Belgian Bites - Itineraries

Belgian Beer Route Itinerary:

Destination 1: Brussels

Spend the day café hopping in Europe’s capital. Begin on the Grand Place, then work your way to Halles St. Gerý. End at À La Mort Subite (At The Sudden Death), named after a game some of the regular patrons played when the brasserie first opened in 1910.

Throughout the day, you may notice a number of non-descript alleys. Take a moment and walk down one… you may discover your favorite brasserie hiding there!

Do Not Miss:

Suggested Accommodations: The Hotel Amigo

Destination 2: Chimay

(Get to Chimay: E-19 to E-420)

The city of Chimay is located at the edge of the Hautes Fagnes. Nature lovers will enjoy the trails through the forest or across the country. But the highlight of the day will be the Abbey Notre-Dame de Scourmont, where the trappist monks have been producing their famous beer and cheese since 1862.

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Once you’ve seen the sights of Chimay, head to your hotel for a relaxing evening and delicious meal at the Hostellerie Gilain just outside Dinant.

Suggested Accommodations: Hostellerie Gilain in Sorinnes, near Dinant

Destination 3: Dinant and the Maredsous Abbey

(Get to Dinant: E-420 to N-97)

A short trip from Brussels is Dinant, birthplace of the saxophone. This picturesque town is literally boxed between the Meuse River on one side and a cliff on the other. Next to Dinant, you’ll find the lush grounds of the Maredsous Abbey founded in 1872, which produces three kinds of beers, a blonde, brune and triple.

Do Not Miss:

Suggested Accommodations: La Malle Poste in Rochefort

Destination 4: Rochefort

(Get to Rochefort: N-94 to N-911)

The Val de Lesse region is known for its exceptional nature, with forests, rivers, castles and caves waiting to be explored by foot, bike or even on horseback. However, for the beer connoisseur, you’ll want to tour the grounds of the Rochefort Trappist Abbey.

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Suggestion: On your way back to Brussels, take some time to stop in Namur, the regional capital of French-speaking Belgium. Take a Stroll through the historical heart of this romantic city, located where the Sambre and the Meuse Rivers converge.

Sights in Namur:

Destination 5: Back to Brussels

(Get to Brussels: N-911 to E-411)

Belgian Delights Itinerary:

Destination 1: Brussels

Brussels is gaining a reputation as one of Europe's must-see destinations, with its small town charm, trendy bars and restaurants, fabulous food, great nightlife, fantastic shopping, numerous museums, and other attractions including the diverse and interesting exhibitions and festivals organized every year.

Morning

Spend the morning taking in the sights and visiting some of the world famous museums: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Place du Grand Sablon, The Royal Palace, Magritte Museum, Museum of Music Instruments, Bozar, Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art, Horta Museum, Herge Museum (in Louvain-la-Neuve, just outside Brussels)

Lunch

Dine with a view at the brasserie at the top of the Musical Instrument Museum. This rooftop restaurant has stunning views of the city and offers an up close look at the MIM’s incredible art nouveau iron work.

Afternoon

Save room for dessert! Many chocolate shops in Brussels offer demonstrations and workshops where you can learn all about the art of fine, Belgian chocolate: La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges, Chocolaterie Duval, Planete Chocolat, Zaabar

Restaurants To “Dine” For:

Suggested Accommodations : The Hotel Amigo

Destination 2 : Spa

(Get to Spa: E-40 to E-42)

Spa, often referred to as the Pearl of the Ardennes, has an environment of relaxation, health and enjoyment. Your worries are sure to wash away as you enjoy each moment in this city. In between spa treatments, unwind with a meal created with local specialties.

Morning

One of the most beautiful courses on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit is in Spa-Francorchamps, just outside the city of Spa. There are events taking place all year long at the course, so check their website before you go!

Lunch

Enjoy a lunch of local specialties at the charming hotel-restaurant Le Soyeuru. The chef likes to take traditional dishes and give them an innovative spin you are sure to love!

Afternoon

Head back in to town and spend the afternoon at Les Thermes de Spa, the modern spa facilities overlooking the city. In the evening, try your luck at the Casino of Spa, the world’s oldest casino built in 1763.

Restaurants To “Dine” For:

Manoir de Lebiolles

L’Art de Vivre

La Brasserie de Grand Maur

Suggested Accommodations : Le Manoir de Lebioles or La Vigie

Destination 3 : Durbuy

(Get to Durbuy: N-697 to N-633 to N-86)

Durbuy, the smallest city in the world, is an incredibly picturesque village with more restaurants than you could possibly visit in one trip and a castle.

Morning

After sightseeing on the city’s tourist train, take a stroll through the topiary park then go to the Confiturerie Saint-Amour jam factory and experience how jam is made in Belgium, all natural!

Lunch

For a mouth-watering break, stop at Le Victoria for lunch. This hotel -restaurant cooks up local products so fresh you won’t be able to put your fork down! On a warm day, grab a table on the terrace and enjoy your meal in the sun.

Afternoon

Check out the Marckloff Brewery, steps away from Durbuy’s central square. This traditional brewery uses same recipes that have been passed down from Ardennes grandmothers.

Restaurant To “Dine” For:

La Gargouille

Le Sanglier des Ardennes

La Canette

Suggested Accommodations : Jean de Boheme or Le Sanglier des Ardennes

Destination 4: Namur

(Get to Namur: N-929 to N-4)

Before heading back to Brussels, you would be remiss to pass by Namur, the regional capital of French-speaking Belgium. This romantic city will captivate you with its charm and beauty, preserving that gentle way of life that makes it worth living.

Morning

A relaxing morning at the Chateau d’Annevoie is the perfect way to start your visit to Namur. The castle gardens are said to be among the most beautiful in all of Belgium. On your way into Namur, stop in Wépion to try their famous strawberries – truly the most flavorful in the world!

Lunch

What better place to stop for lunch then at Cuisine Moi, located at the foot of Namur’s famous Citadel? This Michelin-rated restaurant is sure to please.

Afternoon

Spend the day exploring Namur’s impressive Citadel, with the largest network of underground passages.

Restaurants To “Dine” For:

Suggested Accommodations : Chateau de la Poste or Villa Gracia in Wépion, near Namur

Destination 5: Back to Brussels

(Get to Brussels: E-411)