DISCOVER EAST FLANDERS – Live it, Love it!

Surrounded by Bruges to the west and Antwerp and Brussels to the east, the Belgian province of East Flanders is bursting with artistic gems, stunning scenery and vibrant towns. This month, we showcase the province’s unmissable art and cultural hotspots, not to mention our favourite addresses for wining and dining.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTO © VISIT FLANDERS

Festivities galore

No trip to East Flanders would be complete without a visit to Ghent, the province’s beating heart and Belgium’s festival capital. The city’s cultural calendar is jam-packed, with highlights including the ten-day Ghent Festivities in July and the annual international film festival in October.

Graslei Ghent

Idyllic countryside

Nearby Geraardsbergen is the entrance to the Flemish Ardennes’ rolling hills and idyllic countryside, while beautiful Beervelde Park is an absolute must in an area renowned for its horticulture.

Architectural delights

Meanwhile, the picturesque town of Oudenaarde is brimming with architectural delights, including one of Belgium’s most impressive town halls. Also worth a visit is Aalst, which earned its nickname as the ‘city of onions’ due to the development of onion farming here and in the surrounding districts in the 19th century.

Step back in time

Another town to put on your to-do list is Sint-Niklaas, which boasts an array of attractive Art Nouveau and Art Deco houses, as well as a large market space. From Sint-Niklaas, you can visit countless charming historic towns and villages.

Start planning your trip to East Flanders now at www.visitflanders.com

Leie Ghent