The Heart of Beer and Chocolate

Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg Square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt Square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views. A brewery tour is recommended, to try a selection of the beers and see how the local beers are made.

The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and historical centre of the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as the capital of the Flemish Region and Belgium. The City of Brussels is also the administrative centre of the European Union, as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions in its European Quarter. Whilst in Brussels, why not discover the wonders of Belgian chocolate and learn how to make amazing chocolates at a chocolate workshop in one of the very rare chocolate artisans in Brussels.  

Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, near the border with Belgium. A cultural hub and bustling university city today, it was once an important merchant center of French Flanders, and many Flemish influences remain. The historic center, Vieux Lille, is characterized by 17th-century brick townhouses, cobbled pedestrian streets and the large central square, Grand Place. The Wazemmes Market is the ideal place to sample culinary specialties from around the world, prepared on the spot. Stalls offer ready-to-eat dishes and sell fresh produce as well as clothes and wares from all over the world.