Flemish Getaway by Train

Flight or train to Antwerp upon request.
(By train: Paris > Antwerp = 2h02).

Your train trip in Belgium begins at Antwerp Central Station, an architectural gem that has been voted several times as “the most beautiful station in the world.”

You can leave your luggage at your nearby hotel’s reception. Your room will be available in the afternoon. In the meantime, explore the city at your own pace.

Antwerp (or Antwerpen in Flemish) is Belgium’s second largest city. Discover its exceptional cultural heritage starting with the Grand Place (Grote Markt), home to the Renaissance- and Gothic-style City Hall.

Our suggestions for the afternoon: the Zurenborg district, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, and the Diamond district.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Antwerp (BB)

Day at leisure for personal sightseeing in the city.

Admire Het Steen, the old fortified castle from the 13th century on the right bank of the Scheldt River, and don’t miss the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, which houses Rubens’ famous triptych, The Elevation of the Cross.

While you’re there, visit the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, the most famous Flemish painter: his vigorous Baroque style and dramatic use of color marked the history of world painting.

In the afternoon, you can stroll through the historic quarter and enjoy a gourmet pause in one of its charming cafés, or visit another city highlight: the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a former printing house turned museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Antwerp (BB)

Departure toward Ghent in the morning. (Journey of 52 minutes)

Check-in at your hotel and free time for personal exploration of the city.

Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of this Belgian city, where every street corner reveals a historical gem. Start your visit at the Graslei and Korenlei quay, lined with colorful facades that bear witness to a rich past.

Have lunch at one of the many trendy bistros in the Patershol district, with its picturesque alleys dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Enjoy panoramic views of the quays and old town from the Saint Michael’s Bridge.

In the afternoon, embark on a 40-minute canal cruise through Ghent’s medieval center, renowned for its historical monuments.

Our suggestions for visits today:

• The Castle of the Counts of Flanders from the 12th century, featuring its crypt, dungeons, stable and torture chamber.
• Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Mystic Lamb, the illustrious painting by the Van Eyck brothers,

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ghent (BB)

Morning departure to Bruges. (Journey of 36 minutes).

Day at leisure for your own discovery of the city. Nicknamed the Venice of the North for its canals and its rich past.

Lose yourself in its maze of cobbled streets, share a kiss on the Lake of Love Bridge, stroll through the market square, walk along the Quay of the Rosary. Discover the Grand Place, its ornate Flemish facades and its splendid Bell Tower with carillon, a symbol of Bruges’ communal independence and listed by UNESCO,

Our suggestions for today:

• If you are a fan of painting, don’t miss the Groeningemuseum, home to six centuries of Belgian fine arts.
• If you prefer beer, visit the historic De Halve Maan Brewery: the last working brewery in Bruges’ historic centre.
• Finish your day with a night-time canal cruise: the evening lights reflecting in the water show you the city from a whole new perspective.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bruges (BB)

Departure to Brussels by day train (travel time: 56 minutes)

You have a full day free to discover or rediscover the Belgian capital.

Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Belgian capital and discover the majestic Grand Place: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by ornate Flemish buildings. A short walk away is the Manneken-Pis, an authentic Brussels icon, often dressed in colourful costumes and embodying the city’s playful spirit.

Our suggestions for today:

• European Brussels: Start with the Parlamentarium, the visitors’ centre of the European Parliament to understand how the EU functions, then explore the history of Europe interactively at the House of European History.
• Take the metro to reach the Atomium, the city’s iconic structure built for the Brussels World’s Fair, offering superb panoramic views over the city.
• Visit the museum dedicated to the history of comic books, a much-loved art form in Belgium.

Optional: Brussels Art Nouveau: A 2-hour guided walking tour of one of the Art Nouveau districts – €225 (generally the Châtelain district, as it is close to the Horta and Hannon houses, but other areas are possible: City Centre, Schaerbeek, Ambiorix, etc.).

Overnight stay at a hotel in Brussels (BB)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Return flight or train upon request.
(By train: Brussels > Paris = 1h22).