3 minute read
Van Eyck and On Your Bike
Ghent, a cit y renowned for its fine art, is a must-visit destination in Flanders. Discover artistic wonders at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent
From Flemish primitives to contemporar y masterpieces, their collection is a visual feast. Immerse yourself in art ' s beaut y at www.mskg ent.be and experience the cultural leg ac y of Ghent, a cit y that celebrates creativit y in all its forms
Aer exploring the artistic wonders of Ghent, it's time to embark on a popular Flanders activit y : c ycling . Flanders is known for its c ycling culture, with numerous classic races that attract both local and international enthusiasts While the more competitive "sportive races " encourag e active participation, watching the races and cheering from the sidelines can be just as thrilling . To g et started, visit c ycling inflanders.cc.
One of the most renowned c ycling races in Flanders is the Tour of Flanders, now known as We Ride Flanders. is classic race, famous for its short and steep climbs, takes place in early April in Oudenaarde, just south of Ghent e challeng ing terrain adds an exciting element to the race, especially considering the g enerally flat landscape of Flanders
For a less intense c ycling experience, the Retroronde of Flanders is an excellent option. Starting from the Cit y Market Square in Oudenaarde, this colourful e vent bring s tog ether riders from all over Europe on vintag e bic ycles dressed in matching period clothing .
e Retroronde offers a more rela xed and enjoyable c ycling experience, with routes rang ing from 25 to over 60 miles. To participate, bikes must date from before 1987, and clothing should reflect the same period Check out retroronde.be for more details.
If you prefer to take a break from c ycling , indulg e in the culinar y delig hts of Ghent during the Gent Smaakt festival. is five-day g astronomic festival takes place in the heart of Ghent at the end of May. Local chefs, including many prominent Ghent-born culinar y artists, ser ve delectable dishes made with locally sourced ing redients. It's a mouthwatering experience that shouldn't be missed V isit g entsmaakt.be for more information
For music lovers, the Ghent Festival of Flanders is a mustattend e vent held in the latter half of September. O ver three weeks, the cit y comes alive with hig h-qualit y concerts at various venues, including the iconic St Bavo's Cathedral. e festival offers a diverse rang e of performances, including jazz, world music, and dance, making it a cultural extravag anza worth experiencing . Learn more at g entfestival.be.
Just a short distance from Ghent, in the town of Aalst, lies an extraordinar y e vent known as the Aalst Carnival. Taking place at the beg inning of Lent, usually in late
Februar y or early March, this carnival features a vibrant parade with g ig antic and outlandish characters parading throug h the cit y streets e carnival reaches its clima x when a carnival effig y is set ablaze on the Grote Markt, marking the end of the festivities. e Aalst Carnival is a spectacle that captures the attention of both residents and visitors alike V isit aalstcarnaval be to learn more nt werp, known as the diamond capital of the world, has much more to offer be yond its stunning skyline. e cit y ' s historical sig nificance dates back centuries, and its architectural mar vels are a testament to its rich heritag e Exploring Ant werp is like taking a step back in time while simultaneously immersing yourself in a vibrant and contemporar y atmosphere
Twice a year, in spring and autumn, Beer velde Park opens its g ates just outside of Ghent is internationally acclaimed g arden fair hosts over 200 exhibitors, creating a paradise for g ardening enthusiasts Desig ned in 1873 with inspiration from Eng lish landscape st yles, Beer velde Park offers a delig htful setting to explore the world of horticulture Discover more about the fair at parkvanbeer velde.be. Inte resting fact : Ghe nt is home to one of the old est prese rved medieval strongholds in Europe . e Gravenste en, or " Castle of the Counts," d ates back to the 12th centur y and offe rs a fascinating glimpse into the cit y ' s history Today, it serves as a museum, allowing visitors to e xplore its fortified walls, towe rs, and even climb to the top for panoramic vie ws of Ghent .
Beg in your journe y throug h
Ant werp by strolling along the fashion g olden mile, where renowned desig ners and luxur y brands line the streets. Feel the pulse of the fashion industr y as you admire the eleg ant window displays and shop in boutiques that showcase cutting -edg e desig ns.
Ant werp ' s fashion scene has always been at the forefront of innovation and creativit y, with many influential desig ners calling the cit y their home.
As you venture further, the g randeur of Centraal Station will captivate your attention is architectural masterpiece is more than just a transportation hub ; it's a work of art in itself Mar vel at its intricate details, soaring ceiling s, and mag nificent dome From here, it's just a short walk to one of the most conveniently located zoos in
