Forget low-cost flights and miles of freeway: some of the most surprising escapes are just outside Brussels. From vineyards transformed into gourmet cocoons to hillside getaways, the autumn-winter season promises to be anything but dreary. Here are three ways to make the most of it without leaving the country.
Winter dining
Belgian estates are playing the card of comforting pleasure. In Meux, the short-lived Cocon d’Hiver restaurant opens from November 14 to February 15, with a bonus Sunday brunch to warm up weekends. In the Chant d’Eole ski area, L’Impératif Eole combines Michelin-starred cuisine with homemade bubbles, while Brasserie Eole installs raclette and fondue in a gondola worthy of an Alpine setting. In West Flanders, the Merlijn restaurant offers a menu focused on Belgian wines, ideal for discovering this booming terroir.
Festive atmosphere between vineyards and chalets
When temperatures drop, the vines are decked out in lights. At the Domaine des Agaises, during the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December, a market of local artisans takes place under a heated marquee on the edge of the vines. Ruffus, mulled wine, caviar, special beers, cured meats and Belgian spirits are served in a convivial atmosphere. Bring your family and friends and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Christmas! From December 15 to 29, the Chant d’Eole estate continues with an ephemeral Christmas boutique featuring Belgian designers and producers, a children’s area and even a photo corner.
Sleep among the rows of vines
Some don’t just taste: they settle in. In Couthuin, near Liège, the Vins des Cinq estate’s XXV House gîte can accommodate up to twelve people for an extended weekend. In Huy, Clos Bois Marie boasts a swimming pool and panoramic views over the vineyards and the town. For a more unusual night, the converted barrels at Domaine de Biamont plunge visitors into a charming woodland setting. And for those who prefer a whirlwind tour, Château de Bioul and Domaine du Chapitre open their doors several days a week, offering interactive tours and tastings at the source.
Who said beer was the only thing made in Belgium?