Breaks In Bruges
Belgian chocolate is just one of many treats on offer in beautiful Bruges.
If Bruges' description as 'Chocolate Capital' doesn't appeal, maybe its other nickname 'Venice of the North' will. Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Step back in time and stroll through winding cobbled streets to discover hidden sights and a rich architectural history. The wealth of museums, churches and listed buildings are testament to Bruges' striking historical importance.
Take a boat ride along the city's romantic canals and try Belgium chips with the local fish or why not take in a concert at the city's new Concert Hall which is nearby.
You can visit one of the city's museums devoted to chocolate, join a tour, workshop or tasting, or simply enjoy choosing edible souvenirs somewhere such as The Chocolate Line, which is no ordinary chocolate shop. The owner, Dominique Persoone has worked with Heston Blumenthal and creates innovative chocolate concoctions with ingredients such as chilli peppers, peas cauliflower and even cheese. It all sounds terrible but wait until you try!
Bruges' oldest chocolate shop, Sukerbuyc, is translated in English as Sugar Belly. With its own tea-room opposite the main shop, a visit to 'de Proeverie' - a place you can taste - to try its famous hot chocolate is a must made with pure melted chocolate. The shop has a workshop where you can see the chocolates being made from behind a glass screen.
Shopping isn't just limited to chocolate, there is a wealth of quaint speciality shops with their own unique appeal. De Kaarsengieterij is a speciality candle shop which designs and makes candles to order. All their designs are handmade and hand painted for weddings, christenings, anniversaries or for any occasion in general. Find it at St Amandsstraat 30.
Famed for their cutting edge designers and elegant accessories, shoppers can find excellence in quality and variety in the heart of Flanders. Home to designers such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demueulemeester, there are some unique and refreshing collections available for a considerably decent price. Stylish accessories such as the upmarket Delvaux and popular Kipling both hail from Flanders and have great prices to match.
Where To Stay
Pand Hotel was recently awarded Best Charming Hotel in Europe 2007. Situated in the centre of Bruges and its canal ways, this hotel is housed in a typical 18th Century mansion and is family run with the exclusivity of just 26 rooms. Open fires, elegant décor and a personal touch makes a stay in this hotel an obvious choice for a thoroughly special stay in atmospheric Bruges. A 2 night package with breakfast and champagne and a 3 course Flemish dinner starts from €525 for two people during the week.
Hotel Orangerie is a superbly located hotel, just on the edge of one of Bruges most picturesque canals. The hotel is exclusively decorated with a range of fabrics, objects d’art and antiques and all the rooms are designed individually which adds to a certain personal touch. Not to be missed is afternoon tea on the canal terrace, a truly special experience. A weekend 2 night package including breakfast with champagne, afternoon tea and a 4 course dinner starts from €655 for two people.
Bruges' very first five-star deluxe hotel, the Kempinski Hotel Dukes' Palace, is set to open its historic doors for the first time in March 2008. Located in a former 15th Century Prinsenhof, the hotel is located in the old town, within easy walking distance to all the historic sites of Bruges, the main market square and the best shopping areas. It still contains many of its beautiful original features, and will feature a boutique spa, 2,500 square metres of manicured gardens, a restaurant serving Belgian specialities and a hotel bar boasting a huge variety of wines and beers, including the traditional 'Masters' beer. Special opening rates for March 2008 at the Kempinski Hotel Dukes' Palace start from €185 for a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Getting There
By rail (Eurostar) - tickets allow travel to any destination in Belgium via Brussels.
By Eurotunnel.
By ferry.
By air - excellent connections from UK regional airports via Brussels and Antwerp and Brussels South (Charleroi).
By road - Bruges is situated within a 70 km drive from Brussels.
Booking Information
Pand Hotel: www.pandhotel.com
Hotel Orangerie: www.hotelorangerie.com
Kempinski Hotel Dukes' Palace: www.kempinski-bruges.com
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