A small country in the heart of Europe, Belgium is, despite its proximity to France, a very different destination. Between the shores of the North Sea and the dense forests of the Ardennes, you will discover a land of culture, a welcoming population and a nature that invites you to many leisure activities.
With a coastline of almost 70 kilometers, Belgium invites you to enjoy large stretches of fine sand. From De Panne in the south to Knocke in the north, the 10 seaside resorts along the coast offer a picturesque atmosphere, each in its own way. Discover, for example, Bredene with its wild beach bordered only by dunes, polders and ideal for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing. Also enjoy the beautiful natural beach of Koksijde-Oostduinkerke where shrimp fishermen enjoy their activity on horseback. And to get from one coastal town to another, use the original streetcar line that runs along the sea.
After this breath of fresh air and sea spray, set out to discover the cities of Belgium. Brussels, the capital, is a magical destination with countless wonderful sites. Among the must-sees: the Grand-Place, the Sacred Island, the Manneken-Pis, the Royal Square, the Atomium, the Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, not to mention the numerous museums: the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum, the Belgian Comic Strip Center... Then go to Antwerp, the country's second most populous city and famous for its diamond know-how. While walking through its beautiful streets, you will appreciate the Gothic cathedral of Our Lady, the Mannerist town hall, the Steen, the house of Rubens and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
During your stay in Belgium, also take time to visit Bruges. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its perfectly preserved medieval center, the "Venice of the North" seduces with its network of canals, its Grand-Place, its belfry and its palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. But also visit Ghent (quai aux Herbes, castle), Mons (baroque belfry, collegiate church), Tournai (cathedral, cloth market), Namur (citadel, belfry), Liège (fine arts museum, bishop's palace) and the charming town of Durbuy (castle, wheat market). And take advantage of your visits to taste the local flavors: mussels and French fries, Ardennes ham, flamiche, waterzooi, carbonade, stoemp, cheese, speculoos, waffles, chocolate, abbey beers...