Suggested Itineraries

Day 1 - Brussels

Museum of Ancient Art (Brueghel room), Cathedral of St. Michael, Grand’Place (mandatory stop for a beer), shop for lace and chocolates, visit covered arcade St. Hubert, Sablon square which is the antiques area (second mandatory stop for beer on the charming square). You can also consult www.discoversbrussels.com and choose the inspiration of one of the themes presented online. At night you can go to the famous opera or catch a movie in the original language

(Sylvester Stallone will not speak French, he comes subtitled!) or go to the ballet or a concert. You can also go to a wonderful restaurant," eat mussels in Brussels, it’s a must" and wash them down with one of our 350 beers. Some are potent, be careful.  Always check the local newspaper for festivals and folklore.

Day 2 - Antwerp (Train:1 hour or Highway E19: 28 miles)

Antwerp is a city that reached its peak in the 16^th century. Now it is a bustling harbor city and a world center for the diamond industry. Musts are the Cathedral with smashing paintings by Rubens, Rubens house (now Museum), Plantyn Moretus museum (Printing house from the 16^th century), Royal museum of Ancient Art for more Rubens paintings. Get a fresh nose on the promenade along the river Scheldt, buy a diamond if you are rich or very much in love, stroll in the old town, stop in the trendy fashion stores, go to some of the cozy cafes, on Sundays don’t miss the "vogelmarkt". At the outskirts is Middelheim, one of the best open air sculpture parks in Europe.

Day 3 - Ghent (Train:45 minutes or Highway E40: 35 miles) and Bruges (Train: 1 hour or Highway E40: 25 miles)

Begin with Ghent, a city made rich and famous by the cloth business in the 13^th and 14^th centuries. During the 100 Year War it was caught in the conflict between France and England. This made its citizens quite feisty. The forbidding Castle of the Counts gives an idea of how fierce and frequent the battles must have been. An absolute must is the Polyptych by Jan van Eyck (15^th century) in the St. Baafs Cathedral, walk to the St. Michael’s bridge for a stunning view of the old town’s historic buildings, and the towers of St. Bavo, the Belfry and St. Nicolas church, buy a pot of mustard at the Tierentuyn shop and hurry on to Bruges. Only half an hour from Ghent. 

Bruges is the most romantic city in Belgium and maybe in the whole of Europe. Medieval bridges span romantic canals. Discover Bruges on foot or by boat. An absolute must is the Memling museum housed in the 12^th century Hospital of St, John. But you also have to visit the Chapel of the Holy Blood, the Town Hall, the Groeninghe Museum, the Gruuthuse and climb the Belfry. You will still have time to buy some lace if you forgot to do so in Brussels.

Beloeil (Highway E19)

The castle belongs to the family of the princes of Ligne since the 14^th century. It has wonderful gardens, a 15acre basin designed by a disciple of Le Notre.   Inside, the castle has a museum like collection of fine furniture, tapestries, family portraits and memorabilia.

Tournai (via Stambruges to E42 )

A city already important in the roman times and later under King Clovis was an important tapestry - weaving center in the 15^th and 16^th century. The Romanesque cathedral is one of the most imposing and original buildings in Europe. Inside the church look for the treasury containing the silver and gold reliquary of Nicolas de Verdun. The town has a nice main square with the oldest belfry in Belgium just around the corner. The Fine Art Museum was built by Victor Horta.

Mons was developed around a castle and a monastery in the 7^th century. A magnificent church in Brabant Gothic style houses the 18^th c. “Golden Chariot ” which annually carries de reliquary of St Waudru through the streets of the city. The procession ends with the pageant of the battle of the Lumeçon, between St George and the Dragon. Guess who wins…   A beautiful baroque Belfry stands on the highest point of the city from where there are great views of the surrounding countryside and the ruins of the castle of the Counts of Hainaut as well as a 11^th c. Chapel.

Just outside Mons visit a coal mining industrial archeological site “le Grand Hornu” A remarkable complex in neo classical style where the workplace and homes are integrated. It is now a museum, check with the local tourist office in Mons for special exhibits that are regularly organized in this spectacular space.

Nivelles (E42 leads into E19)

This very old town goes back to Carolingian times.The most important monument to visit is St, Gertrude’ Collegiate church. A very impressive Romanesque abbey church consecrated in the 12^th century by Henry III (yes of France). The size and simplicity inside and outside are striking. The archeological basement consists of the ruins of 5 other churches, from the 7^th to 10^thcentury, which preceded the Romanesque one.

Waterloo (E19 to belt around Brussels, then follow directions to Antwerp and get off at N5 to Waterloo).

This is the famous battlefield where Napoleon was defeated by the combined forces of Wellington and Blucher.

  Day 1 -  Brussels see above

  Day 2 - Liege (Train: 1 hour or Highway E40: 61 miles)

Seat of the Prince Bishops since Bishop Notger converted these territories in an ecclesiastic principality in the 10^th century up to the French revolution . Liege is the center of the art of the Mosan School. You have to visit the St. Bartholomew’s church with the famous baptismal font by Rene de Huy, the Curtius Museum (closed for renovation), the Museum of religious and Mosan art, the Ansembourg Museum ,St. Paul’s Cathedral with the treasury of the Reliquary of Charles the Bold. St James church with an amazing nave vaulting, the Arms Museum.  Liege is a good shopping city and at night you have to see the puppet theatre and visit the cafes of the Ilot Sacre.

Liege - the Hidden city: find the "Rue Roture", this little alley is buzzing with activities at night. Most of the old buildings are occupied by convivial restaurants and cafes in Ardennes farmhouse style; number 24 claims to be the town hall of the free commune of Outremeuse.  The church of Saint Jacques is one of the most beautiful gothic buildings in the country and St Paul's (now the Cathedral) has a splendid cloister. The St Croix church, once a former cloister, has not changed much in the last 800 years.   The Place Saint-Lambert, directly below St Croix church, is landscaped by the architect Paul Strebelle.  On the east side of the square look for modern buildings. each of one is in a different color and in a different style. The Square and its district is also known as the "Ilot Saint Michel" and looks set to become a masterpiece of modern  Belgian Architecture.  Strebelle has included a series of secret gardens above street level. They look semi-private. You have to go through a half-closed gate, climb steps and cross a bridge to reach a strange elevated garden that looks down on the old brick houses around Saint Croix Church.   Wander through the "Carre" district, an extensive quarter of pedestrian shopping streets near the Cathedral; many of the best shops are located in 18th century mansions with stone facades and wooden floors that have been carefully restored to their original state.    To enjoy a stunning view of the city take the picturesque "Sentier des Coteaux". Don't forget to check the splendid Opera house and to browse through some of Belgian 's best bookshops.

DAY 3 - South West of Brussels : Discover French Speaking Wallonia

Driving Itineraries in French Speaking Wallonia - Castles, Gardens, Abbeys, and Charming Villages

Namur (E 411) - Namur ‘s strategic position on the Meuse and Sambre made it the ideal military site. The imposing citadel still stands and can be visited. In the charming and busy town you will also find an archeological museum that houses a beautiful treasury of Hugo d’Oignies, composed of delicate 13^th century metal work in gold and silver.  The satirical irreverent artist Felicien Rops, native of Namur has a museum devoted to his work, well worth a stop.

Annevoie - On the way to Dinant stay on the west bank of the Meuse (N 92) and visit the gardens of Annevoie. Surrounding an elegant house of the 17^th and 18^th century these are a combination of traditional French and romantic Italian styles and famous for their fountains, canals, cascades and other creative uses of the water of the natural springs.

Maredsous - Take the yellow road 5km south west of Annevoie visit de abbey of Maredsous where you can taste monk’s beer and cheese.

Dinant - Another of those cities that was always at war with its rival neighbors. The very imposing citadel must have made the citizens feel safe. Perched on a rock it overlooks the river.

Freyr castle - Just outside of Dinant (follow the Meuse river) Freyr is a beautiful castle in Renaissance Mosan and Louis XV style,surrounded by gardens designed by the counts Beaufort Spontin , again with inspiration from Le Notre in the 17^th century . It also has an excellent view of the Meuse and the rocks on the other bank.   Cross the Meuse to Furfooz via the Walzin Castle.

Veves - Cross the Meuse direction Furfooz ( N 910) to one of the best preserved medieval castles in Belgium standing imposingly in a bucolic setting.

Celles - Continue on N 910 to Celles a beautiful village with a Romanesque church of the 11^th century in pure Mosan style. Pay attention to the tombstone of the Beauforts in black Dinant marble.

Lavaux-St-Anne: Take the N94 to Lavaux-St-Anne, a hunting castle now a museum of Hunting, Game, Falconry and Nature.

Han sur Lesse and the Grottes de Han (N86 left at Lavaux-St-Anne) - A giant calcareous cave cut out by the Lesse river some 10km long can be visited. One of the rooms called, Chamber of Wonders, has the mysterious magic of a crystal palace.

Rochefort - Charming town on the Ourthe river is fishing hiking and biking paradise.

Marche en Famenne to Durbuy - Stay on N86, beautiful road to Durbuy which is another charming small town ideal for fishing, walking, biking. Take N641 to Modave castle.

Modave Castle - Begun in the 13^th century the Count of Marchin restored it in the 17^th century to its present glory. Beautiful inside and outside. Lovely views of Hoyoux valley.

Huy - Continue on N641 to Huy. The collegiate church in flamboyant gothic style was finished in the 15^th century and is famous for its rose window 30ft in diameter. Also visit the treasury with a rich collection of Mosan gold and silver and two magnificent reliquaries from the 12^th and 13^th century.

Take the N 643 to E411 back to Brussels

Take E40 to E 42 go south until you cross N657 via Theux and N62 to SPA. This town gave its name to all spas in the world. The waters have been famous since Roman times. Crowned heads such as Queen Margot, Queen Christine of Sweden, Peter the Great but also our own King Leopold II came her to drink the waters, bathe in the waters and mud baths and walk in the beautiful forests. Today Spa is a holiday center as well, complete with casino and a summer theatre and music festival.  Surrounding forests offer ideal hiking and biking paths.

On the way back to the highway E42 you will pass FRANCORCHAMPS the world famous Formula I race track. With a bit of advance notice, even amateur racers can take a spin on the track.

Take E 42 again to N68 for a quick visit of STAVELOT famous for its annual lent carnival. In the St. Sebastian church you can admire a 13^th century reliquary of St. Remaclus. Stay on N68 to go to MALMEDY a charming town set in a hollow surrounded by steep wooded hills. Continue to Reinhardstein castle an imposing fortress resuscitated from its ruins according to 17^th century drawings. At one time the family Metternich was owner of this castle. Continue to EUPEN. This stretch of N68 is one of the most beautiful roads in Belgium right through the reserve of the HAUTES FAGNES an impressive highland. In the park the SIGNAL DE BOTRANGE marks the highest point in Belgium (2.277 ft).  On a clear day you can see as far as the city of Aachen in Germany.

From Eupen you can go back to Liege on E 40 or, if you wish, on to Brussels which is one hour driving from Liege.

To reach Bouillon take E 411 superhighway to where N89 crosses, go West on N89 to Bouillon (Km 270)

The name of this city goes back to the time of the first crusades when Godefroid of BOUILLON went to Jerusalem. To pay for the travel expenses he had to sell his castle to the Prince Bishops of Liege. The castle’s existence goes back to the 10^th century. From one of the towers there is a sweeping view of the meandering Semois river . The small town of Bouillon is a pleasant spot to stay and from where you can make lovely hiking trips in the beautiful forests around it. 

Take N83 to FLORENVILLE and N88 to ORVAL, the Benedictine abbey founded in 1070, later (12^th century) became one of the most famous Cistercian monasteries in Europe . The monks still brew beer and make their own cheese.

From Orval join N85 via N840 to NEUFCHATEAU where you can take the highway E25 East to BASTOGNE. It is there that the Germans made a last attempt of an offensive with Antwerp as their target. The allies rebuffed the attack in one of the bloodiest battles of the war known as the Battle of the Bulge. The MARDASSON is the monument erected in honor of the American soldiers who died here.

Go back to the highway to HOUFFALIZE were you go West to N860 to follow the river Ourthe to NADRIN and La ROCHE en ARDENNES, both pleasant holiday villages with great little inns and good restaurants. N 89-East will bring you back to super highway and Liege in less than an hour.

Off the Beaten Track Itineraries in Flanders 

Take the ring from Brussels to highway E40 and exit no 18 to N46 to Oudenaarde.

Oudenaarde: During the Middle Ages Oudenaarde was repeatedly attacked by the people of Ghent who were their great rivals in the cloth weaving business. Emperor Charles V seduced a local beauty and their daughter, Margareth, became the governess of the Low Lands under Philips II.

The town hall is a must and with the one in Brussels and Mechelen among the most beautiful gothic buildings in Europe. Visit the 13^th c. church of our Lady. In the aristocratic roccoco Lalaing house a collection of “Verdure” tapestries, specialty of Oudenaarde, are on display.

Take N 8 to Kortrijk.

Kortrijk was at the peak of its glory in the 15^th c. when, like all the other cities in Flanders, it produced the coveted cloth in Europe. But ,here, soon the wool weaving was replaced by flax as the soft water of the Leie river is particularly suited for the retting of flax.   In July 1302 it was under the walls of Kortrijk that the French King, Philip the Handsome’s elite cavalry was defeated by the craftsmen of Ieper and Bruges in the famous battle of the Golden Spurs.    Visit the Beguinage founded in the 13thc. And the church of our Lady built by Balwin of Constantinople.  The national linen museum is housed in a 19thc. farmhouse. Kortrijk is a small but very wealthy town, ideal for shopping. The stores are elegant and sophisticated.

Take A19 to Ieper.

Ieper was another important cloth making town that was at the peak of its power in the 12^th and 13^th centuries.   During WWI Ieper was completely destroyed. The region was the terrain where the British and the German fought the horrible battle of the trenches. More than 300.000 allied troops died and more than 170 military cemeteries are scattered over the countryside.   The Menin memorial gate carries the names of 54.896 British soldiers and every night the last post is played in their honor.   The 14^th c. Cloth Halls were completely destroyed but carefully rebuilt in the original style.

Take N8 to Veurne

If you have time, take one of the yellow roads to the west and then north and enjoy a pleasant ride through the countryside that will bring you to Veurne as well.   The market square is lined with gabled 17^th c. houses and dominated by a 17^th c. town hall in Flemish Renaissance style.    Every year the procession of the Penitents goes through town with floats where groups represent life and death of Christ.   If you feel like ending this excursion with a peck at the sea, go to the Panne where you can walk or sand sail on beautiful wide beaches all the way to the French border.

Via E40 it takes less than 11/2h to get back to Brussels

Leave Brussels via the beautiful avenue de Tervuren. If you wish you can visit the Museum of African art.

Continue to Leuven, together with Paris, Cambridge and Oxford this city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The "Alma Mater" was founded in 1425. The Town Hall built in late gothic style by Jean Keldermans II is a particularly elegant building. When the students are in residence there is a lot of atmosphere and Belgian beer flows freely. Continue to Diest where you should visit the beguinage. Beguinages and belfries are found all over Belgium. They are all on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.



Hassselt is an elegant provincial town with great shopping and a local gin worth stopping for.   Aldenbiezen is a formidable castle founded by the knights of the Teutonic Order.   Tongeren founded by one of Julius Cesar's lieutenants has a Gallo-Roman museum to prove it.  St. Truiden is a charming town in the midst of "Haspengouw", a gently undulating region of orchards especially beautiful in the spring when the fruit trees are in bloom.   You can go back via Tienen or directly via the super highway E 40 which will take you to Brussels in less than 30 minutes

From Bruges you can make a nice day excursion by car or by bike.

Leave Bruges via the Dammepoort and go along the canal to Damme once the outer harbor of Bruges on the Zwin estuary.

There is a lovely small town hall, a few fun restaurants and cafes.

Continue to Knokke het Zoute our most elegant and trendy sea resort with a great golf course and a bird sanctuary "het Zwin" which is a world of channels, tides and salt marshes.

On the way back to Bruges stop at Lissewege a delightful village dominated by the brick tower of its church.

From Ghent we suggest a day excursion to the Leie region.

The banks of the river Leie inspired many a painter in the late 19th and early 20th century. They formed a loose group of young bohemian artist "soon to" be called the school of St. Martens Latem.

Visit Nevele; Deurle for its Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum (The collection features works by, James Ensor, George Minne, Constant Permeke, Albert Servaes, Gustave van de Woestijne and Rik Wouters);

Continue to St. Martens Lathem and the castles of Ooidonk, once the home of the Count of Hornes.

From Ooidonk you can continue on N 43 to Kortrijk another prosperous town where in the 14th century the craftsmen of Ieper and Bruges defeated the cream of the French nobility sent by the King to defend his interests in rebellious Flanders. The weather was against the King that day, the swampy fields were saturated with rain and the knights in heavy armor and on horseback were literally stopped in the mud by the agile foot folk.

Rather than returning directly to Gent take N 8 to Oudenaarde just to have a look at the spectacular late gothic town hall. Highway N 60 will bring you back to Gent in no time.