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Located in the north of Belgium, Flanders is the geographic Heart of Europe. It manages to surprise visitors with a huge range of opportunities for art & heritage, gastronomy, beer, and cycling. Flanders encompasses the Art Cities of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen. Now is the perfect time to check them out.
Antwerp, Stylish to a Fault
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Whether you’re in the central train station or MAS, the remarkable city museum, it’s impossible not to find the architecture attractive. This isn’t a new accolade either as it was one of the greatest, richest cities in all of Europe in the 1500s. A century later, the iconic Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens called Antwerp his home. In more recent years, canvas has been replaced by cotton and the artists of note are fashion designers. This city is home to world-renowned shopping, the famous Antwerp Six and a bustling diamond trade.
Antwerp, Stylish to a Fault
—
Whether you’re in the central train station or MAS, the remarkable city museum, it’s impossible not to find the architecture attractive. This isn’t a new accolade either as it was one of the greatest, richest cities in all of Europe in the 1500s. A century later, the iconic Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens called Antwerp his home. In more recent years, canvas has been replaced by cotton and the artists of note are fashion designers. This city is home to world-renowned shopping, the famous Antwerp Six and a bustling diamond trade.
Bruges, Picture Perfect
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When one imagines Belgium, they often are thinking of Bruges. Canals loop across the town like a string of pearls, creating the well-earned moniker of ‘the Venice of the North’. With cobblestone paths, brick archways, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. Listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bruges has the best-preserved example of a medieval city center, with its bell tower leaving over the wide-open market. With the center closed off to cars, all the beauty of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot.
Bruges, Picture Perfect
—
When one imagines Belgium, they often are thinking of Bruges. Canals loop across the town like a string of pearls, creating the well-earned moniker of ‘the Venice of the North’. With cobblestone paths, brick archways, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. Listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bruges has the best-preserved example of a medieval city center, with its bell tower leaving over the wide-open market. With the center closed off to cars, all the beauty of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot.
Brussels, The Heart of Europe
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As the headquarters to the European Union and NATO, this metropolis is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. It is the ultimate European city with a mosaic of languages and cultures paving a way for a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. With over 80 museums, the King’s Palace and a wealth of history, culture is equally accessible. Impossible to miss is the Grand Place, which was built as a merchants’ market in the 13th century. Smack in the city center, it plays host to numerous festivals and concerts year-round.
Brussels, The Heart of Europe
—
As the headquarters to the European Union and NATO, this metropolis is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. It is the ultimate European city with a mosaic of languages and cultures paving a way for a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. With over 80 museums, the King’s Palace and a wealth of history, culture is equally accessible. Impossible to miss is the Grand Place, which was built as a merchants’ market in the 13th century. Smack in the city center, it plays host to numerous festivals and concerts year-round.
Ghent, Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
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The undiscovered Flemish jewel of a city boasts an opera house, a handful of museums, even more ancient churches, and countless bridges spanning two rivers. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Alternatively, hop on a bike and explore the nearby Patershol district with the towering Gravensteen Castle and UNESCO recognized bell tower. The laid-back atmosphere of this livable, lovable city means enjoying the vibrant nightlight of a university town then quaffing cava at the flower market the following Sunday morning.
Ghent, Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
—
The undiscovered Flemish jewel of a city boasts an opera house, a handful of museums, even more ancient churches, and countless bridges spanning two rivers. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Alternatively, hop on a bike and explore the nearby Patershol district with the towering Gravensteen Castle and UNESCO recognized bell tower. The laid-back atmosphere of this livable, lovable city means enjoying the vibrant nightlight of a university town then quaffing cava at the flower market the following Sunday morning.
Leuven, Mecca of Books and Beer
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A vibrant student population and a rich history combine in the city of Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (KU Leuven), founded in 1425. Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brewing capital – no small feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious varieties. Leuven is the headquarters of AB Inbev, the largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beers. Leuven is a great place for the curious traveler with time to explore. It is an intimate city; any spot can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.
Leuven, Mecca of Books and Beer
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A vibrant student population and a rich history combine in the city of Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (KU Leuven), founded in 1425. Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brewing capital – no small feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious varieties. Leuven is the headquarters of AB Inbev, the largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beers. Leuven is a great place for the curious traveler with time to explore. It is an intimate city; any spot can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.
Mechelen, Beers, Bells and Tapestries
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Mechelen is a small and picturesque city that is big on charm and history, thriving with quaint shops, car-free areas, and pleasant little squares. The grace of centuries-old palaces and majestic churches appeals to everyone. There are 336 listed buildings and monuments, including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th-17th century. The Begijnhofkerk is especially unique, with its feminine art schemes and pastel colors. It is also home to one of the last remaining places in the world that restores and repairs antique tapestries, at Royal Manufacturers De Wit.
Mechelen, Beers, Bells and Tapestries
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Mechelen is a small and picturesque city that is big on charm and history, thriving with quaint shops, car-free areas, and pleasant little squares. The grace of centuries-old palaces and majestic churches appeals to everyone. There are 336 listed buildings and monuments, including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th-17th century. The Begijnhofkerk is especially unique, with its feminine art schemes and pastel colors. It is also home to one of the last remaining places in the world that restores and repairs antique tapestries, at Royal Manufacturers De Wit.
Experience Flemish Masters
Are you ready to stir your senses?
See & Do
Discover Flanders, discover vibrant Art Cities, small towns, villages, and tranquil nature. Flanders offers a unique combination that makes all travelers feel welcomed and at home.
Arts
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For over 250 years, from the 15th to well into the late 17th century, Flanders was at the forefront of the finest art in Western Europe and the inspiration behind the most famous art movements of the time: Primitive, Renaissance and Baroque. The artists, renowned for their skill, creativity, and technical innovation, turned an already rich and urban Flanders into one of the world’s most culturally sophisticated regions, with impressive achievements in both art and architecture. You can stroll around the historic setting in which Rubens lived, wander through the landscapes that inspired Pieter Bruegel the elder, and discover a painting by Van Eyck in the exact location it was painted.
Heritage
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Flanders has a deep and rich cultural heritage that goes back hundreds of years. The region has a multitude of world-class museums, galleries and art centers and a wealth of art events throughout the year. Heritage experiences are reflected in different ways, offering unique experiences to visitors of Flanders. Admire the architectural heritage of well-preserved medieval city centers. See shrimp fishers on horseback, the traditional way of fishing shrimp and a UNESCO world heritage site. Or dive into the long tradition of lace and tapestry making. Flanders offers a wealth of heritage experience in the Heart of Europe.
Gastronomy
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Love of food and flavor is in a Fleming’s blood, and good taste is rooted in their DNA. They are living the good life. Flanders has fries, beer, and chocolate, but there is so much more to discover. Small-scale microbreweries are emerging, young chefs are innovating in the kitchen with zero waste, experimenting with local ingredients. Chocolatiers are redefining the classic praline, and street food is taking over the streets. Expertise and know-how are passed down from parent to child. A creative young generation is breathing new life into their traditions. That’s what keeps their culinary heritage alive.
Beer
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Many aficionados view Belgium as the fatherland of beer, especially since their brewing heritage dates back many centuries, yet still provides influence and inspiration to modern-day brewers. Beer is a part of their DNA, and the historic significance of their beer culture is even recognized by UNESCO, who inscribed the Belgian beer culture to their list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Their top brew masters still use the same techniques that have been passed down for generations, continually preserving the unique characters of their beers. Rochefort, Achel, Chimay, Duvel, Orval, Westmalle: these are just some of the world-renowned breweries that have helped to make Belgian beers household names across the globe.
Sportive Cycling
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If you are a cycling-race enthusiast, a trip to Flanders is nothing less than a pilgrimage to the most hallowed grounds in the sport. Flanders is an all-in cycling destination, and they love to share their tips and tricks so everyone can enjoy Flanders as a real Flandrien does. Are you a fierce biker or a passionate supporter? Here you will find everything you need to know about cycle racing in Flanders. Ride on the roads where natives like Eddy Merckx, Johan Museeuw and Tom Boonen became legends. Visit the Cycle Museum and the Tour of Flanders Centre. And discover interesting events to put on your bucket list. Get inspired!
Recreational Cycling
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Flanders is a paradise for cyclists. Are you ready to get on your bike and explore its beautiful sceneries, picturesque villages, and artistic cities? Flanders is a region that provides you with a great, all-round cycling holiday. The castles, museums, medieval churches, picturesque villages, and artistic towns will fascinate culture lovers. Outdoorsy types can enjoy. The complete tranquility of the Flemish countryside with national parks, woods, rolling hills, canals, and rivers. You will find everything you need for your cycling in Flanders, from interesting routes and bike rental to bicycle-friendly accommodations.
WWI Heritage
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From 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War. A million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing, or killed in action. Today, the peaceful region still bears witness to this history through its monuments, museums, cemeteries, and the countless individual stories that link it with the world. Remembrance of the First World War lives on in Flanders, in places such as the Menin Gate, where the Last Post sounds every evening, Tyne Cot Memorial and Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world) and the many, many memorials dedicated to the fallen and the missing.
