Belgium www.tongeren.be/basilica Group Discount: Not available.

Vincent Van Gogh House A museum dedicated to the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, featuring exhibits on his time in the Limburg region.

Van Goghstraat 1, 5932 Venlo, Netherlands www.vangoghhouse.com Group Discount: Available.

Visit Bilzen A picturesque town known for its historic buildings, charming streets, and cultural events throughout the year.

Bilzen, Belgium Web: www.visitbilzen.be Group Discount: Not available.

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West Flanders: A Quiet Revelation in Belgium’s Unheralded Corner

Flanders

Flanders oen slips under the radar when people think of Belgium. Your mind may dri to Brussels, Bruges, or Belgian chocolates and beer, but West Flanders? It tends to live in the shadows of its more famous neighbours.

However, this tranquil region is a quiet revelation, where history and landscape blend to create an unforgettable experience.

West Flanders doesn’t shout for attention, but once you visit, you’ll fall in love with its subtle charm.

Bruges: e Picture-Perfect Trap No discussion of West Flanders is complete without mentioning Bruges. is medieval city has become synonymous with Flemish beauty, and its picturesque canals and cobbled streets draw tourists in droves.

While undeniably beautiful, Bruges can feel overcommercialised, especially to UK visitors. e Belfry of Bruges, with its panoramic views over the city’s rooops, and the Rozenhoedkaai at dusk, are postcard-perfect, but the crowds can make it difficult to appreciate the charm.

However, Bruges should be the start of your journey, not the final stop. Its beauty is undeniable, but there is so much more to West Flanders beyond its most famous city. e Coast: De Haan and the North Sea Breezes While Belgium’s coastline is

oen overlooked by UK travellers, West Flanders offers some of the most serene beaches along the North Sea. e town of De Haan is a prime example.

Unlike many modern seaside resorts, De Haan has resisted high-rise development, keeping its Belle Époque charm intact. Its pastelcoloured villas and quiet streets create a sense of timelessness.

remind us of the past. Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, lies nearby, offering a moment of quiet reflection. Ypres isn’t a place for light-hearted sightseeing, but it’s a deeply moving destination, steeped in history and resilience.

Cycling rough the Countryside Aer the emotional weight of Ypres, the West Flanders countryside offers a refreshing escape. Its flat, fertile landscape is perfect for cycling, with paths that wind through picturesque villages and open fields. Damme, a short ride from Bruges, is a small, charming village that feels like it belongs in a storybook, with its whitewashed houses and serene canals.

e beach stretches for miles, and the sea breeze brings with it the unmistakable scent of the ocean. is is a place for unwinding: fresh seafood, a cold Belgian beer, and a long walk along the shore are all you need. It’s a far cry from the glamour of the French Riviera, but the simplicity is what makes it so special.

Ypres: History at Lingers in the Air

West Flanders is also home to Hopland, where fields of hops stretch into the distance. is is the heartland of Belgian beer, and aer a day of cycling, a cold Trappist beer feels like a well-earned reward. e region’s abbeys still produce some of Belgium’s most beloved brews, giving visitors the chance to sip on history as well as flavour.

In stark contrast to the peaceful coast is Ypres (or Ieper), a town synonymous with the First World War. e scars of war are still visible, and history is woven into every corner of this town. e Menin Gate, bearing the names of over 54,000 soldiers whose bodies were never recovered, stands as a solemn reminder of the war’s devastating toll. Every evening at 8 p.m., the Last Post ceremony is held, a moving tribute that has taken place since 1928.

Surrounding Ypres are the former battlefields and cemeteries that continue to

Gastronomy: e Heart of Flanders West Flanders quietly excels in its culinary offerings.

Local restaurants pride themselves on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Mussels and 42

frites are a must-try, as well as hearty stews and game dishes, perfect for warming up on a cool day. And of course, no trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in some of the finest chocolates—seek out a chocolatier in Bruges or Ypres for a truly decadent experience.

Cheese lovers will delight in the local Brugse Blomme, a strong, creamy cheese that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine or beer. e flavours of West Flanders are as unpretentious as the region itself, but they’ll leave a lasting impression.

A Region of Quiet Pleasures West Flanders doesn’t demand attention, but it rewards those who take the time to explore. Whether it’s the empty beaches of De Haan, the poignant history of Ypres, or the pastoral beauty of its countryside, this is a region where the simple pleasures of life take centre stage. It may not have the glamour of other European destinations, but once you’ve experienced its quiet charm, you’ll never forget it.

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Basilica of the Holy Blood A stunning Gothic basilica in Bruges, known for housing a relic of the Holy Blood, a venerated artifact.

Burg 13, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.holyblood.com Group Discount: Available.

Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde A tranquil, historic beguinage in Bruges, offering a glimpse into the religious and communal life of beguines.

Wijngaardstraat, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.visitbruges.be Group Discount: Available.

Blankenberge Sea Life A family-friendly attraction showcasing marine life, including an underwater tunnel and rescue center for seals.

Koning Albert I-laan 116, 8370 Blankenberge, Belgium Web: www.sealife.be Group Discount: Available.

Bruges Belfry A medieval bell tower offering panoramic views of Bruges, with a carillon of 47 bells.

Markt 7, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.visitbruges.be/belfry Group Discount: Not available.

Bruges City Hall A Gothic city hall with stunning architecture, housing the historic council chamber and the museum of Bruges history.

Burg 12, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.visitbruges.be/cityhall Group Discount: Available.

Bruges Markt Square e central square of Bruges, surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings, cafes, and shops.

Groeningemuseum A renowned museum in Bruges showcasing Flemish and Belgian art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Dijver 12, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.museabrugge.be Group Discount: Available.

Markt, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.visitbruges.be/markt Group Discount: Not available.

Coastal Tram A scenic tram route running along the Belgian coast, offering a convenient way to explore the coastal towns.

Belgian Coast, Belgium Web: www.delijn.be/en/kusttram Group Discount: Available.

Gruuthuse Museum A museum housed in a former palace in Bruges, featuring medieval art, tapestries, and historical artifacts.

Dijver 17C, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.museabrugge.be/gruuth usemuseum Group Discount: Available.

De Halve Maan Brewery A historic brewery in Bruges offering guided tours, tastings, and insights into traditional beer brewing.

Walplein 26, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.halvemaan.be Group Discount: Available.

Historium Bruges An interactive museum in Bruges offering a journey through the city's history with virtual reality experiences.

Markt 1, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.historium.be Group Discount: Available.

De Panne Nature Reserve A beautiful nature reserve on the coast, offering sand dunes, walking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.

De Panne, Belgium Web: www.depanne.be/natuurreser vaten Group Discount: Not available.

In Flanders Fields Museum A museum in Ypres offering an in-depth look at World War I, with personal stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres, Belgium Web: www.inflandersfields.be Group Discount: Available.

Flanders Fields Museum A museum in Ypres dedicated to World War I, featuring exhibits on the war's impact on the region and the world.

Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres, Belgium Web: www.inflandersfields.be Group Discount: Available.

James Ensor House e former residence and studio of the artist James Ensor in Ostend, now a museum showcasing his life and works.

Vlaanderenstraat 27, 8400 Ostend, Belgium Web: www.ensor2024.be Group Discount: Available.

Frietmuseum A museum in Bruges dedicated to the history and culture of Belgian fries, including interactive exhibits and tastings.

Vlamingstraat 33, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.frietmuseum.be Group Discount: Available.

Knokke-Heist Beach A popular beach resort on the Belgian coast, offering sandy 44

beaches, water sports, and a lively promenade.

Knokke-Heist, Belgium Web: www.knokke-heist.be Group Discount: Not available.

La Potinière Park A charming park in De Haan, offering playgrounds, minigolf, and a lovely tea room.

Leopoldlaan 13, 8420 De Haan, Belgium Web: www.lapotinieredehaan.be Group Discount: Not available.

Loppem Castle A beautiful castle near Bruges with a rich history, surrounded by gardens and a maze.

Steenbrugsestraat 26, 8210 Loppem, Belgium Web: www.kasteelvanloppem.be Group Discount: Available.

Menin Gate Memorial A war memorial in Ypres dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in World War I and have no known grave.

Menenstraat, 8900 Ypres, Belgium Web: www.lastpost.be Group Discount: Not available.

Mu.ZEE A contemporary art museum in Ostend, featuring Belgian art from the 19th century to the present day.

Romestraat 11, 8400 Ostend, Belgium Web: www.muzee.be Group Discount: Available.

Ostend Beach A vibrant beach destination with a long promenade, seafood restaurants, and cultural events throughout the year.

Oostende, Belgium

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Web: www.visitoostende.be/ en/beach Group Discount: Not available.

Plopsaland De Panne A popular amusement park in De Panne, featuring rides and attractions themed around Belgian children's characters.

De Pannelaan 68, 8660 De Panne, Belgium Web: www.plopsalanddepanne.be Group Discount: Available.

Sea Life Blankenberge An aquarium in Blankenberge featuring a wide range of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and penguins.

Koning Albert I-laan 116, 8370 Blankenberge, Belgium Web: www.sealife.be Group Discount: Available.

Sint-Janshospitaal Museum A museum in Bruges housed in a medieval hospital, showcasing art, medical instruments, and historical artifacts.

Mariastraat 38, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.museabrugge.be Group Discount: Available.

St. Bavo's Cathedral A stunning Gothic cathedral in Bruges, known for its impressive architecture and rich history.

Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, 8000 Bruges, Belgium www.sintsalvatorskathedraal.be Group Discount: Not available.

Tram Station De Panne e starting point of the Coastal Tram, offering a scenic route along the Belgian coast.

Stationsplein, 8660 De Panne, Belgium www.delijn.be/en/kusttram Group Discount: Not available.

Group Discount: Not available.

St. John's House Mill A historical windmill in Bruges, offering insight into traditional milling techniques and the city's history.

Kruisvest, 8000 Bruges, Belgium Web: www.visitbruges.be/stjohns-house-mill Group Discount: Available.

Westfront Nieuwpoort A museum in Nieuwpoort dedicated to the role of the Belgian army in World War I and the flooding of the Yser Plain.

Kustweg 2, 8620 Nieuwpoort, Belgium Web: www.westfrontnieuwpoort.be Group Discount: Available.

St. Nicholas Church A medieval church in Ypres, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a rich history.

Sint-Niklaaskerkstraat, 8900 Ypres, Belgium Web: www.sint-niklaaskerk.be Group Discount: Not available.

Yser Tower A monument in Diksmuide commemorating the soldiers who died in World War I, offering a panoramic view of the region.

Ijzerdijk 49, 8600 Diksmuide, Belgium Web: www.aandeijzer.be Group Discount: Available.

Talbot House A historic house in Poperinge that served as a rest and recreation center for British soldiers during World War I. Gasthuisstraat 43, 8970 Poperinge, Belgium Web: www.talbothouse.be Group Discount: Available.

Ypres Cloth Hall A reconstructed medieval

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St. George's Memorial Church A church in Ypres built to commemorate the British soldiers who fought and died in World War I. Elverdingestraat 1, 8900 Ypres, Belgium www.stgeorgesmemorialchurc hypres.com 45

cloth hall in Ypres, now housing the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Ypres tourist office.

Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres, Belgium Web: www.inflandersfields.be Group Discount: Available.

Zeebrugge Port A major port and seaside destination offering boat tours, seafood markets, and a marina.

Zeebrugge, Belgium Web: www.portofzeebrugge.be Group Discount: Not available.

Zeebrugge Sea Life An aquarium in Zeebrugge featuring marine life from the North Sea and beyond, including a rescue center for seals.

Koning Albert I-la

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Editors choice Brussels Brussels, the beating heart of Belgium and oen synonymous with the European Union, is much more than just a hub of administration. is city, firmly rooted in the Flanders region, exudes a cultural depth and vibrancy that transcends its political associations. Brussels is a place where contrasts exist effortlessly—a city of grand Gothic architecture and sleek modern glass facades, a meeting point of languages and identities, and a metropolis that feels at once intimate and cosmopolitan.

At first glance, Brussels might appear defined by bureaucracy, with the European Commission and NATO headquarters drawing diplomats and politicians from all corners of the world.

Yet step beyond the polished halls of these institutions, and a different Brussels reveals itself—one brimming with life, art, and an irrepressible creativity that pulses through every corner.

Brussels doesn't clamour for attention; it entices quietly, drawing you in with its understated allure.

Start in the Grand Place, the very heart of Brussels. is UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural masterpiece, where the ornate Gothic spires of the Town Hall rise dramatically against the sky, and the intricately carved façades of guildhalls speak to a rich history of trade and crasmanship. But beyond its obvious grandeur, the

Flanders

square holds an ineffable quality—something about the way the sunlight reflects off the cobblestones or the sound of street musicians filling the air—that makes it feel like a living, breathing entity. It is a place where past and present meet, a gathering point for locals and tourists alike, where the city’s pulse is always palpable.

and floating apples take on new meaning. Street art, too, thrives in Brussels, with murals brightening up the sides of buildings, injecting a burst of colour and creativity into daily life.

Brussels is also a city of contrasts when it comes to its culinary scene. is is a place where the simplest of meals—a cone of chips, served piping hot and generously doused in mayonnaise—can feel like an indulgence, and where world-class restaurants sit alongside humble eateries.

Chocolate, of course, is an institution in Brussels, where master chocolatiers cra their creations with the precision of jewellers. Yet beyond the pralines and truffles, there’s a culinary scene that surprises with its diversity. From traditional Belgian fare like stoofvlees (a rich beef stew) to experimental cuisine at Michelin-starred establishments, Brussels is a place where food becomes an expression of the city’s diversity, its openness to new ideas, and its passion for the finer things in life.

Venture beyond the Grand Place, and Brussels continues to reveal itself in unexpected ways. Here, medieval streets twist and turn, leading to hidden courtyards and pocket-sized parks. e scent of freshly baked waffles mingles with the perfume of blooming flowers in spring. ere’s a sense of discovery as you explore Brussels—a city that doesn't divulge all its secrets at once but reveals them slowly, like a novel that invites you to savour each chapter.

One of the city’s most delightful surprises is its art scene, spanning centuries and styles. Brussels is home to some of the most important collections of Flemish art in the world, housed in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.

Here, you can lose yourself in the works of old masters like Bruegel and Rubens, whose paintings capture the essence of life in the Low Countries centuries ago. Yet Brussels is equally a city of modern art. e Magritte Museum, dedicated to Belgium's most famous surrealist, is a journey into the strange and dreamlike world of René Magritte, where bowler hats

And then, of course, there’s the beer. Belgium’s beer culture is legendary, and Brussels offers a front-row seat to this rich tradition.

Whether you’re sipping a lambic at a centuries-old brewery or trying a new cra beer at a trendy bar, there’s a sense that beer in Brussels is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life. e city’s many beer festivals, such as the 46

annual Belgian Beer Weekend, celebrate this tradition with gusto, drawing beer lovers from around the world to raise a glass in the heart of Europe.

Brussels is also a city of languages, where French, Dutch, and English mingle in harmonious cacophony. is linguistic diversity mirrors the city’s multiculturalism, where people from across the globe have made Brussels their home. is international flavour is reflected in the city’s festivals, markets, and neighbourhoods, where different cultures blend to create a vibrant, everchanging mosaic. Whether you’re exploring the African quarter of Matonge, with its lively atmosphere and eclectic shops, or strolling through the European Quarter, where international institutions and sleek offices dominate, there’s a sense that Brussels is a city in constant evolution.

Yet despite its global outlook, Brussels remains deeply connected to its local traditions. e city’s many festivals, from the colourful Ommegang pageant to the quirky Zinneke Parade, are a testament to its enduring link to the past. ese celebrations bring the streets to life with music, dance, and elaborate costumes, creating moments of shared joy that remind you that Brussels, for all its sophistication, is at heart a warm and welcoming place.

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Flanders modernity exist side by side with effortless ease. It’s a city that doesn’t shout its beauty but instead reveals it slowly, through its art, its food, and its people. It’s a place where Gothic cathedrals stand next to Art Nouveau townhouses, where old masters share space with graffiti artists, and where a meal can be as simple as chips or as complex as a multi-course tasting menu.

Brussels is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore it, to look beyond its political exterior and discover the vibrant soul that lies beneath. Come for the waffles, stay for the art, and leave with the sense that you’ve experienced something truly unique a city that defies easy categorisation and remains, in every sense of the word, an enigma worth unravelling.

Spotlight on...

Mini-Europe

before you, each one an exact replica of its full-scale counterpart. e park’s allure is not only in the accuracy of the models but in the way it captures the spirit of each destination. In a single aernoon, you can hear the chimes of Big Ben, watch the gondolas glide through Venice’s canals, and marvel at the architectural splendor of Prague’s Old Town Square.

In the heart of Bruparck, Mini-Europe is one of Brussels’ most captivating attractions, offering a whimsical journey through the continent’s most famous landmarks—all in miniature form. As you step into this charming park, you’re invited to explore the essence of Europe in just a few hours, with each country represented by its most iconic monuments, meticulously recreated in stunning detail.

What makes Mini-Europe even more enchanting are the small details that bring the park to life. Tiny figures go about their daily business, cars and trains hum along tracks, and boats sail through miniature harbours, adding a delightful sense of movement and realism to the experience. Interactive displays provide insights into the history and culture of

A stroll through MiniEurope allows you to travel from Paris to Athens, from London to Lisbon, in just a few steps. Miniature versions of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Parthenon rise

each country, making MiniEurope as informative as it is entertaining.

Perfect for families, couples, and groups Mini-Europe offers an engaging opportunity to embrace the diversity of the continent in a fun and accessible way.

Whether you're admiring the intricate detail of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate or standing in awe before Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, Mini-Europe presents a magical journey that celebrates the richness and variety of Europe on a smaller, yet no less impressive, scale.

MINI-EUROPE Bruparck, B-1020 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/474.13.13. www.minieurope.eu Email : info@minieurope.eu

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Discover Europe’s nicest places ...

All of Europe animated in miniature!

Spectacular!

Be amazed. Mini-Europe is a park featuring all the wonders of Europe, in miniature. Bonsai trees, flowery groves and dwarf trees embellish the 350 monuments which have been reproduced at scale 1/25. Thousands of lifelike figurines and animations!

Set offthe eruption of the Vesuvius and admire the takeoff of the Ariane rocket. The two hour walk, which is both entertaining and educational, will let you (re)discover the 27 member states of the European Union and the UK, their historical, architectural and cultural wealth.

Fun! A trip full of surprises. Take the controls of the many opportunities for interactive live action that stud the route.

Fascinating!

Have fun learning! Behind the captivating universe of the miniature monuments, the dramatisation and

Open every day from mid March until begin of January from 9:30 am until 05:00 pm.

Catalogue available in 11 languages (D, E, F, EN, I, NL, HB, RU, PL, PT, CN).

Restaurant - cafetaria.

live action, relive our surprising common history with its values and Greek, Roman and Viking heritages. You will find commentary at every stage of the journey in the free catalogue that is teeming with information and anecdotes that will delight children, those with a sense of curiosity and those passionate about history.

Did you know?

Unrivalled quality of artistry The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela alone involved 24,000 hours of work. At 13 meters, the Eiffel Tower is taller than a 3-storey building.

Indoor space.

Located at the end of the park, the ‘Spirit of Europe’ welcomes you into a large covered space where live action models, games and quizzes will give you the chance to test, enrich or perfect your knowledge of the European Union.

MINI-EUROPE Bruparck, B-1020 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2/474.13.13. - Email : info@minieurope.eu https://www.minieurope.com

Fascinating presentation for everyone, not to be missed during your stay in the capital of Europe !

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Travel Information

Health

People with disabilities

Brussels Airport

Flanders is unique. Its enormous versatility and historical and cultural wealth concentrated on a small patch of land - is easily accessible by different means of transportation. e art cities, for instance, are a stones throw away from each other. Check the links below for useful information for on your trip to Flanders: how to get here, how to get around, as well as practical information.

Belgium's health care system is one of the best in Europe. It is easily accessible, offers highquality treatments and has well equipped hospitals where you will always be taken care of. In case of emergency, you can dial the pan-European #112 . For urgent police care, dial #101.

For more information on Belgian medical services, visit Healthcare Belgium.

Flanders is an accessible holiday destination for everyone, that includes accommodation, transportation, museums and attractions. For more information oan travelling with a disability, click here. For free and tailored information, contact us at accessible@visitflanders.com or +32 2 504 03 40.

Although located in Wallonia, the French speaking part of Belgium, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a popular point of arrival when visiting Flanders. Brussels South is 37.28 miles (60 km) away from Brussels. A direct bus will take you from the airport to the Charleroi-South railway station in 20 minutes. From there, there are plenty of direct connections to Flanders’ largest cities, as well as direct shuttle buses to Ghent and Bruges.

Plan your trip to Flanders with useful practical travel information: passport, currency, health, holidays and opening times, among others.

Aer 31st December 2020, rules on travel to EU countries from the UK are subject to change, more information on: https://www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice/belgium and https://www.gov.uk/visiteurope-1-january-2021

Shops, banks, museums and sometimes bars and restaurants will generally be closed on the following days:

Customs and immigration Belgium is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. People from the 27 European states in that area only need a valid ID or passport to travel to Flanders, no visa is required.

Transportation info Official holidays

January 1st (New Year’s Day) Easter and Easter Monday (dates may vary) May 1st (International Worker’s Day) Ascension Day (the sixth ursday aer Easter) Pentecost/Whit Sunday and the Monday aer that (the 7th Sunday/Monday aer Easter) July 21st (National holiday) August 15th (Assumption of Mary) November 1st (All Saints' Day) November 11th (Armistice Day) December 25th and oen December 26th

Flanders is the northern part of Belgium. It's mainly Dutchspeaking and fairly modest in size. To put things in perspective: it’s about the size of the state of Connecticut in the US or the county of Yorkshire in the UK. Because of its compactness, Flanders is an easy place to travel to, in and around.

Brussels is Flanders’ capital and the beating heart of Europe. It has countless flight and train connections. London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin are only a short distance away. Similarly, all of Flanders' cities are within reach of each other and easily accessible by public transport or car.

By air

Opening Hours Money e Belgian currency unit is the EURO (€), just as in 19 other European countries. In most places you can pay cash, as well as with all major debit or credit cards (Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Euro card). You can withdraw cash in banks or at a wide spread network of ATM’s.

Foreign exchange traffic is not regulated. Get the latest exchange rates here.

Most shops are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, although those hours may vary from store to store. Most shops are closed on Sundays, except Brussels at the Gallery St Hubert and gi shops near the Grand Place. In large cities such as Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges there are monthly Sunday shopping days, on which shops are usually open.

Shops along the Flemish coast are also open on Sundays.

Brussels Airport is Belgium's main international airport.

Frequent train connections from the airport will take you to Brussels in 20 minutes and to Antwerp in 35. ere are plenty of bus lines too, which run from 5 a.m. until midnight, from Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays, the first bus departs at 7 a.m.. Taxis are available 24/7 at Brussels Airport. ey will take you to Brussels’ city centre for an average price of 45 euros.

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Brussels South Charleroi Airport By train Flanders is easily accessible by international trains from London, Paris and Amsterdam, among other places. e Eurostar will take you from the Brussels South Station to London in less than 2 hours. e alys connects that same railway station with Paris (1h25) and Amsterdam (1h52). Reserve your seats in advance at B-Europe or Rail Europe.

By coach If you’re planning a group trip by coach, keep in mind that most art cities don't allow coaches or large private buses in the city centre. In that case, coaches must park in designated spots. More information on coaches in Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen.

Travelling in Flanders By train, bus, tram and metro By train, it oen takes less than an hour to travel between two major cities in Flanders. Find out more at Belgian Rail.

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Visit the BELvue Museum & The Coudenberg Palace in Brussels Would you like to discover what is typically Belgian and what rich history lies behind it? In the heart of Brussels, you’ll find the BELvue Museum and the Coudenberg Palace, two places brimming with intense stories. Get to know the history of Belgium, discover underground palace ruins and learn a thing or two about democracy through a unique combined offer. Surely you’re stopping by when visiting Brussels?

www.belvue.be

Place des Palais 7, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

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www.coudenberg.brussels

© Westtoer

© Westtoer

THE LAST REMAINING BELGIAN FIRST WORLD WAR TRENCH SYSTEM!

A visit to the Trench of Death, along the river Yser in Dixmude, reveals the hard and cruel facts of military life during the First World War, on either side of the Yser front.

The visitor centre illustrates the story of both Belgians and Germans through interactive applications, photos, film footage and more than a hundred original objects.

dodengang

www.dodengang.be

© Westtoer

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IJzerdijk 65, B-8600 Dixmude