Brussel, Belgium pearl

The "Fantastic Four" are Belgian and Brussels, the bustling capital of Europe, Bruges, the Lake City North, Antwerp "trendy" and Ghent "university" are close to each other: it would be wrong n 'in only one visit.

There are not that diplomats in transit and tour buses traveling across Europe at a run to flit from one to the other of these cities. With fast and frequent public transport, many Belgians living in Ghent while working in Bruges, Antwerp or live and commute daily to Brussels.

Each city has its own style and strengths, its neighborhoods and streets unrecognized. They are also distinguished by their size. Brussels, with twice as many people as Antwerp, also sees its population double during office hours to reach two million people.

These four cities have also, of course, many common points: furrowed by water buses, and parks, markets fashion avant-garde, Gothic churches and museums filled with works by artists of international renown channels Rubens Hergé. In all four cities, heritage gems coexist with the more contemporary innovations. Among these attractions, do not forget the beer and chocolate, which rank among the most famous in the world.

Chocolate: the expertise of major chocolate 

We are first attracted by the scent of hot chocolate, sweet, fondant. Then the eye is toward the rows of bites, pavers or beads, intense brown to creamy white through red brown, decorated with gold leaf or scrolls. Not to mention the shelves carefully packed and bagged sweets. A vendor white-gloved hands describes the composition of each chocolate, cream or ganache for example, before dialing the box of your choice. 

Buy chocolate is an art in Belgium - and this is the least when the best reach € 120 per kilo. 

The country produces 220,000 tons of chocolate per year and owes its reputation to that silky texture obtained by conching (mixing) long and exclusive use of cocoa butter. But the story of the conquest of this precious ingredient by Belgium is less attractive: it is the invasion of the Congo by King Leopold II who opened the Belgians cocoa plantations of Central Africa. Like many Belgian chocolate, Cote d'Or was born in 1883 when cocoa was transported through the jungle on elephant back, hence the logo of the brand. Today, chocolatiers tend to adopt fair trade practices. 

The profession was a great time in 1912, with the invention in Brussels Belgian pralines. These traditional chocolate candies are now brought up to date by bold manufacturers that the parent of surprising flavors: Havana cigar, cauliflower, peas, peppers, wasabi, etc. As you compose your own assortment, you can taste some original gems without buying a whole box of flavors ... confusing. 

In addition to the chic boutiques of some great chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini in Brussels, Bruges or Dominique Persoone Burie and Del Rey in Antwerp, there are several valuable brands. Gold Coast, Godiva (now owned by an American company), Leonidas and seafood Guylian chocolate are best known abroad; Belgium are also popular even invented the praline Neuhaus, Corné or Galler, which also offers its praline sticks (special mention for the white chocolate filled with fresh pistachios). You will also find these brands in supermarkets at prices well below those charged in store prices. 

If you are flying, be aware that your joy will follow until you leave: Brussels International Airport is the first point of sale of chocolate in the world. 

River walks: discovering towns over water 

These four cities, Bruges is best known for its beautiful canals that wind through the heart of the old city to the beautiful Gothic architecture. However, the other three cities also invite a discovery along the water: rivers and canals crisscross the charming old city of Ghent; Brussels, many channels are now underground, but boats still take you to explore the waterfront industrial areas; Antwerp, finally, although devoid of channels, is crossed by the majestic Scheldt river that gave it its fastest growing port - the second in Europe and fourth in the world. 

Find detailed information on these cruises. As the weather is often unpredictable, it can get chilly on the water, even in summer: bring warm clothing in any season. 

CYCLING: ALL BICYCLE!

"The bike is sacred," say the Belgians, an assertion that will delight fans of cycling. 

Belgium is a flat country, especially this part of Flanders where Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent, cycling is a way of experiencing little locomotion. Add to that the cycle tracks are numerous, as are bicycle racks for parking; rental rates already very accessible, continue to fall, including the Cyclocity® service bike share service. This new initiative of the Brussels municipality allows you to rent a two-wheeler around the city at unbeatable hourly rates. Brussels even has his annual bike festival, Dring Dring. Guided tours also allow visitors to discover the city by bike. 

If the bike in the city is not for you, get started on cycle paths parks or head to the Belgian coast, less than an hour bicycle Bruges. 

MARKETS AND FAIRS

It is highly recommended to go with an empty suitcase to bring back not only designer clothes, chocolates and prestigious beers, but also finds that you will not fail to make the stalls. 

All kinds of markets are held regularly in the four cities, whether it's elegant antiques fairs, perfect for finding china, crystal and rare furniture, antiques or flea markets to the rich used items - BD , CD, vinyl or old vintage clothing. Besides food markets, perfect for gourmet or a picnic sight. 

Advent coincides with the Christmas markets: the big-city squares, then wanders between toys, crafts and Christmas decorations, agreeing in a cold refreshing glass of mulled wine. Every year or so, also appear ice sculptures while outdoor rinks are installed for the entire month of December. Tourist offices you provide the address, but the easiest way is to follow the crowd. 

Other pleasures of markets and fairs: the delights sold in barracks, whether or waffle cones-fried mayonnaise! 

LIVE MUSIC

What is the common point between Adolphe Sax, Jean "Toots" Thielemans and Jacques Brel? They are Belgian. The former have played a key role in the evolution of jazz music. Sax invented the saxophone in 1846. Thielemans, legendary harmonica player, has also performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones and Paul Simon and continuous, 80 years ago, to galvanize his audience. One should also mention Django Reinhardt, whose electrifying concerts were a landmark in the history of jazz manouche. About Brel, though catapulted to fame in France in the 1950s, he retained close ties with his native country, as shown by the foundation that bears his name. 

Today this history is maintained by a very lively music scene, with many clubs and café-concerts in Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. Jazz is particularly well represented - Address selection. Festivals abound, such as the Brussels Jazz Marathon in May, with hundreds of artists performing throughout the capital, or the biennial Jazz Middelheim, home to Antwerp talented musicians.