Huyze Cordoeanier

I SSUE NO . 2 / / NOVEMB E R 20 1 9

WELCOME

Y O U R H O L I D A Y S T A R T S T O D A Y

HUYZE CORDOEAN I E R

A welcome guide for our guests

Huyze Cordoeanier Cordoeanierstraat 23 8000 Brugge

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

03

Welcome Note

04

Important information

10

House Rules

16

Checking out

29

How to...

31

Where to go...

46

Discovering Bruges

54

Day trips

67

See & do

79

License

W E L C O M E N O T E

Hello,

First of all, welcome to our holiday home and thank you for booking Huyze Cordoeanier. We hope you have a great time! Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, also known as the Venice of the North. It was a more than correct decision from UNESCO to include the entire historical city centre in the World Heritage list in 2000. When you are walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you almost can’t help but imagining you are in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history. This book contains information about the house and area to help you enjoy your stay. You should find everything that you need, but if you have a question that isn’t covered in here, please do get in touch and let us know how we can help. We hope you enjoy yourself and visit again in the future!

Sincerely, Jan & Sonja

CONTACT INFORMATION If you need assistance with anything, please contact: SONJA CREVITS ⎜ M: +32 478 30 72 83 JAN SIMAEY ⎜ M: +32 495 58 06 21

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In case of emergency

In case of emergency, dial 112 This free number is used in all member states of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Out of Hours GP Service

Dial 1733 : For non-urgent medical help during the evening, night and at weekends.

Opening Times: The Bruges Out of Hours GP Service operates from 7 p.m. on Friday evening to 8 a.m. on Monday morning. On public holidays, the service operates from 7 p.m. on the evening before the public holiday to the morning after the public holiday (8 a.m.).

I M P O R T A N T I N F O R M A T I O N

Address: AZ Sint-Jan Hospital campus, Ruddershove Brugge

Accessibility: Parking is available at the Accident and Emergency department

Public transport: Bruges Central Station – AZ Sint-Jan, bus number 13

Police Department

General telephone number: +32 (0)50 44 88 44 Emergency police assistance: dial 101

Poisons Advice Centre

+32 (0)70 245 245

Fire Wound Centre

+32 9 24 03 49 0

HOUSE RULES

Smoking is not allowed in the house! Please use the terrace.

For your information: In Belgium there is a general ban on smoking in cafés, restaurants, the public areas in hotels (lobby, bar, corridors, etc.) and in all public buildings (train stations, airports, etc.). Those unable to kick the habit will usually find an ashtray just outside (often under shelter). For example, Hotel Cordoeanier (across the street) provides one.

Pets are not allowed as well!

H O U S E R U L E S

After 10 p.m. it has to be quiet in the house. If you want to party, there are many places to go to. If there is too much noice after 10 p.m., the police will pass by. Please respect our neighbours!

Huyze Cordoeanier cannot be held responsible for any accident or injury occurred during your stay. We strongly recommend all visitors to take out adequate travel insurance to cover healthcare, cancellation, travel and injury, etc.

Huyze Cordoeanier cannot be held responsible for theft of any personal belongings during your stay. Guests are advised to close all doors and windows when leaving the property.

Huyze Cordoeanier accepts no liability for loss or damage caused by any event which constitutes “force majeure” , a breakdown in the supply of gas, electricity and water attributable to public utilities.

Please help to prevent useless waste of energy following these simple rules: switch off the heating when you leave the house; keep the windows and external doors closed when the heating is on; turn all the lights off when you leave the room. i. ii. iii.

Broken materials or decoration objects will be deducted from the deposit !

Please respect our house, treat it as it is your own.

CHECKING OUT

Check-out procedures

Before you leave, we request that you:

I hope you enjoyed your stay here! As a reminder, check-out is at 10 a.m. on the day that your booking ends.

Put the bath linen in the bathtub and the bed linen on top of the beds. Please do not remove the mattress protection.

Empty the dishwasher (dishes clean and

Please send a message to Sonja when you leave the house.

stored).

Sort the waste properly (more information on

page 9).

C H E C K I N G O U T

Close the windows. Switch off the heating.

Please travel safely and come visit again any time you’re in Bruges!

H O W T O . . .

ACCESS THE PROPERTY

BY CAR

Bruges is a compact city, made for people. The use of motorized transport in the historic city centre is discouraged. There are a number of outlying car parks within easy walking distance of the centre where you can park free of charge. A blue zone has been created around the city centre. You can park free of charge for a limited period in this blue zone (max. 4 hours) between 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Always remember to use your parking disc! Between 9.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. above ground parking in the city centre is limited in time (min. 30 min. and max. 4 hours) and metered, also on Sundays and public holidays (1st hour: € 1.80; 2nd, 3rd and 4th hours: € 2.40; max. € 9 for 4 hours). Payment can be made via an SMS/text message, using the 4411 app (only for Belgian mobile phone numbers) or by cash or bank card at one of the parking ticket machines. The correct number plate of your car must always be entered into the machine. Parking in the city-centre is unlimited and most cost-effective at one of the two central car parks: Centrum- Station (in front of the railway station) and Centrum-’t Zand. Both are situated within easy walking distance of the house (between 20 and 30 minutes walking) or else you can use one of the city buses operated by ‘De Lijn’ . The bus transfer (max. 4 people per car) from the Centrum- Station car park to the city centre and back is included in the price of the parking ticket.

Parking Langestraat : Only 8 minutes walking from the house. There are also some public car parks in the city center, near the house.

Predikherenrei 4A, 8000 Brugge

Parking Pandreitje : The car park is located at the Koningin Astridpark (Queen Astrid park). Only 8 minutes walking from the house.

Gevangenisstraat 10, 8000 Brugge

Parking Biekorf : The car park is located underneath the De Biekorf municipal library and is the most centrally located car park in the city: 50m from the Grote Markt. Only 6 minutes walking from the house.

Naaldenstraat 8, 8000 Brugge

ACCESS THE PROPERTY

BY BUS

A bus travels between the Station and the city centre and back every 5 minutes. It’s the relaxing way to get to and from the city centre. A ticket allows you to change bus services as many times as you want for a period of 60 minutes. The ticket price is € 3.00.

STATION TO CENTRE : Bus Lines 4, 13 and 14 bring you to the bus stop Markt, which is 2 minutes walking from the house.

CENTRE TO STATION : The service to Brugge Station goes via the stop Markt (Lines 2, 4, 13 and 14).

H O W T O . . .

RECYCLE

Brown bags (waste): general waste Blue bags (PMD): Plastic bottles and flasks, Metal packaging, Drinks cartons Glass and paper: carton on the ground, glass in the plastic box. Below you can find an overview on how to recycle properly:

ATTENTION: If waste is not sorted properly we will deduct € 20 from the deposit!

Whether at home, at work, or out in the community, correct sorting keeps our surroundings clean and contributes to a healthier environment for everyone.

H O W T O . . .

USE THE INTERNET

The house provides Wi-Fi access. If you want to connect, follow the steps below:

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. Tap the name of the secure Wi-Fi network you want to join.

Network : huyze cordoeanier

Enter the password for the secure Wi-Fi network, then tap Join.

Password : gaerdec0 (the last sign is a zero)

NEARBY GROCERY STORES

IN THE CENTRE

Proxy Delhaize Noordzandstraat 4 8000 Brugge

Carrefour Express Vlamingstraat 2 8000 Brugge

Carrefour Express Zuidzandstraat 5/B 8000 Brugge

Opening hours: Monday 08:00-19:30 Tuesday 08:00-19:30 Wednesday 08:00-19:30 Thursday 08:00-19:30 Friday 08:00-19:30 Saterday 08:00-19:30 Sunday Closed

Opening hours: Monday 08:00-19:30 Tuesday 08:00-19:30 Wednesday 08:00-19:30 Thursday 08:00-19:30 Friday 08:00-19:30 Saterday 08:00-19:00 Sunday 09:00-17:30

Opening hours: Monday 08:00-19:00 Tuesday 08:00-19:00 Wednesday 08:00-19:00 Thursday 08:00-19:00 Friday 08:00-19:00 Saterday 08:00-19:00 Sunday 09:00-19:00

W H E R E T O G O

6 minutes walking

2 minutes walking

9 minutes walking

OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTRE

Carrefour Market Scheepsdallaan 3 8000 Brugge

Colruyt Nijverheidsstraat 124 8310 Brugge

Delhaize Schaakstraat 100 8310 Brugge

Opening hours: Monday 08:00-20:00 Tuesday 08:00-20:00 Wednesday 08:00-20:00 Thursday 08:00-20:00 Friday 08:00-21:00 Saterday 08:00-20:00 Sunday 08:00-13:00

Opening hours: Monday 08:30-20:00 Tuesday 08:30-20:00 Wednesday 08:30-20:00 Thursday 08:30-20:00 Friday 08:30-21:00 Saterday 08:30-20:00 Sunday Closed

Opening hours: Monday 08:00-20:00 Tuesday 08:00-20:00 Wednesday 08:00-20:00 Thursday 08:00-20:00 Friday 08:00-21:00 Saterday 08:00-20:00 Sunday Closed

SHOPPING AND BASIC NEEDS

PHARMACY

Pharmacy Baert S. Wollestraat 7 8000 Brugge

Pharmacy De Pauw Genthof 12 8000 Brugge

Pharmacy Latruwe Braambergstraat 23 8000 Brugge

Closed on wednesday, saterday morning and sunday

Closed on thursday afternoon, saterday afternoon and sunday

Closed on saterday afternoon and sunday

MARKET DAYS

W H E R E T O G O

Wednesdays > 8.00 a.m.-1.30 p.m. | Markt | food and flowers Saturdays > 8.00 a.m.-1.30 p.m. | ‘t Zand | miscellaneous Sundays > 7.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. | Veemarkt, Sint-Michiels | miscellaneous Wednesday to Saturday > 8.00 a.m.-1.30 p.m. | Vismarkt | fish

Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and bridge days > during the period 15 March to 15 November + on Fridays during the period June to September > 10.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. | Dijver | antique, bric-à-brac and crafts Daily > during the period 15 March to 15 November: 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. and during the period 16 November to 14 March: 10.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. | Vismarkt | artisanal products

CHOCOLATE AND LACE

Belgium is world famous for its decadent, rich chocolate and fine handmade lace. Everywhere you go in Bruges, you can find them.

Our favourite chocolate store ? Chocolate Sweertvaegher (Closed on monday and sunday) Philipstockstraat 29 8000 Brugge

OPENING HOURS

Most shops operate from Monday to Saturday, opening at 10.00 a.m. and closing at either 6.00 or 6.30 p.m. But even on Sundays you don’t need to leave Bruges empty-handed. Many specialist stores are open on Sundays as well. And on ‘Shopping Sundays’ – the first Sunday of the month, from 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m., except on public holidays – they are joined by many of the other shops. There is restricted access for traffic on Saturday afternoon and ‘Shopping Sundays’ (from 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.) in the following shopping streets: Zuidzandstraat, Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat.

SHOPPING AND BASIC NEEDS

INFO OFFICES

There are three tourist information offices in Bruges: one in the Concertgebouw (Concert Hall), one in the recently opened Historium (Market Square) and one in the railway station. All open from 10 a.m. until 17 p.m..

EXCHANGE OFFICES

You can exchange money in one of the currency exchange offices.

W H E R E T O G O

Exchange office Western Union

Exchange Office Moneytrans Bruges Rozenhoedkaai 2 8000 Brugge

Steenstraat 2 8000 Brugge

BANKS

Banks are normally open from 9:00 until 12:30 and from 13:30 until 16:00. They are closed on Saturday and on Sunday.

ING Markt 18 8000 Brugge

Europabank Vlamingstraat 13 8000 Brugge

BNP Paribas Fortis Simon Stevinplein 3 8000 Brugge

OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS

In the center of bruges

W H E R E T O G O

NOMAD - Bar + ki tchen

Brasseri e Raymond

Grand Café - de Republ i ek

Amuni - Slow Food Pizza

' T z and 12

E i ermarkt 5

St - Jakobsstraat 36

Burg 9

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 73 64 88

T : +32 (0)50 33 78 48

T : +32 (0)50 73 47 64

T : +32 (0)50 66 07 70

L ' Estaminet

J i lles Burger

Souffleur

De Koetse

Park 5

Braambergstraat 10

Vlamingstraat 58

Oude Burg 31

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 33 09 16

T : +32 (0)50 70 55 55

T : +32 (0)50 34 82 92

T : +32 (0)50 33 76 80

OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS In the center of bruges - more expensive restaurants

W H E R E T O G O

Kok au vin

Franco Belge

Bistro Refter

L i even

E z elstraat 21

Langestraat 109

Molenmeers 2

Phi l i pstockstraat 45

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 33 95 21

T : +32 (0)50 69 56 48

T : +32 (0)50 44 49 00

T : +32 (0)50 68 09 75

Quatre mains- Tapas

Rock Fort

L . E .S.S

Tanuki

Phi l i pstockstraat 8

Langestraat 15

' T Zand 21

Oude Gent w eg 1

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 33 56 50

T : +32 (0)50 33 41 13

T : +32 (0)50 69 93 69

T : +32 (0)50 34 75 12

OUR FAVOURITE BARS

In the center of bruges

W H E R E T O G O

Take F ive

BLEND

' T Poatersgat

Bar'n

Ja zz resto club

Winebar

B i er

Cocktai ls

Cordoeani erstraat 1 a

Ku i persstraat 8-10

Vlamingstraat 82

S int - amandsstraat 2

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 66 85 09

T : +32 (0)497 17 20 85

T : +32 (0)495 22 68 50

T : +32 (0)473 94 17 46

Cafe rose red

Le Trappiste

De GARRE

Cafe Vl issinghe

B i er

B I ER

B i er

B i er

Cordoeani erstraat 16

Ku i persstraat 33

De garre 1

Blekersstraat 2

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

T : +32 (0)50 33 90 51

T : +32 (0)471 68 45 62

T : +32 (0)50 34 10 29

T : +32 (0)50 34 37 37

OUR FAVOURITE NIGHTCLUBS

In the center of bruges

W H E R E T O G O

Cafe Pick

Bar des ami es

Cafe du theatre

De Coul issen

E i ermarkt 12

E i ermarkt 19

Ku i persstraat 14

Jakob van Oostst . 4

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

8000 Brugge

Rozenhoedkaai

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

DISCOVERING BRUGES

There are places that somehow manage to get under your skin, even though you don’t really know them all that well. Bruges is that kind of place. A warm and friendly place, a place made for people. A city whose history made it great, resulting in a well-deserved classification as a Unesco World Heritage site.

On the following pages, we will discuss the highlights. The 10 classic places that no one should miss!

Rozenhoedkaai Summer or winter, morning or evening, sun or rain…Rozenhoedkaai has the enthralling ability to always make a stunning impression. It should come as no surprise that this continuous to be one the most photographed spots in Bruges. Here anyone can create his or her picture perfect postcard of Bruges. Rozenhoedkaai’s sophisticated class makes it the ideal location to pause for a moment and together with your loved one enjoy one of Bruges’ most timeless sceneries. Beguinage The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried. In the Beguine's house, you can still get a good idea of what day-to-day life was like in the 17th century.

Almshouses These charitable dwellings were built from the 14th century onwards. They were sometimes set up by the guilds to lodge their elderly members, and sometimes by widows or well-to-do burghers who wanted to ensure their place in heaven. In order to secure their spot, each set of almshouses had its own chapel, in which the inhabitants were morally obliged to offer prayers of thanks to heaven. Practically all of the almshouses have been carefully restored and modernised and offer cosy living to today’s elderly, whilst their small yet picturesque gardens and white-painted façades offer welcoming peace and quiet to the present- day visitor. Feel free to enter these premises, but don’t forget to respect their perfect tranquillity. Canals of Bruges Experience the city by following an ageold tradition. Cruising Bruges’ canals – the remarkable city arteries – you will discover secret gardens, picturesque bridges and wonderfully beautiful views. Although it sounds incredible, Bruges’ loveliest places ooze even more charm when you admire them travelling by boat. A visit to Bruges isn’t complete without a boat trip on its canals. Go aboard at any of the five landing stages for a half-hour trip that allows you to appreciate the most noteworthy delights of the city from a completely different angle: Michielssens, Huidenvettersplein 13, tel. +32 50 33.00.41. Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai, tel. +32 50 33.13.75. De Meulemeester, Wollestraat 32, tel. +32 50 33.41.20. Gruuthuse, Nieuwstraat 11, tel. +32 50 33.32.93. Stael, Katelijnestraat 4, tel. +32 50 33.27.71.

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

Tours run every day, from 10 am through 6 pm (March – November)

Beguinage

Groenerei - canal

Almshouses

Burg This place was already inhabited in the 2nd century AD, and in the 9th century it became the base of operations of the Count of Flanders. The Palace of the Liberty of Bruges was the place from which the surrounding countryside was governed from the Late Middle Ages until 1795. Then the buildings were occupied by law courts for nearly 200 years. To the left of the 14th-century city hall you will find the old Court of Justice, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Bruges, and to the right you will find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where the relic of the Holy Blood is kept. Markt Markt is dominated by its Belfry, for centuries the city’s foremost edifice and the perfect look-out in case of war, fire or any other calamity. You can still climb to the top of the tower! At the foot of the Belfry are the world’s most famous chippies (frietkoten)! The statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck graces the middle of the square. These two popular heroes of Bruges resisted French oppression and consequently played an important part during the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. Their statue neatly looks out onto the Gothic revival style Provincial Palace (Markt 3). Until the 18th century this used to be the extremely busy Waterhalle, a covered warehouse where goods were loaded and unloaded along the canals that ran alongside the square. Today the canals are still there, albeit underground. Concert Hall This international music and art centre is one of the 1001 buildings you must see before you die. It is a place that offers the very best in contemporary dance and classical music. The impressive Concert Auditorium (1,289 seats) and intimate Chamber Music Hall (322 seats) are famed for their excellent acoustics. In the Concert Hall you can also admire various contemporary works of art.

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

Markt

Burg

Concert Hall

Museum of the Church of Our Lady The 115.5 metres high brick tower of the Church of Our Lady is a perfect illustration of the craftsmanship of Bruges’ artisans. The church displays a valuable art collection: Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child, countless paintings, 13th-century painted sepulchres and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. Useful to know: at the moment, large-scale renovation works are still being carried out, so the church is only partially accessible and many works of art cannot be viewed. The choir was renovated in 2015 and the remarkable church interior can now once again be admired in all its splendour. Hansa Quarter From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was an important trading centre at the crossroads between the Hansa cities of Scandinavia, England and Germany (known collectively in those days as the ‘Easterners’) and the most important commercial regions in France, Spain and Italy. The Spanish traders established themselves at Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Unloading Quay), while the Easterners set up shops on the Oosterlingenplein (Easterners’ Square). Places where you can still feel the atmosphere of days long gone by. The Flemish primitives During Bruges’ Golden Age, the 15th century, the fine arts prevailed. In the wake of the prestigious Burgundian dynasty, the great Flemish Primitives made a name for themselves. The world-renowned works of Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and those of other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Michelangelo’s world famous ‘Madonna and Child’ can also be found in the Church of Our Lady.

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

Church of our lady

Hansa Quarter

St Saviour's Cathedral

Minnewater

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

Below you can find some tips to discover Bruges.

The official visitor app of Bruges Xplore Bruges is the ultimate city app to experience heritage trails in Bruges. This one app allows you to download themed routes, museum routes and city walks in no less than five languages (Nl, Fr, Eng, Ger and Sp). It has been developed for android and apple and is usable on smartphones and tablets. Now available for download through Apple Store and Google Play under the name Xplore Bruges. Out with a guide Get out and about with a knowledgeable local. You can book a tour with an officially registered tour guide via Visit Bruges. Exploring Bruges is a great way to get to know this many-facetted city. Choose either the classic route or one of the themed routes which will allow you to discover the many wonderful historical buildings and sites in the city whilst listening to fascinating anecdotes from your guide. Visit Bruges and the Bruges Association of Tour Guides organise exclusive walks which bring you to little-known corners of the city and hidden gems. You can also join one of these walks as an individual.

Discover Bruges on your own Discover the best spots that the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges has got to offer at your own tempo.

D A Y T R I P S

DAY TRIPS Do you have any extra time on your hands? Why then don’t you set out and discover Bruges’ wide surroundings? While Bruges’ wet- and woodlands treats you to medieval areas of natural beauty, glorious castles and endless bike routes that crisscross all those enchanting places, the coast offers countless splendid beaches and an authentic seafaring ambiance. And if you’re looking for something more intense, then head for the tranquil Westhoek, still dominated by the Great War. Each experience will guarantee some unforgettable memories! The coast The Coast never loses its appeal; it always has something for everyone. From De Panne to Knokke-Heist, each seaside resort has its own unique atmosphere. Old-world or contemporary, picturesque or chic, intimate or urbane, the seaside towns are all purveyors of the good life. Nature galore, an abundance of culture, wonderful sandy beaches, inviting shopping streets, traffic-free promenades that are ideal for a bracing seaside stroll: this is the Coast in a nutshell! And the regular tram service (www.dekusttram.be) allows you to travel from one resort to another in no time at all. Taste that salty sea air, enjoy the mild climate and treat yourself to a delicious meal with the very best the North Sea has to offer. You know it makes sense! The Westhoek Endless panoramic views, gently rolling hills, flat polders and a breath-taking silence. The landscape where the terrible battles of the Great War were once fought are now a calm and peaceful natural paradise with limitless pleasure. This green region, sandwiched between the French border and the North Sea coast, is dotted with numerous picturesque villages, where you can not only discover the sad history and the silent witnesses of the First World War, but also enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink at one of the many charming restaurants and taverns, often located in the most idyllic settings. A joy for walkers and cyclists. Why not sample a Picon, the delicious borderland aperitif? One thing is certain; wherever you go and whatever you do, you will always be welcomed with the same West Flanders friendliness. From Bruges, various (day) trips are organized to the Westhoek. Some of our favourites are De Haan, a small picturesque coast city or Knokke, a cosmopolitan coast city. Knokke has plenty of shops, beach bars and good restaurants to enjoy the seaside.

D A Y T R I P S

Bruges' wood- and wetland Lissewege

It seems as if time has stood still in Lissewege. With its lovely little canal, white-painted polder houses and expansive fields, it serves as a model for the way every Flemish village used to be: charming, nostalgic and romantic. The brick Church of Our Lady of Visitation is a textbook example of ‘coastal Gothic’. Its remarkable interior has a miraculous statue of the Virigin Mary (1625), an exceptional organ case and a beautifully sculptured rood loft and pulpit (1652). Anyone who makes the effort to climb the 264 stairs of the truncated tower is rewarded with a panoramic view over the polders, stretching as far as Ostend and Bruges. On a clear day, you can even see Walcheren (Zeeland). Lissewege was already a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. In a nearby creek, fishermen discovered the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and the church was built to house it. Pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela stopped off in Lissewege and their gifts and donations helped to bring the village a certain prosperity. In 1106, French Benedictines were approached to found an abbey in Lissewege. Due to their neglect, the land on which the Thosan Chapel stood passed into the hands of the Cistercians and it was they who built the famous abbey complex of Ter Doest. Many farms were constructed in the (wide) area around the abbey, often on land that the monks had reclaimed from the sea. Sadly, of all the abbey buildings only the pigeon tower, the monumental gatehouse and the enormous 14th century abbey barn have withstood the ravages of time. You can read more about the ‘white village’ in the local visitors’ centre that also houses a delightful Saints’ Museum, with 120 antique statues of patron saints. Damme To the north-east of Bruges lies the charming town of Damme. Until the silting up of the tidal inlet Zwin, Damme was the transhipment port of Bruges. To reach the literary home of Tijl Uilenspiegel (Owlglass), you drive straight along the banks of the Damse Vaart (Damme Canal), which is without doubt one of the most beautiful pieces of nature in all Belgium. The canal is lined with magnificent poplars, some of which are over 100 years old. Their windtwisted trunks add to the charm of the setting. You can also experience their beauty from the water. The nostalgic paddle steamer Lamme Goedzak travels leisurely and in style to and fro between the small medieval town and the Bruges’ Noorweegse Kaai (Norwegian Quay). And every second Sunday of the month, Damme is transformed into a book centre, as booksellers from near and far come together to display their wares!

D A Y T R I P S

The other Flemish art cities Ghent

No other people are as stubborn and as self-willed as the people of Ghent – or the Gentenaars, as they are known. It is built into their genes. In the Middle Ages, the Gentenaars revolted against Emperor Charles V and later they formed the first trade union, but they also built many great monuments and churches. You can admire the magnificent Lamb of God altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, before settling down on one of the many terraces along the Graslei or Korenlei. Afterwards, you can take in the stately Belfry, the much discussed new city hall and the less controversial old town hall (a splendid building with protected monument status). There is also the Gravensteen, a fortress built in 1180, and the nearby Patershol, a medieval neighbourhood full of crooked streets and winding alleyways. The House of Alijn, the Design Museum, the SMAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the STAM (City Museum) are all distinctive and thought-provoking. The same words could also be used to describe Ghent’s large student population and the colourful vibe they create in the city’s nightlife and cultural scene. The highlight of the year is the Gentse Feesten, Europe’s largest city festival, which is organised annually in mid-July and sets the Artevelde city alight! (www.visitgent.be) There is a direct train connection between Bruges and Ghent (Sint-Pieters) (journey time: 23 minutes; www.belgianrail.be). Brussels The whole world comes together in Brussels, with a different continent around every corner. It is a city bursting with life, from the exotic Matonge quarter to the stately elegance of the European institutions. The capital of Belgium has a vibrancy like no other and the formality of its ‘hard’ metropolitan structure is softened by the authentic, working-class ambiance of its more popular districts. There is a direct train connection between Bruges and Bruxelles-Central (Brussels- Central, journey time: ca. 1.00-1.15 hours). Antwerp It is hard to describe Antwerp in a single word. This historic city has so much to offer: a beautiful cathedral and numerous imposing churches, a magnificent Central Station, the ground-breaking Museum on the River (MAS), the tranquil Rubens House, a delightful sculpture garden (Middelheim), a zoo with a history and so much more. Antwerp is also Belgium’s fashion capital, home to many internationally renowned designers. That is why in the Scheldt city you will find dozens of exclusive boutiques, rubbing shoulders with fun bric-a- brac shops where you can browse for hours: it’s every fashionista’s dream! Not surprisingly, the local ‘Antwerpenaars’ – who are fairly loud by nature – are extremely proud of their city. Welcome to Antwerp, the most self-confident city in Belgium. There is a direct train connection between Bruges and Antwerp (journey time: 1 hour and 28 minutes).

S E E & D O

SEE & DO

NOVEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

Christmas and winter market 22/11/2019 - 05/01/2020

The Bruges Christmas and winter market will be located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the cosy city centre. There will be a good range of stalls offering all kinds of delicious local food and drinks. Home-made hot chocolate, ice-cold jenever, spiced glühwein... along with Belgian beers, cheeses and hearty dishes. There’s something for everyone. The Bruges winter market is also a great place to shop for an original Christmas gift. You’ll find a wide range of attractive, original and handmade Christmas presents. And choral concerts are planned for you to enjoy.

Winter Glow 21/11/2019 - 05/01/2020

Discover Bruges during “Winter Glow”, a new celebration of the year’s end, with a variety of Christmas and winter activities. Enjoy a magical illuminated walk in the historical heart of the city, or take to the ice on the artificial skating rink on the Minnewater. The atmospherically decorated Christmas trees and illuminated streets make a unique setting for enjoyable hours of shopping and convivial meetings in and around the Christmas and winter market, or at the winter bar.

Artificial Skating Rink and Winter Bar 21/11/2019 - 05/01/2020

This winter, the enchanting Minnewater will be transformed with an environmentally-friendly artificial skating rink on the water and a winter bar with terrace covering nearly 300m ² . Young and old alike can skate to their heart’s content on the Minnewater (Lake of Love), on a unique sustainable rink made of synthetic ice. There’s a cosy Winter Bar nearby, with a delicious selection of local winter snacks and drinks.

S E E & D O

SEE & DO

NOVEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

Illuminated trails 21/11/2019 - 05/01/2020

Experience the enchanted glow of Christmas in Bruges this winter as never before! Two special illuminated walks will lead you through the magically lit city, with surprises at every turn with dynamic light installations, atmospheric lighting and projections. The light spectacle is both a contemporary experience and a glimpse of Bruges’ rich history and vision for the future. Alternating organic and natural displays of light are projected onto gables, trees and benches, allowing the viewer to experience Bruges from a whole new perspective. There are two illuminated walks: from the Stationsplein to the Minnewaterpark and from the Stationsplein to ’t Zand via the Albertpark. You can also enjoy the unique light displays on the Markt.

Bruges Party 31/12/2019 - 01/01/2020

There are few other cities in the world where the turn of the year is as thoroughly and exuberantly celebrated as it is in Bruges. The festivities begin at 22.45 on ’t Zand with ‘Bruges Sings in the New Year’. The concept is a familiar one: the public, led by a conductor and accompanied by a choir, can sing along to their heart’s content to the biggest hits of recent years. In between singing, you can enjoy a drink or a snack from one of the stands or at a nearby cafe or bar.

S E E & D O

Tourism Flanders Grasmarkt 61 1000 Brussels +32 25 04 03 73

Tourism Flanders is the authority which has granted us the permission for letting. At Tourism Flanders, you can obtain more information about the regulations concerning the governance of a holiday house and the general legal means in case of conflict or where tourist can file complaints. For more information: www.toerismevlaanderen.be

We have been rewarded by Tourism Flanders as a 4 stars accommodation!