Hidden Brussels
an uncommon guide to
the strangest country in the world
My Grand Tour of Flanders
The Flemish cities have a cosmopolitan, European feel because of their history. The architecture is a mix of different styles: French, Dutch, Hapsburg, along with a hint of America. And then you have the fabulous squares in Flemish cities, not just the Grote Markt, but the small, intimate squares like Hendrik Conscienceplein in Antwerp. That’s where you find the cafes, the beer, the frituur stand and maybe you will be lucky and hit upon a local festival. It can sometimes feel like Italy, especially in the summer.
I thought Lier was a perfect small town with a friendly tourist office, fascinating local museum and interesting walking trails. I also had a great time in Aalst which feels like a mash up of Antwerp and Ghent. And I had a lot of fun exploring the hills around Oudenaarde on a bike. But, to be honest, each of the 15 cities I have visited has turned out to be interesting. Even Vilvoorde, which I expected to be grim and industrial, turned out to be a fascinating example of urban regeneration. It might even be the next hip destination.
A pilgrimage to Holy Halle
Hidden Wallonia
15 FLEMISH CITIES
AALST
GEEL
GENK
HALLE
HASSELT
KORTRIJK
Kortrijk has come a long way since 1302
LEUVEN
LIER
MECHELEN
OSTEND
OUDENAARDE
SINT-NIKLAAS
TONGEREN
VILVOORDE
YPRES
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Mons
Hidden secrets of Mons
Mons was once a forgotten city known mainly for its abandoned coal mines and World War One battlefields. But it has smartened up its image no end in preparation for its year as one of the two cultural capitals of Europe.
Here is my guide to the hidden secrets of Mons
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