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A short break in Flanders
Getting to Bruges -
Events -
Books -
Basics
Avignon
The music of bells is
everywhere in Bruges, from clink-clonking belfries to the tinkling
bells of bicycles bumping over the cobbles. Of all the things to do and
see in this exquisite town, the best is simply to stroll, listen and
look. It’s hard to imagine anywhere lovelier for simply wandering idly
along beautiful old streets, with frequent pauses to admire pretty
scenes, medieval houses, winding canals and tempting shop window
displays of lace and diamonds and chocolates laid out like jewels. Life
revolves around Markt, the central square where the people of Bruges
gather at scores of outdoor tables, lingering over strong coffee or
glasses of local beer. Steep gabled rooftops in the Flemish style rise
above restaurants and bars. Follow a picturesque canal side called Dijver to reach the town’s art museums. Beyond, white swans glide on a
dark lake called Minnewater. That’s Flemish for Lake of Love.
Bruges in French, Brugge in its own
language, Flemish, this was once among the
richest towns in Europe. In the Middle Ages, its merchant class
prospered from the town's skilled lace-makers and high-quality weavers.
The main
tourist
office
is at 11 Burg. Tel. 050 44 46 46.
www.brugge.be
Bruges is 10 miles inland
from the Belgian coast. At its
centre,
Old Bruges forms a neat circle enclosed by a ring of
waterways. On the
eastern side, park-like ramparts follow the ring of canals and
are topped by four windmills. Cross the ring road and canal to
enter the bumpy cobbled streets of the old centre.
Bruges is a jewel, exquisitely romantic and
old-fashioned, set down on the flat green fields of Flanders. Its canals, cobbles, ornate gables and belfries come together in
picture-perfect proportions. Strolling in the fairy-tale streets
and lanes of Bruges, crossing canal bridges or walking beside
the dark shimmering water, especially in the evening when
spotlights pick out landmark spires, is like wandering inside a
work of art.
Bruges is a walking town, almost everything of
interest being
within the central ring of canals. Another enjoyable
way to get around is to join the locals and ride a
bike - the tourist office lists several cycle hire companies.
It’s chips with everything – but
don’t call them “french fries”, because chips were actually
invented in Flanders. Just say "frieten"
or "frîtes". Mosselen met frieten (or moules-frîtes) is the favourite local meal: a
pan of freshly boiled mussels and a plate of fries. Local
specialities include a fish and wine stew called Waterzooi
(there’s a chicken version too), and Karbonnade, a mouthwatering
stew of beef braised in beer. For a light, cheap lunch, many bars
serve freshly made soup and bread.
- Where is Bruges?
Markt and Burg
Choco-Story
Groeninge
Museum
Begijnhof
Kantcentrum
(Lace Centre)
Hand-made chocolates can be bought at dozens
of excellent speciality shops like Van Oost, 11 Wollestraat, just
off Markt. Buy ready made selections or choose your own.
Cinema Novo
Road - The simplest and most obvious way to
go to Bruges from the UK is by car. Cross (beneath) the English Channel with
Eurotunnel
or choose from a number of ferry routes. From Calais takes under an hour on the motorway,
or from
Ostend it's 15-minute drive.
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Free
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(http://www.focusguides.com)
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