Brussels and Bruges: an Easter weekend in chocolate country

Welcome to my latest journey!

I’m delighted to share with you my recent trip to Belgium, where I explored the wonderful cities of Brussels and Bruges over the Easter long weekend. One of the things that struck me most during my stay was the breathtaking architecture of these cities, especially those quaint roofs with stepped gables. They’re brimming with charm, history, culinary delights and a vibrant atmosphere that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

In Brussels, I was amazed by the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The facades of the Gothic and Baroque buildings that surround it are simply spectacular, with their intricate ornamentation and detailed carvings. I also loved exploring the picturesque alleyways of the Marolles district, where every corner reveals a new facet of the city’s history.

In Bruges, I was transported into a veritable fairytale as I discovered its winding canals and perfectly preserved medieval houses. The market square, dominated by the majestic belfry, is an architectural gem not to be missed.

In terms of culinary experiences, Belgium did not disappoint. In Brussels, I sampled crispy Liège waffles topped with melting Belgian chocolate and specialties like stuffed chicory or the famous carbonade. In Bruges, I feasted on delicious handmade chocolates.

So I’d like to take a closer look at this trip and give you all my tips and good addresses.

To get to the Belgian capital from Nantes, we had two car-free options: train and plane.

As you’ll have gathered, we opted for the low-cost Ryanair airline for this getaway. Admittedly, the timetables were a little tight, but that’s the price we had to pay for a very low-cost flight. We paid 110 euros return with a small bag, priority access and a 10kg cabin bag. After a short journey, we landed atBrussels-Charleroi airport (just over an hour from the city center). From there, follow Terminal T1 to pick up a regular shuttle service that’s available. We used the Flibco company to take us to Brussels Midi station.

If I have one piece of advice to give you, it’s to find an apartment or accommodation not far from this station, which is very practical because it’s central for catching the metro and trains to Bruges, for example, and for leaving via these shuttles.

As for our accommodation, we booked it, as usual, on the HomeExchange website. We stayed with Dinah, a Belgian woman who had put her daughter’s Erasmus room in Canada on the site.

To make the most of our days without worrying about transportation, we took out a map on the Visit Brussels tourism website. I recommend you visit it, as it’s very well done. You’ll find all the interesting things to do and see. You can even buy tickets directly for certain activities.

This is also where you can find Brussel card offers, which let you choose how many days you want to use it for. Thanks to this card, you have free access to no less than 49 museums, and you can benefit from numerous discounts on the city’s tourist attractions and must-sees.

Brussels is full of cultural and culinary treasures not to be missed.

To get a taste of it, there’s nothing better than to start your stroll at the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site dazzling with its baroque architecture and lively markets. Right next door, if you’re a bit superstitious, you can stop by and stroke the statue dedicated to Everard t’Serclaes, the man reputed to have liberated Brussels during the War of the Brabant Succession. This was in the 14th century. He was later executed in the house to which the monument is attached. Stroking this statue in a certain way brings good luck and grants a wish.

On the outskirts of the town, be sure to sample the chocolate delights in the artisanal stores. But don’t go into the touristy stores. Instead, head for one of Pierre Marcolini ‘s boutiques or one of Mary’s chocolateries. From classic pralines to bold creations, every bite is an explosion of flavor.

If you’re looking for sweet treats and tasty cookies, Maison Dandoy is the place to go. It’s thanks to them that I’ve reconciled myself with speculoos. Nothing to do with the industrial stuff!

And last but not least, it’s impossible to resist the famous waffles. But for me, the best are undoubtedly the Lièges waffles, the tastiest and tastiest of all. To enjoy them and not pay too much, we went as far as the Galet boutique located at this address. The price was less excessive than on the Grand Place, and they were really to die for, with a few chocolate chips or vanilla flavoring.

You’re all set just by reading this article, so hang on, because there’s more to come! Now it’s time for me to give you my addresses for savoury specialities!

Rest assured, I’m only going to give you one: it’s the fin de siècle restaurant. You can’t book in advance, and the wait outside the restaurant is the price you have to pay if you really want to eat good, fresh local food. On the menu: stuffed chicory or the famous carbonade with freshly prepared mashed potatoes. The Greek-born owner’s smile is a delight. Frankly, it would be a shame to miss out.

Another address you can try if you’re on a budget, but which we didn’t have time to do, is the Taverne du Passage. Recommended by friends, this emblematic Art Deco brasserie (which is in the Michelin guide) is located in the Galerie du roi, a few steps from the Grand Place, and invites you to take a trip back in time. In my opinion, it ‘s the ideal place to try the famous crispy shrimp croquettes.

If you’re not going to the restaurant, take the opportunity to visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. A strolling area similar to our Passage Pommeraye in Nantes, these galleries, which date back to 1847, have attracted a wide public from the outset, with their luxury shops, elegant cafés and cultural venues. The colony of French refugees, including Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Edgar Quinet and others, gathered here.

On the other hand, when it comes to French fries, I have to confess that my opinion is much more divided. It has to be said that, naturally, they’re far from my favorite dish. So, to find a difference with our fries… And so it was. We went to Fritland, which had good reviews. My darling had a cornet de frites with a fricadelle (Belgian sausage). Well, I wasn’t thrilled. Neither was he.

Discover the Atomium, the other symbol of the Belgian capital

A true emblem of Brussels, it’s impossible to miss this iconic atom-shaped structure, built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition. The Atomium is much more than just an architectural monument. It embodies the innovative spirit and optimism of the mid-twentieth century. Designed by Belgian architect André Waterkeyn, the Atomium represents an elementary unit of iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times – a giant model of an atomic iron crystal. Its nine spheres linked by metal tubes represent the atoms in a crystallized iron molecule.

Inside the Atomium, visitors are invited to discover interactive and educational exhibits exploring a variety of subjects, from science and technology to the history of the World’s Fair. What’s more, the panoramic platform located in the highest sphere offers a breathtaking view of the city of Brussels. If admission is rather expensive. I still enjoyed the view and the exhibition’s lighting effects. But don’t expect wonders.

What’s more, the area around the Atomium also offers a wealth of attractions. In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find Osseghem Park, a lush green area ideal for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic. The Heysel complex, home to the Atomium, is also home to other sites of interest, including the Palais des Expositions and the Stade Roi Baudouin. We were also able to visit the Design Museum, which is combined with the Atomium ticket, but if you’re not a big fan of design and interior architecture, you may be disappointed. If you’re with children, Mini-Europe is the place to be.

The Marolles district, authentic and colourful Brussels

To round off your stroll through the city, don’t delay in visiting the Marolles. The origins of this district date back to medieval times, and it’s even still spoken in Brussels. With its lively local life, it’s home to the city’s oldest estaminets, numerous antique shops and historic brasseries. It’s a district that reflects the people of Brussels: diverse and friendly.

Countless frescoes and graffiti decorate the district. You’ll find the largest concentration of comic-book walls in the city, with Boule et Bill, Spirou and Benoit Brisefer among the capital’s 61 comic-book murals. Young Brussels street artists have also taken over the district with works inspired by the world of the famous painter Bruegel.

I hadn’t brought my skateboard, so I didn’t get a chance to try out the skatepark in the Square des Ursulines, opposite the 12th-16th-century Romanesque-Gothic church of La Chapelle at the far end of the neighborhood.

It’s also famous for its flea market, which takes over the Place du Jeu de Balle from dawn until 2pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. Here, you can hunt for all sorts of objects, and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere.

In this neighborhood, there’s an address that I loved and that I warmly recommend for your souvenirs. concept-store “Belge Une fois. The brainchild of Natacha and Arthur, two young Brussels graphic designers brimming with imagination and eager to share their creations, we find the belgitude and humor so characteristic of the country on a variety of supports such as textiles, stationery, accessories and decoration.

An enchanting day out in Bruges

If you’re in Brussels, it’s impossible not to visit Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect destination for a day of discovery. Capital of West Flanders in north-west Belgium and once one of Europe’s most important ports, thriving on trade in the Middle Ages, this picturesque medieval town will leave you with lasting memories.

From Brussels, it’s easy to get there by train. The Gare du Midi station offers frequent departures to Bruges throughout the day. Direct trains take around an hour to reach the city, making it an easy and convenient excursion. Expect to pay around 40 euros for a round trip, but you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve arrived at Bruges train station, you can walk to the city center in just a few minutes. Stop by the tourist office just outside the station to pick up a tourist map with all the sights not to be missed.

You’ll then be immediately immersed in the bucolic, romantic atmosphere of this historic town. Start at the Lake of Love Bridge, located at the end of the lake of the same name. This romantic bridge offers a lovely view of Lake d’Amour and Minnewater Park. A historic structure in the city, this stone bridge is pedestrian-only, and legend has it that all couples who cross it together will remain united for life. The bridge blends in perfectly with its surroundings, which seem to be green and wooded.

If we stand in the middle of the bridge and look out over the Lake of Love, we have :

• In front of you, the romantic, bucolic landscape of Minnewater Park. In the background, the Sashuis bridge house and the steeple and spire of Notre-Dame de Bruges make for a highly photogenic vantage point.
• On the right, tall vegetation conceals the path of the city’s ancient ramparts.
• On the left, the powder tower park and its tower are adjacent to the bridge.

After this bridge, you’ll be able to move on and discover the ” princi-r Ten Wijngaarde Beguinage “, with its white-painted facades and silent convent garden, which was established in 1245. This haven of peace, a World Heritage site, was once home to the beguines, emancipated lay women who took a vow of celibacy. For centuries, the Bruges beguinage has been lived in uninterruptedly. Today, it is inhabited by a few sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, a few sisters of the Order of Vincent de Paul and by single women from Bruges.

Then it’s a leisurely stroll to Bruges’ Grand-Place, a lively square surrounded by magnificent historic buildings, such as the imposing belfry that dominates the square. You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll along the canals. We didn’t take the boat trip along the canals, nor the horse-drawn carriage rides, which were too touristy for our taste.

To try in Bruges :

– Belgian chocolates. Bruges is famous for its artisan chocolateries. Treat yourself to exquisite pralines and truffles made by local artisans.

– Belgian beer: round off your day in style with a Belgian beer in the 2be bar to enjoy and admire one of the most beautiful views in Bruges. The traffic of small boats, swans, ducks and birds is intense. Atmosphere guaranteed.

That’s it, folks! I hope I’ve been exhaustive in my city guide and if need be I remain available to answer any questions you may have in comments. Also, don’t hesitate to subscribe to my Instagram account and check out my front-page stories about this enchanting weekend.

See you soon!