Flanders

Getaway in the heart of Europe

This small yet enchanting region in northern Belgium is a treasure trove of history, heritage, art, the cradle of cycling and birthplace of an unparalleled culinary culture.

Flanders is a region in the heart of Europe providing  natural landscapes dotted with historic castles and beautifully manicured gardens. It is a land rich in age-old tales and pioneering contemporary artistry, renowned for its chocolates, waffles, fries and beer. The region is celebrated for its remarkable world heritage and the masterful artistry of its renowned painters and their successors.

Though modest in size, Flanders is an ideal destination for exploration by train or by bike. Its cultural gems can be discovered amid a lush and untouched countryside making it perfect for visiting artistic cities like Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen. These vibrant cities are brimming with art, historical sites and culinary delights, all just a stone's throw away of one another.

 A journey to Flanders promises immense pleasure, world-class gastronomy, unparalleled art and rich cultural experiences. The historic cities of Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels and Ghent eagerly await your arrival!

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Good times for gourmets

The Belgian praline tradition traces its origins to Swiss pharmacist Jean Neuhaus who opened his shop in Brussels' most exclusive shopping arcade in 1857. Initially, he coated bitter pills with a delicate layer of chocolate. His grandson later transformed this concept by replacing the medicine with a rich, creamy filling, presenting these exquisite creations in beautifully decorated gift boxes tied with elegant bows.

Today, over 320 chocolatiers in Flanders and Brussels continue to uphold this artisanal craft, constantly striving to outdo themselves with innovative and imaginative combinations. Meticulously sourced ingredients, specialized production techniques and customized equipment are essential in achieving the delicous goodness that Belgian chocolates are renowned for.

 

The historic tradition of beer brewing in Belgium and the fervent passion of contemporary brewers has established the country as a haven for exceptional beers. Beer is not just a beverage here, it has been woven into the fabric of Belgian history, gastronomy and social life.

In recognition of its significance, Belgian beer culture was inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

In addition to renowned major beer brands, Belgium is home to countless smaller breweries where artisans craft beers with the same dedication that a painter devotes to their canvas. Immerse yourself in a delightful beer tasting experience and discover the unique flavors of Wit Beer, Trappist Beer, Blonde Beer, Brut, Geuze, Flemish Sour Ale and Fruit Beer.

Though they are famously known worldwide as "French fries," their true origins lie in Belgium, not France. The term “friet” is derived from “patates frites,” which is Belgian French for “fried potatoes.” A common theory suggests that during World War I, American soldiers encountered “fried potatoes” in Belgium but mistakenly associated them with France due to the language.

60% of the population indulges in fries at least once a week. For the Flemish, fries are far more than just a side dish. To achieve the title of the best fries in the world, one must master the art of cutting and employ a double cooking technique using the beloved Bintje potatoes.

A Belgian waffle is a delightful yeast-based treat often topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Its popularity surged in America during the 1964 World's Fair in New York where the Brussels waffle was showcased at the Belgian pavilion under the name “Bel-Gem Waffles".

The tradition of waffle-making in Flanders dates back to the Middle Ages. Paintings by Flemish Masters, including Pieter Bruegel the Elder, illustrate the use of waffle irons heated over an open fire for festive occasions such as Carnival, Lent and local fairs. Even the wealthy enjoyed these delicacies with the oldest known waffle irons adorned with the coat of arms of the Dukes of Burgundy, highlighting their significance in culinary history.

Discover Flanders' cities

Home to art, culture and leisure

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Belgium

Antwerp

A cosmopolitan city with the charm of a village - that's what the Antwerpers call their city. Go on a journey of discovery and find out why.

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Belgium

Bruges

An entire city center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: you don't need more reasons to visit Bruges. But of course there are also the picturesque...
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Belgium
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  • train journey 2ⁿᵈ class
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Brussels

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The marvellously vibrant Brussels, capital of Europe, beer and chocolates. The home of Art Nouveau, numerous art treasures and monuments. You do...

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Belgium

Ghent

Almost a third of Ghent's 265,000 inhabitants are students. So it's no wonder that the city is young and innovative despite its historic backdrop....
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