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Flanders

Eat it, wear it or visit it?

Flanders, the northern Flemish-speaking region of Belgium is a prime destination with a range of engaging cities such as Ghent, Ostend and Bruges that offer impressive architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate cuisine and numerous other attractions for visitors. Each of the these cities of Flanders has its own unique atmosphere and style, providing the traveller with a different reason to visit each one.

Ostend
Ostend is a cosmopolitan city with a harbour, yacht-basin and over 50 hotels. Visitors will be amazed by all there is to see and do. All year round many activities take place including Oostende at Anchor, Theatre by the Sea, Sparkling Mondays, Magic Lights in the Park, the Christmas Market with a huge ice-skating ramp and Carnival weekend with the well known Dead Rat Ball. When you book a 3 night stay in Ostend for arrival on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday before 31st March 2010, your 3rd night is free. For further details and to book online at www.1freenight.be
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Bruges
Autumn and winter in Brugge is all about taking idyllic walks along misty canals, dreamy horse-drawn rides in open carriages and delicious meals in gastronomic restaurants - in the crisp air of winter, historic Bruges is even more enticing. From the end of November, the historic city centre of this World Heritage city is transformed into a giant Christmas market. You can book 3 nights for the price of 2 at a choice of 55 hotels for arrivals on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday until 16th March 2010. For further details and to book online at www.winterinbrugge.be
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Ghent
This city sits on the junction of the Leie and Scheld rivers and is the biggest university town in Flanders, beating to the throng of student life. It is a paradise for food lovers with its delicious local meat, fish and shellfish dishes. However, it is also even more appealing to those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine with a vast allay of restaurants specialising in vegetarian food. The city centre is among the best lit in Europe, a noctural stroll through the heart of the city is most definitely recommended. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, visit www.ghent-hotels.eu and www.visitghent.be Several hotels are offering a second overnight stay at half price, visit www.gentteveelvooreennacht.be for further details.
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Something special to eat
Did you know that Flanders has the most Michelin stars thanks to its fine cuisine. Food lovers will find so many treats to enjoy in Flanders; sample the delights of handmade chocolates in Bruges with their refined fillings of coffee and caramel-praline or Ostend’s cosy bistros with specialities in fresh seafood.
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Somewhere fabulous to shop
If you're hoping to fit in some retail therapy whilst in Flanders you won't be disappointed. Whether you're into designer labels or browsing quaint markets and quirky boutiques you will find it all here. Ostend's fashionable resort of Knokke Heist has the latest labels whilst Bruges has a giant Christmas market where you can find unusual presents for someone special.
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Somewhere amazing to go
From the invention of the printing press to the perfection of the portrait, Flanders has made a unique contribution to culture. Its well-funded, well-organised museums and institutions also make it a pleasure to discover. Plus dotted throughout Flanders are beautiful old relics and stunning architecture.
Bruges offers a City Card giving FREE admission to 24 museums and sights, a FREE boat tour of the Reien canals (from 15/11/09 to 01/03/10) and a City tour bus (from 15/11/09 to 01/03/10).
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Visit www.visitflanders.co.uk for more information.
Photography © Jasper James

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