Belgium : One day in Antwerp

What should we do this weekend? "Well let's go and visit Antwerp!" "But where should we start a Saturday morning knowing it's "Sinterklaas". (= Biiiig Belgian tradition for Children!)

Well we decided to start where most travellers start: at the train station. We had been there in the past but it's always a pleasure to see this wonderful train station. We parked the car in the underground parking under the station (about 18€ a day).

We had a Starbucks before leaving the station (old habbit we picked up in the US) and just wandered in the streets. The buildings are really nice and the main square is really nice with the view of the Cathedral of our Lady in the background.

We had read about a small museum in the backstreets that was really worth a visit. "The Poorterswooning" Museum (http://www.poorterswoning.be/) is a really nice little house of a 16th century house where you can see how a trader lived at that time. The guide put you really in the picture and it's just like you travelled back in time. (3€ per person where 1€ can be used in the café downstairs)

A second thing worth seeing is crossing to the other side of the river through the "Sint-Anna tunnel'. This 572 m long tunnel is reserved to pedestrians and bikers. The escalators are still the originals which are made of wood. When getting out of the tunnel you can enjoy the view of Antwerp's skyline.

This was the last step of our trip. We walked back to the train station using all small streets. We definitely have to come back another day to explore more of these old streets and houses. 

Belgium : Around the corner

As the weather wasn't too bad today we decided to have a walk near our place. We walked the reebok trail (11km) that starts in the town of Fumal (Braives). This wonderful trail took us in the beautiful countryside of the rivers Mehaigne and Burdinale. (http://www.tourismebm.be/index.php?lang=fr)

Belgium : Local heritage day

Every year, the first weekend of september, a lot of old monuments and buildings publicly and privately owned are open to everyone in Belgium. This allowed us to visit a restored forge. This is an opportunity to see what is hiding behind the walls of your neighbourhood. (http://www.belgium-tourism.net/informations/events_region_bruxelloise__journees_du_patrimoine___heritage_days/en/E/19329.html)

Belgium : Walking between the twists and turns of the Semois

We had always said we would go hike in the valley of the Semois near the town of Bouillon. We finally did it. We parked our car in the village of Rochehaut which has also a beautiful view on the valley and a well-known restaurant "Auberge de la Ferme". We went from Rochehaut to Dohan through the woods and then started to follow back the river to Rochehaut.

Rochehaut

We had taken our tent with us so we stopped at a rest place about 5km from Bouillon near the river. Wild camping isn't allowed in Belgium but we minimized our impact on our environment and left at sunset. We started the next day with a breakfast in Bouillon. Next to the countryside Bouillon has a lot to offer. One of the main attraction is the castle build around the 10th century and where the well-known Godefroy de Bouillon has lived.

Bouillon

 Bouillon's castle

Narrow streets near the castle

After leaving Bouillon we followed the flow of the river to arrive at the next viewpoint : the Giant's Tomb.

 Giant's tomb ("Tombeau du Géant")

At the end we had hiked about 50kms in two days. Near Poupehan we found a small portion of another hike that we had to do, the "hike of the ladders". I would recommend it to anyone who isn't scared of heights. You have nice views over the valley.

Belgium : Sunny Sunday in Bruges (Brugge)

We woke up in the morning and saw the beautiful blue sky. What should we do today?... Well let's go to the shore and visit one of the most known city: Bruges.

We first went to take some fresh air at the shore and drove afterwards to Bruges. We didn't really visit all the interesting museums or navigate on the inner city canals. We've just enjoyed wandering in this beautiful city often called "Venice of the north". After walking all afternoon we sat down at a terrace on the main square  with a blanket around us.
Because, first of all, Bruges is also so romantic!

Belgium : Walk in the neighbourhood of Vezin

Walk in the neighborhood of Vezin. Nice walk on a sunday afternoon.

Belgium : One day at the beach

Even though the water is way to cold to swim in it is always a pleasant walk on the beach on the cold days of winter. We are the only ones on the beach and it gives us the opportunity to let the dogs run.

Belgium : Brussels at Christmas

Every year you can visit "Brussels winter wonders". Most of the Christmas market is located on the St-Catherine's place. You can find all kind of craft works in the small wooden chalets. Of course, you can also enjoy nice drinks and food as well! Next to all the typical christmas shops you can enjoy a ride on the big wheel or ice-skating on the old fishing market place.

(http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Belgium/brussels-christmas-market.html)