Four must-dos in Flanders

By Travel Weekly

With charming cities, a rich history and artistic masterpieces (not to mention an unparalleled beer culture), there’s a lot to love about Flanders in northern Belgium.

Here are four experiences your clients must do while visiting this historic region:

1. Picture-perfect Bruges

With canals looping across the town, cobblestone paths, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph in beautiful Bruges. The addition of swans on the water, horse-drawn carriages in the lanes and daffodils in the park make it almost magical.

Image source: Visit Flanders

UNESCO World Heritage listed, Bruges has the best-preserved medieval city centre in Europe. Visitors should give themselves plenty of time to happily get lost uncovering the many pleasures around each corner, from lace boutiques and chocolates shops to architectural and historical treasures.

2. Ghent and the world’s most stolen artwork

Stolen seven times, one of the world’s greatest art treasures is secreted away in Ghent: the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the van Eyck brothers.

After an intensive ten-year restoration, it is now housed in a brand-new visitors’ centre in St Bavo’s cathedral, the perfect starting point to a stay in glorious Ghent.

Image source: Visit Flanders

3. On the remembrance trail

Once a medieval trading centre, Ypres, in the heart of Flanders Fields, is a city with a long and rich history. During the First World War, Ypres was largely reduced to rubble. Nowadays, the small city boasts one of Flanders’ most picturesque market squares.

In an enduring tradition of remembrance, every night at 8pm, buglers sound the Last Post under the Menin Gate. There are museums and memorials throughout the region, many recognising the enduring ties between Australia and the people of Flanders.

Image source: Visit Flanders

4. Brussels, the heart of Europe

As the headquarters to the European Union, Brussels is regarded as The Capital of Europe. Don’t miss is the Grand Place, which was built as a merchants’ market in the 13th century. Smack in the city centre, it is one of the world’s truly beautiful city squares.

A surprising aspect of Brussels is the comic book street art route, with over 50 commissioned murals celebrating local comic culture including Tintin and Asterix.

Image source: Visit Flanders

To learn more about what Flanders will look like as a destination for Aussie tourists in 2022 and beyond, tune in to the European Showcase 2021 on Wednesday 3 November.

There will be a choice of two identical sessions available for attendees to join on at 10am or 3pm (AEST), and the free virtual event will feature updates from the Austrian National Tourist Office, Visit Flanders, Tourism Ireland, the Italian National Tourist Board, Visit Monaco and Switzerland Tourism.

And, with amazing prizes on offer, the European Showcase will be a virtual experience not to be missed!

For more information or to register, click HERE. And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more updates on Travel Weekly.

Featured image source: Visit Flanders

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belgium brussels Flanders Flanders Fields Ghent northern Belgium Visit Flanders Ypres