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Why Belgium? | How to get to the destination? | Cultural Destination | Gastronomical Destination | Antwerp | Bruges | Brussels | Ghent |
WHY BELGIUM?
An incentive destination and a buzzing business nerve centre in the heart of Europe, Belgium is also a country of surprises, where pleasure comes in a multitude of shapes and forms. From the channels of Bruges to the Ardennes forests, from Rubens to Magritte, from warm popular cafés to the most prestigious restaurants, this small country offers a concentration of natural, cultural, culinary and architectural treasures.
In brief
| Population: |
±10,250,000 inhabitants |
| Surface area: |
32,545 km² |
| Federal capital: |
Brussels |
| Head of State: |
King Albert II |
| National Day: |
21 July |
| Currency: |
Euro |
| Time zone: |
GMT + 1 hour |
| Summer time: |
GMT + 2 hours (from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October) |
| Weight and measures: |
metric system |
| Domestic electricity: |
220 volts |
| Population density |
±315 inhabitants per km² |
| Peak: |
Signal de Botrange (694 m) |
The Climate
In general, the sunniest period of the year is from the end of May to the end of September, but all of the seasons have their own charm and bring a variety of shades to the landscape that help to highlight the countryside. Belgium’s climate is similar to that of other temperate regions near the ocean with summers that can be very warm, attracting visitors to the coast, where the North Sea always brings a pleasant breeze to the country’s huge, fine sand beaches. In the country’s eastern part, the forests of the Ardennes are marked by colder winters and are often covered by snow, something that ski fans appreciate.
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One country – three regions.
Belgium is a federal country with three different regions: The Flanders in the north where, the inhabitants speak Dutch, the Walloon region, where people speak French and Brussels where both languages are spoken. Each region is an interesting place to visit offering a different taste of Belgian diversity.
How to get to the destination?
By Plane
More than 70 international airlines serve Brussels International Airport, one of the most active and extensive in Europe. Recently renovated, Brussels International Airport offers connections with hundreds of international destinations with an extensive range of services expected in such an International facility. The airport benefits from an express train service that links most of the major cities. Downtown Brussels is only 20 minutes away by train whilst several regional Airports in permanent development are boosting the International Accessibility of the territory.
By Train
Belgium is also the crossroads of Europe’s railway network with high-speed trains such as Eurostar and Thalys bring large Capitals like Paris and London closer than ever before.
For instance, Brussels is 2 hours 40 minutes from London and Amsterdam, and only 1 hour 25 minutes from Paris.
By Car
Belgium is blessed with an excellent highway network.
From the centre of the country, you can never be more than 90 minutes from your final destination in Belgium.
Cultural Destination
Belgium's rich history has left impressive churches, town halls, castles and works of art, dating back to the early Middle Ages, spread around the cities and country-side. In Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, museums compete with their collection of the famous Flemish Painters: Brueghel, Van Dyck, Van Eyck, Rubens, and Memling…
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Gastronomical Destination
Belgian cooking is refined and comes in generous portions; it combines flavors, colors and scents to whet one’s appetite. Whether you try a restaurant with one or more Michelin stars or a popular brasserie serving robust local dishes, Belgium offers many temptations.
10 Gourmet specialties:
- The “Chicon”: the Belgian name for endive. Slowly caramelized over a low flame or prepared “au gratin” with ham and “béchamel”
- Flemish “carbonades”: beef in a sauce, cooked in beer, with bacon cubes and spices.
- Shrimp croquettes: these should be eaten on the coast, with a well-chilled glass of dry white wine.
- Pheasant “à la brabançonne”: cooked with… chicons!
- Waterzooi: chicken in a flavorful mix of vegetables.
- The “Anguilles au vert” : eel cooked with spinach and sorrel
- “Stoemp”: Brussels’ small inns serve this hearty meal based on sausage or lard, accompanied by a purée of potatoes and vegetables.
- Game: in the Ardennes, the hunting season is the time to taste deer, venison, young wild boar, partridge, quail and hare.
- Mussels and chips: how could we forget them? With a cold beer or a glass of dry white wine, this is a very simple dish that is appreciated by many…
- Pastries : rice, sugar and cheese tarts, “mokken” of Ghent, al’djote” tart, “couques” of Dinant and “speculoos”, not to mention chocolate.
Shopping
What to bring back from Belgium? Shoppers are spoiled for choice, whatever styles they are looking for and regardless of the size of their budget. Surrender to the temptation of gourmet specialties: subtle chocolates, special beers and salted meats or fish. Admire the delicate lace of Brussels and Bruges, or break the bank and buy an exceptional stone at one of Antwerp’s many diamond merchants, whose reputation is known worldwide. Visit the stores of the most famous Belgian designers, their imagination has conquered the international jet set.
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| venuesbelgium.com |
Teleport Boulevard 110. 1043 EJ
P.O. Box 59329, NL-1040 KH Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Tel +31 20 627 00 60
Email info@venuesbelgium.com |
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