Bruges, Ghent and Brussels

BRUGES, GHENT AND BRUSSELS from 5 to 8 September 1998

Bruges

Among the European cities I have visited, the one that struck me most was Bruges, a very romantic and cosy city. I remember waking up in the morning and thinking I was in the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. It is a medieval city, said to be the best preserved in Europe as well. Rich in history and palaces, it is delightful with its cobbled lanes, the typical Northern European houses with sloping roofs and red bricks set among a series of canals. You can go around it on foot, by bicycle or on the little boats that cross the canals, always full of tourists.... I chose to go around it on these, and you are left open-mouthed as you pass under the bridges and emerge into beautiful corners. They also call it the little Venice of the North....

Besides being rich in palaces and monuments, a sore point is that it is also rich in chocolate shops; you end up with your nose pressed against the windows not knowing what to choose – you practically put on weight just by looking. Other characteristic windows are the works made with lace bobbins, and you find lace and embroidery everywhere. Even in the windows of the houses you see lots of little doilies hanging. For a spectacular view over this city, you can climb the 366 steps of the central Belfry, the city monument overlooking the Grote Markt, and then there is the park, the lake of lovers..... in short, if you want to spend a few days in the name of romance, I heartily recommend it....

Ghent If it weren't for Paris, Ghent would have been the largest medieval city in Europe. It is not as picturesque as Bruges but it is still very pretty, and like Bruges it has a belfry from which you get a fine panorama; and here, instead of the little boat, I preferred to go around its little streets by carriage.... Brussels With its large buildings and modern skyscrapers, Brussels did not particularly strike me. The only thing I remember is the square where the Grand Place is found, which they say is one of the most beautiful central squares in Europe. I found it very lively and colourful, also because a demonstration was taking place...... and then I remember the beer....

never have I drunk better beer than in this country!!!! When to go Normally there are no climatic extremes; the warmest months are those between April and September, but you must be ready for grey skies and damp streets at any time of the year