When you think of Belgium, the most touristy cities immediately spring to mind: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Nature lovers, on the other hand, are more likely to head for picturesque villages, isolated in the countryside. But there’s a happy medium: small Belgian towns, sometimes overlooked, forgotten or underrated, are well worth a visit. Today, we’d like to introduce you to 10 charming Belgian towns that you should visit at least once in your life.
1. Huy
An ancient Mosan city cradled by the waters of the Meuse and Hoyoux rivers? That’s all we need to recommend Huy, located halfway between Namur and Liège. Enjoy a coffee and a book at Le Littéraire, on the Grand-Place, then explore the walls of the Fort de Huy and the Collégiale Notre-Dame St Domitien. Take a frites break at Friterie Batta. A perfect day out!
2. Bornem
Are you passionate about castles? Bornem is for you! Its incredible neo-Gothic, eclectic 16th-century castle (also known as “Château Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde”) is a real gem in the province of Antwerp. Nearby Château d’Ursel, a 15-minute drive away, is also renowned for its incredible wisteria garden in spring.
3. Maaseik
Half-timbered houses, English-style residences, colorful brick houses reminiscent of Holland: one thing’s for sure, the small town of Maaseik (in Limburg, on the border with the Netherlands) is full of charm! Eat at Oud Oteren (a little out of the way). Its breathtaking mountain chalet decor is sure to please!
4. Chimay
In Hainaut, just a stone’s throw from the Avesnois Park and the French border, the small town of Chimay is an exception: its magnificent Château (one of the oldest in the region) and the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Collegiate Church line its tranquil Grand-Place. 8 km to the south, stop off at the Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont, where monks make beer and cheese. A gourmet break guaranteed!
5. Arlon
Want to add a little festive fl air to your getaway? In addition to its absolutely dazzling heritage (St Martin’s Church, Sacred Heart Church and St Donat’s Church on Knippchen Hill spring to mind), Arlon is known for its celebrations, which make it one of the liveliest small towns in its region: the Maitrank Festival, Carnival, Aralunaires…
6. Furnes
When we speak of the Belgian coast we often hear the names Ostend, Knocke, Blankenberge, Nieuport… And yet, just a few kilometers from the beaches, there’s the pretty town of Furnes. Its all-too-familiar Grand-Place, with its Town Hall, Belfry and Church of Sainte-Walburge, is a delight. Buses run between the town and the beaches for just €2.50.
7. Durbuy
Durbuy may have been nicknamed “the smallest town in the world” (in reference to King John of Bohemia in the 14th century), but it’s not at all! And with good reason: it has a total population of 11,000! But its old town (population 400) has retained its ancestral charm of yesteryear. Its Château and the park of topiaries with sculpted animals are marvellous.
8. Ivy
Its poetic, verdant name immediately sets the tone: Lierre, located halfway between Mechelen and Antwerp, has an air that could almost be mistaken for Bruges.Its impressive beguinage, a Unesco World Heritage site, is one of the most beautiful in Flanders: 160 cottages wind their way up to the magnificent Zimmer Tower and its astronomical clock.
9. Ypres
Did you know? In the Middle Ages, Ypres was one of the most important cities in Europe! At the time, it was known as the “cloth city”, famous for its woolen cloth market. This grandeur is still visible today, thanks to the Halles aux Draps, Europe’s largest neo-Gothic bourgeois complex, including St. Martin’s Cathedral and its immense spire.
10. La Roche-en-Ardenne
With just 4,000 inhabitants, La Roche-en-Ardenne is the smallest town in this ranking, but let’s not think of it as a village either! With its 11th-century feudal castle and Protohistoric Cheslé (yes, yes!), it has all the makings of a large town! On sunny days, why not sit on the terrace at Place du Bronze for a beer or coffee?