Enchanted Journey in Belgium

Belgium has greatly contributed to the evolution of global art and continues to do so. At the crossroads of different cultures, the country has experienced most of the major European artistic movements. But Belgium has also innovated. On several occasions, it has been at the forefront in Europe, with artists like Van Eyck, Bruegel, Rubens, Jordaens, Memling, and Magritte, all recognized as masters. You will be struck by the recurrence of Art Nouveau, which was born in Belgium at the end of the 19th century and is particularly evident in Brussels around the Maison Horta. Art Deco, which inspired Victor Horta at the beginning of the 20th century for the design of the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, is also significant. The town hall of Charleroi is a reference in terms of Art Deco. Belgian museums are full of treasures from Flemish primitive art, the Renaissance, the Counter-Reformation, or Surrealism, as well as contemporary art and modernism.

Due to its central position in Europe, Brussels demonstrates that the future of the Union lies through Belgium. The presence of numerous European Union administrations on site is proof of this. As an international city, it is at the heart of a country known for favoring consensus over confrontation. However, this trend seems to be increasingly reversing when it comes to community issues. Brussels, a true engine and backbone of the Union, hosts the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, committees, some plenary sessions of the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee as well as the Committee of the Regions. Welcome to the heart of Europe!

How can one speak of Belgium without mentioning its hundreds of beers? A source of national pride and ambassadors of Belgian culture, beers are an integral part of the country's landscape. Belgium boasts numerous craft breweries, Trappist or other abbey breweries. As a national drink, beer is consumed on all occasions: during meals, at the café, in restaurants, alone or with others. Beyond the big names of blonde beers like Jupiler, Maes, or Stella Artois, each region produces specific local beers. Beer routes are even marked in some areas, such as the one starting from Dinant. The Belgians' strong taste for this beverage can be explained by the temperate climate conducive to cereal cultivation and a microbiological environment that favors the presence of wild yeasts. These yeasts allow for the production of spontaneously fermented beers, a unique process in the world. Trappist beers also contribute to Belgium's fame, brewed by monks in abbeys. There are 10 such breweries worldwide, 6 of which are Belgian.

While Brussels sprouts may not always be unanimously popular beyond borders, Belgian chocolate, on the other hand, enjoys much more success. Since Belgian confectionery invented the praline in 1912, chocolate has been a commodity offered in packaging designed and patented to preserve its full flavor: the ballotin. By 1915, it had replaced the cone, which was impractical as the treats placed inside were easily crushed. However, Belgian gastronomy is also about fine dining. A trip to Belgium will therefore be an opportunity to taste chicons, babeluttes, flamiches, waterzoois, and other caricoles.

Discover a country that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, where every street corner tells a fascinating story. With its picturesque cities such as Bruges, nicknamed the "Venice of the North," and its romantic canals, you'll be transported into a fairy tale. Belgium is also a paradise for gourmets, famous not only for its fine chocolates and crispy waffles but also for its delicious dishes like moules-frites. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous medieval castles and battlefields scattered across the country, while art lovers will not want to miss the modern galleries of Ghent and Antwerp. Belgium is also the birthplace of surrealism, offering a unique perspective on art and creativity. With its lively festivals and dynamic music scene, this country promises you a rich and unforgettable cultural experience. Get ready to be charmed by the warmth and hospitality of the Belgians on your next adventure.