Everything written about Belgium seems to concentrate on Bruges and Brussels. My husband and I will be driving east after staying in Bruges for two days. Our destination is Bouillon in the Ardennes. Any suggestions on must sees or dos along the way?
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7885 posts
Gent, Leuven, Mechelen, Namur, and Dinant (where the saxophone was invented) come immediately to mind, in that priority order. None of these are obscure destinations at all. It's slightly out of the way, but they don't call Lille, France "Little Paris" for nothing. If you have more than a few days in Belgium, I suggest Lonely Planet as an excellent guidebook. I've seen brochures for a Chateau in Charleroi, but I've never been there. You're not far from nice German destinations like Aachen, Monschau, and Trier. There are a number of attractive but small medieval town centers between Leuven and Maastricht. And there's the Belgian open-air (building) museum in Bokrijk.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
Bastogne, Liege, and Spa, Belgium. If you are using a car, be sure to bring or get a good GPS system. Luxembourg is worth a quick visit.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Durbuys in the Ardennes is tiny, but worth a quick visit. If you have any interest in thermal baths, then also check out Spa. One of my favorite Belgian beers, Bobeline, is only available in the environs. The Maas valley south of Namur is quite scenic. The abbey of Maredsous, well known for it's beer and cheese, is open to the public and a short detour of the main road.
Posted by
OP
Mesa, AZ, United States
40 posts
Thanks to all. Looking forward to the trip.