Belgium and Luxembourg are two small countries many people simply drive through on their way elsewhere, missing out on a delicious destination: storybook medieval cities, the world's best beer and chocolate, historic battlefields and the wooded nature of the Ardennes. There's plenty to see in a small space, with good motorhome facilities. Here's the guide.
The cities of Flanders
- Bruges: the "Venice of the North", with its canals and intact medieval centre, one of Europe's prettiest.
- Ghent: less crowded and just as spectacular.
- Antwerp (diamonds and fashion) and Brussels (the Grand Place, the museums).
Leave the motorhome on the outskirts and go in by public transport or on foot (see motorhomes in the city).
Beer and chocolate
Belgium is a mecca for beer (hundreds of varieties, the Trappist ales from the monasteries) and for chocolate and waffles. A gastronomic route in its own right (see food routes). That said, if you're tasting beer, don't drive: stay overnight nearby.
The Ardennes and Luxembourg
To the south, the Belgian and Luxembourgish Ardennes offer forests, rivers, castles and charming villages, ideal for nature and hiking. Luxembourg City, with its historic centre perched over ravines, deserves a stop. A green and peaceful side very different from the cities.
Practical tips
- Good motorhome areas and campsites; free overnight parking is regulated.
- Cheap fuel in Luxembourg: fill up while you're there.
- Documentation and tolls/vignettes vary by country (see documentation).
- Climate: rainy; bring gear for the rain.
In summary
Belgium and Luxembourg combine medieval cities (Bruges, Ghent), the best beer and chocolate, and the nature of the Ardennes, all in a small space with good motorhome areas. The step to take today: link a couple of Flemish cities (Bruges and Ghent) with the Ardennes for greenery, leave the motorhome on the outskirts of the cities, and take advantage of cheap fuel in Luxembourg. Combine it with routes through Europe.