CyclingA new network of cycling paths has been developed in the Ardennes region. Known as
RAVeL (
Réseau Autonome des Voies Lentes or ‘independent network of slow paths’), the system is made up of disused railway lines and old canal towpaths, now reserved and adapted for the exclusive use of pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. It will eventually consist of 2000km (1240 miles) of paths, which will be linked to similar paths in neighboring countries. For further information, contact RAVeL (website:
http://ravel.wallonie.be). Flanders, the
more northerly and flatter part of the country, is just as well-equipped for cyclists. There are many kilometers of signposted cycling routes. Bicycles can be hired at larger railway stations and can be reserved in advance. They can very often be carried on trains at no extra expense. Many hotels will make arrangements for luggage to be taken to the next destination during cycling tours. Contact the tourist boards for further information (see
General Info section).
Outdoor activitiesAlthough a highly developed country, Belgium has some beautiful countryside. The hilly country in the Ardennes region features forests, lakes and caves. Flanders offers opportunities for coastal and forest walks. For further information about marked trails, contact the tourist boards (see
General Info section). Numerous other activities can be practiced, including canoeing, kayaking, horseriding, caving, climbing and fishing. A range of watersports is also available on the coast.
Brewery toursBelgium is renowned for its hundreds of varieties of high-quality beer. There are beers of all colors and types, brewed using different methods and ingredients – wheat beers, fruit beers, red beers, amber ales and ‘spontaneously fermented beers’, to mention but a few. Each beer has its own distinctive glass and label. Six kinds of trappist beer, brewed by monks to ancient recipes, are made in Belgium. Some breweries are open to the public. Trappist breweries open to the public include the
Bières de Chimay brewery at Bailleux and the
Rochefortoise brewery at Eprave. Visits to the Rochefortoise brewery must be booked by fax and confirmed two days in advance. These beers can all be sampled in Belgium’s many cafes, pubs and restaurants.
GastronomyBelgium’s large number of excellent restaurants testifies to the high esteem in which the Belgians place good food. The country has the highest number of Michelin stars per head of the population, and is the only country in the world where US fast food chains have been consistently losing money. The visitor has an array of fine restaurants, sophisticated cafes, and pubs to choose from. Specialist tour operators offer gastronomy trips where visitors can learn how to cook Flemish dishes using local produce and beers.
ChocolateBelgian chocolate has an excellent reputation. Some chocolate factories are open to the public, though it is often necessary to book in advance. The
Chocolate and Cocoa Museum on the Grand-Place in Brussels is open from Tuesday to Sunday (every day in July and August). The
Chocolaterie Jacques' museum in Eupen near Liège is open to the public from Monday to Friday. Groups of more than 10 people need to book in advance (website:
www.chocolatjacques.be).
World Wars I and IIFlanders contains Passendale and Ypres. These battlefields can be visited, and there are many museums commemorating the war dead and informing the visitor about these terrible events. The
In Flanders Fields Museum (tel: (5) 723 9220) is an authority on the region and the impact the war made upon it. In Ypres at 2000 each day, the Last Post is sounded under the Menin Gate. A number of commemorative events are organized by the regional tourist boards.
Next Page »
