Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

DISC OVERING BEL GIUM AND L UXEMBOURG  13

A Week in Belgium Day 5: Bouillon to Namur
Visit the Château-Fort de
Bouillon (pp236–7), a classic
• Arriving Arrive and depart hill­top castle once owned by
from Brussels National Airport legendary crusader Godefroid
or from Brussels Gare du Midi. de Bouillon. Another majestic
A car is essential for this trip. castle that should not be missed
• Book ahead In summer, is the Château de Lavaux Ste-
many of the best hotels Anne (p215). From here, drive
in Belgium, especially those north to the mighty Citadelle at
in the countryside, are full Namur (pp206–207), overlooking
at weekends. It is advisable the town centre. Pause awhile
to reserve in advance. to admire the Église St­Loup
(p207). Round off the day with
a visit to the Musée Provincial
Day 1: Brussels des Arts Anciens (p206) to see
Begin the day at Place Royale Belgium’s finest col lection of
(p68) that is home to some Mosan gold and silver.
of the finest palaces in Europe. The magnificent Baroque altar of
In summer, pop into Palais St-Niklaaskerk, Ghent Day 6: Charleroi to Mons
Royal (p68) to see the Throne Head 3 km (2 miles) south of
Room. Reserve plenty of time to the home and studio of Paul Charleroi (p191) to Le Bois du
see the gems of the Musées Rubens. Drive southeast to check Cazier (p191), a former colliery at
Royaux des Beaux-Arts (pp72– out the two great monasteries Marcinelle that has become an
3). Next, head for the Grand in the region: Abdij Tongerlo industrial heritage centre. Next,
Place (pp60–61), the capital’s (p161) and Abdij van Averbode go to the Écomusée Regional
centrepiece, and marvel at the (p166). Spend the rest of the day du Centre (p192) to learn about
ornate guild houses which at Bokrijk Openluchtmuseum the story of coal mining in the
surround it, especially the Hôtel (p171), where old Flemish farm­ country. Later, explore the Neo­
de Ville (p62). Explore the area ing tradi tions are preserved Classical Château de Seneffe
on foot and be sure not to miss in a collection of historical (p191), one of the most elegant
the famous Mannekin Pis (p64). rural buildings. residences in Western Wallonia.
Day 2: Bruges and Ghent Day 4: Liège to Bastogne Day 7: Mons to Tournai
Climb the octagonal Belfort Start off in bustling Liège (pp220– Mons (p193) is best known for
(p112) in Bruges (pp112–21) for 23) that is home to two fine its stunning Gothic church, the
fine views over the city centre, museums: the Musée Grand Collégiale Ste­Waudru (p193).
before exploring the Groeninge Curtius (p221) and the Musée de Spend time admiring its beau­
Museum (pp118–19), which is la Vie Wallone (p220), an exem­ tiful archi tecture, before heading
famed for its collection of works plary museum of social history, south to Grand Hornu (p193),
by early Dutch and Flemish traditions and crafts. The switch­ a grand colliery complex that is
masters. Afterwards, drive south­ back hills and valleys of the now a centre of art and design.
east to Ghent (pp134–9), one of Ardennes were once the scene Devote the afternoon to explor­
Belgium’s great university towns of the famed Ardennes Offensive ing Tournai (pp184–8), one of
known for its vibrant atmosphere. (see p235). Learn more about the Belgium’s oldest towns. Check
While in town, check out the historic battle at the Bastogne out the striking Cathédrale
St­Baafskathedraal (p136) and Historical Centre in the medieval Notre-Dame (pp186–7), whose
the nearby St­Niklaaskerk (pp136– city of Bastogne (p234) and on treasury hosts a fine collection
7). Later, explore the Graslei and the nearby Mardasson Hill. of religious art.
Korenlei (p137) embankments
that boast fine guildhouses from
the days when Ghent was the
richest city in Europe. Try a cone
of fries before leaving the city –
Ghent boasts Belgium’s best.
Day 3: Antwerp and the East
Head east to Antwerp (pp148–
59), famous for haute couture
and fine cuisine. Visit the Grote
Markt (p148) to see the elabo­
rate guildhouses, and then
head for the monu mental
Rubenshuis (pp154–5), once The mighty Citadelle overlooking the town of Namur

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