Belgium: Discover Belgium, as astonishing as it is surprising

The destination that immediately springs to mind when you think of a stay in Belgium is, of course, its capital (also the European capital) Brussels. Easy to get to, it is nonetheless elusive and hard to pin down, sometimes even for its own inhabitants! The city surprises with its magnificence. It's full of surprises. Far from being an open-air museum, it's a dynamic, eclectic city that's sure to please!

The best thing about going to Brussels is not to have any particular vision of it, because the city seems to take a malicious pleasure in never offering the face that we expect of it. A case in point? The most obvious is of course Manneken Pis. The statue of this rambunctious little boy, known the world over, who feels no shame in peeing in front of everyone, disappointed many when they saw it in situ... Belgian humour? Perhaps. In any case, it's a good lesson for tourists, who realise that what's interesting isn't often obvious, and that you have to look at what you're not shown. Brussels should be discovered in this way, without presuppositions, by getting lost. The European capital, which is almost more like a small provincial town, then reveals all its riches. And there are plenty of them. Whether it's culture, gastronomy, festivals or architecture, Brussels is sure to turn heads. But don't let that stop you from admiring the Grand-Place and its magnificent facades.

Less surprising but just as impressive, Bruges offers visitors what they came to see: a magnificent medieval city centre surrounded by canals, rightly earning it the nickname "Venice of the North". Whether on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or by boat, Bruges is a constant source of wonder. Its built heritage, both civil and religious, is a real delight for architecture lovers. Among the must-see sites in this "Venice of the North" are the Grand-Place and its belfry, the Place du Bourg where you'll find the Palace of the Franc of Bruges, the Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Lodge of the Burghers, just some of the architectural masterpieces you can admire.

If you're looking for originality in an architecturally distinctive setting, Antwerp is the place to be. Known as the legendary city of diamonds, Antwerp is far from monolithic. Behind the Baroque buildings and the warm, serene atmosphere, Antwerp conceals a turbulent, cosmopolitan character that is reflected in an explosive mix of the best of Europe's major cities. A fashion mecca with an influential fashion school and numerous designer boutiques, Antwerp attracts the best in designers and architects, and has quickly become a shopper's paradise.

Outside these major tourist cities, you can also take advantage of the Belgian regions for a breath of fresh air! The North Sea offers an iodised setting, with long stretches of beach stretching as far as the eye can see. To the east of Liège, on the Hautes Fagnes plateau, peat bogs, fields of herbs and spruce trees stretch as far as the eye can see. A discovery trail offers a walk. Walk on duckboards and discover the flora and fauna. In the centre of the plateau, visit Belgium's highest point, the Signal de Botrange, 694 m high. From the top of its tower, it offers a magnificent view.