Summer 2005 - The Belgian Tourist Office

Belgium
Profile
Summer 2005 edition
New Gastronomy
& Spa Brochure for Great
Fun Holidays
Tour operators celebrate
art nouveau style with
new packages in Brussels
Along with the second edition of its Great Fun Family Holidays brochure, offering fun and affordable
seven, four and three night self-drive breaks in Southern Belgium, Wallonia specialist Great Fun Holidays
has launched a new Gastronomy & Spa Holidays brochure, featuring relaxing and pampering holidays in
Southern Belgium at some of the best spa and gastronomy hotels in Brussels and Wallonia, and taking in
some of the finest restaurants in the region.
To coincide with the celebration of the 175 years of Belgium this
year, a number of tour operators are offering special Art Nouveau
packages to the Belgian capital this summer.
Peterborough-based Daniele Broccoli decided to set up Great Fun Holidays last year after spending two
weeks with his family holidaying there. “Wallonia is simply remarkable. It offers fun, adventure and
beauty and one of the best holidays you are ever likely to have”.
The new Gastronomy & Spa Holidays brochure includes packages at the Radisson SAS Palace Hotel which
is located in the original water town of Spa and is directly linked by cable car to the newly-opened
Thermes de Spa treatment centre. Gastronomy breaks at the Radisson SAS Palace Hotel in Spa start at
£188.00 per person for 2 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
For more information contact 01733 315522 or visit www.greatgastronomy.co.uk
Great Fun Holidays is ABTA Bonded
VFB Holidays have introduced an Art Nouveau and Design in
Brussels (1830-1958) package valid from 27 May to 19 December
which includes entry tickets to the historical Musée du
Cinquantenaire and its major exhibition featuring works of
exceptional quality essentially from Belgian collections. Prices
start at £186 per person for 3 nights at the four-star Jolly Hotel du
Sablon located in of the capital’s trendiest areas. Details on 01242
240 336 or www.vfbholidays.co.uk
Rue de l’Arbre bénit – Evaldre – COPT / JP Remy
Great Fun Holidays are featuring 2 and 3 night Art Nouveau
breaks in Brussels with a choice of accommodation including the 4 star Dorint Novotel and the 5 star
Conrad Hotel with prices starting at £189.00 per person including an Art Nouveau guided tour. Until the
end of October. More information on 01733 315522
For groups, specialist Gold Crest Holidays are offering coach trips to the Belgian Capital with 3 nights bed
& breakfast accommodation at a comfortable hotel in the Brussels area, return travel by executive coach,
transfers into Brussels and Art Nouveau guided tour starting at £149.00. Details on
0870 7000 207.
For more information on Art Nouveau events and exhibitions in Brussels, and a copy of the
dedicated Living Art Nouveau brochure and map contact [email protected]
© Le Pain Quotidien London
Organic slice of Southern
Belgium now available in
central London
Giovanni Ciraolo of the BTO ( left) with Daniele Broccoli
© BTO London
Purveyor of the world’s
most exclusive chocolates
expands across the UK
The first UK branch of one of Belgium’s favourite bakeries and
Sunday brunch hang-outs, Le Pain Quotidien, has now opened to
the delight of the locals of Marylebone High Street in central
London.
So popular has the shop and café proven that, in its first week of
opening, it had to close down on several occasions to cope with
the crowds packing in for a taste of delicious naturally leavened
Belgian breads, open tartine sandwiches, healthy salads and soups,
and mouth-watering brioches and pastries.
Le Pain Quotidien was started in Brussels by Belgian chef Alain
Coumont and the successful chain now has over fifty branches all
over Belgium, in France, the US, Italy, Switzerland, the Lebanon
and more recently Kuwait.
The format is the same in all LPQs, with long communal pine
tables mixed with smaller individual tables, and the walls are
stacked high with Belgian sourdough, wholewheat and nut breads as well as other goodies such as
Belgian jams, organic preserves, like the Sirop de Liege, made from apples and pears, chocolates, teas,
coffees and of course Belgian chocolate sauce.
Le Pain Quotidien, 72-75 Marylebone High Street, London W1 - Tel: 020-7486 6154
Pierre Marcolini, who uses only natural ingredients of the highest quality gathered from around the
world, opened his first boutique in London for Christmas 2002, rapidly gaining a reputation as the
epitome of London choco-chic, and concessions have now also opened at delicatessen Verde & Company
in the heart of the City of London and in Gloucestershire at Daylesford Organic Farmshop.
First ever Belgian malt whisky
planned for end of 2007
The Kensington boutique, which now also comprises a café
offering coffee, hot chocolate, ice-cream and pastries, organises
a number of events, including Chocolate Appreciation and
Tasting evenings and Chocolate and Wine/Rum/Cognac/
champagne Matching evenings with prices starting at £20.00
per person.
Pierre Marcolini is also offering event organisers a unique
opportunity to hire his fantastic chocolate fountain which melts
20 kilos of Pierre’s own couverture, a Grand Cru from three
different regions in Venezuela. Guests can indulge in dipping
strawberries, marshmallows and biscuits throughout the
evening.
More information on 020 7795 6611,
www.pierremarcolini.co.uk
© Pierre Marcolini
The creations of award-winning pastry chef and Belgian master chocolatier Pierre Marcolini are now
becoming more widely available across the UK, with stores like Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and, shortly,
Fortnum and Mason queuing up to stock his delicious chocolate innovations and seasonal gift boxes.
Belgium will be getting its first ever Belgian pure malt Whisky in October 2007.
Made up of a selection of the best Belgian malts and using only Belgian ingredients,
including local tap water originating from the Belgian Ardennes, the Belgian Whisky
is being produced by Belgian distiller Etienne Bouillon, who heralds from the town
of Liege in Southern Belgium, and spent time perfecting his craft with Jim
MacEwan, master distiller at Bruichladdich in Scotland.
According to Etienne Bouillon, who is re-using Douglas Laing casks in the process of making his whisky,
and has plans to release 5, 10, 15 and 20 year old whiskies: “We only use Belgian Malt, coming from a
village near-by, and our liquid yeast comes from the University of Louvain-La-Neuve. We use very
straightforward simple liquid yeast, which is organoleptically without any aromas in order to avoid
influencing the final product. The malting is done at the malting premises of “La Malterie de Beloeil”, also
called the “Malterie du Château”.
Although the whisky will not be available until 2007, it is already possible
to pre-order on line from www.belgianwhisky.com.
2006 to highlight the villages
& flavours of Wallonia
character and unique attractions, will also feature among those listed
in the brochure.
Twenty-two of Wallonia’s pettiest and most delightful villages have
officially been designated Most Beautiful Village of Wallonia by the
association of the same name, set up in 1994 to encourage the villages
to preserve and develop their architectural qualities and heritage.
What better way to discover the delights of the destination than to
visit gems such as Crupet, a charming little town on the edge of a
wooded valley, or Mélin with its spectacular views, nestled on the
heights of a valley or even the picturesque Lompret, situated in the
meander of a river. The most southerly village of Belgium, Torgny has
its own privileged microclimate, while Soiron is dominated by a
magnificent castle and is surrounded by hills, meadows and orchards.
With a local beer, or one of the many delicious local specialties
in hand of course!
Some of these enchanting villages, each with its own marked rural
More information from [email protected]
Brussels in Vogue in 2006
© BITC
Fashion and design in Brussels will be the
focus of attention in 2006 when the
prestigious La Cambre School of Visual Arts,
famous for having produced some of
Belgium’s best known and most original
designers, many of whom now work for
international fashion houses, celebrates its 20
years of existence.
The Belgian capital will be hosting a number
of events and exhibitions for the occasion
including designer trails, fashion shows, an
exhibition on fashion in Brussels and the
creation of a Fashion House all highlighting
the creative genius of its many designers.
A brochure will also be produced, highlighting the hottest and trendiest areas and districts of Brussels,
such as the rue Dansaert, with its fashionable shops and designer boutiques, St Gery, with its cool bars
and cafes, the Marolles, once one the poorest areas of Brussels and now full of design shops
and vintage boutiques, or le Sablon with its antique shops, art galleries and hip restaurants.
© OPT/Jeanmart
Throughout next year the Belgian Tourist Office-Brussels and Wallonia
will be promoting the villages of Wallonia and their local fares with a
special booklet entitled “Villages and Flavours 2006” available from the
end of this year. The dedicated brochure will highlight the foods and
many attractions of the delightful villages of Southern Belgium and
give suggestions for itineraries, restaurants, accommodation and local
specialties.
Bijou Chateau Hotel
opens in the heart of the
Belgian Ardennes
A lovely 4 start hotel has recently opened in the ancient Chateau de Rendeux, an architectural gem
located in a picturesque valley in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, one of the most beautiful parts
of Belgium.
The small establishment has 4 single rooms, 12 double rooms, and a luxury suite, with all rooms fitted
out with private bathroom, television, radio alarm clock, telephone and computer connection, and
overlooking a large park planted with trees. The main building dates back to the 18th century and the
chateau once served as a convalescent home for English officers during WWI.
The well-known restaurant, Les Caves du Château, which has room for 4O inside and 3O on the large
terrace, proposes gastronomic French cooking, with menus varying according to the seasons, and an
excellent choice of famous French vintage wines.
Other facilities include a large car park inside the walls of the castle, near the entrance to the hotel,
and a splendid reception hall for weddings and banquets for up to 8O people.
For more information contact [email protected]
The Chateau de Rendeux is easily accessible by car and within close proximity to the historical
towns of Durbuy and La Roche-en-Ardenne.
New Warwick Hotel
in Brussels
© Warwick Hotels
Warwick International Hotels has acquired the five
star Mayfair Hotel in Brussels, (formerly the Hyatt
Regency Barsey Hotel) located on the prestigious
Avenue Louise, in the heart of one of the city’s most
exclusive shopping areas, offering an ideal location
to business and leisure visitors to the capital.
More information on www.chateau-rendeux.com
The 100-room boutique hotel, originally designed by
star decorator Jacques Garcia and renamed The
Warwick Brussels Hotel, also has 5 conference rooms,
a bar and a restaurant, giving on to a lovely interior
garden, and private parking..
“We are delighted that the former Hyatt Regency
Barsey will be joining the Warwick collection of
hotels. This is a jewel of a hotel and fits perfectly into
the structure and image of other
Warwick hotels in Belgium”, said Richard Chiu,
President of Warwick International Hotels.
More information on
www.warwickbarsey.com
© Chateau de Rendeux
New Brussels destination guide on Eurostar.com
Eurostar has launched a series of online city guides on its website www.eurostar.com, including a guide to the city of Brussels, featuring the pick of what the capital has to offer.
© Eurostar
Hidden gems include Art Nouveau splendours such as the Horta Museum and the newly opened Maison Autrique museum, while parks and gardens feature the stunning Art Deco gardens of the David and Alice van Buuren
Museum. The guide also lists the best events, bars, restaurants, shops, museums and exhibitions in Brussels.
Fastest journey times to Brussels, currently at 2h15, are set to be reduced by over 20 minutes to 1h53 when the company, whose entire fleet
of 27 trains is currently being refurbished with new interiors in all classes and in the buffet cars and bar, moves its operations to St Pancras
International in 2007.
As all Eurostar tickets to and from Brussels are valid for travel to and from any Belgian station at no extra charge, visitors to the Belgian capital
can easily combine a trip to Brussels with a visit to any of the other picturesque towns and cities of Wallonia.
From 1st September passengers to Brussels will also be able to benefit from the company’s new three-tiered service separating first class travel
into two distinct leisure and business classes.
More information on
www.eurostar.com
Go to www.belgiu
Belgi
Tel: 020 7531 0390.
We’re getting bigger!
© Mercure Mons
Press enquiries can now be sent to either Sophie on [email protected] or
Rym on [email protected]
More fashion rooms
at the Royal Windsor
hotel Brussels
The Royal Windsor Hotel in Brussels has
added another six guest rooms created
by famous Belgian fashion designers to
the four inaugurated earlier this year and
designed in styles ranging from Art Deco
to Futurism by Mademoiselle Lucien,
Gérald Watelet, Marina Yee and JeanPaul Knott.
The series of exclusive Fashion Rooms will
eventually total twelve rooms spread out
over the different floors adding an
element of Belgian exclusivity and
originality to the hotel.
After extensive refurbishment by the ACCOR group, the Hotel La Foret in Nimy has now re-opened as the
Hotel Mercure Mons. The four star hotel, which is set off the road in quiet pretty wooded surroundings,
is located only 45 kms away from Brussels and in close proximity to some of the major attractions of the
area, such as the Paradisio animal parc and the Pass scientific adventure parc.
The latest fashion rooms have been
designed by Haider Ackermann, Pascale
Kervan, Nina Meert, Romy Smits, Kaat
Tilley and Nicolas Woit.
A member of Warwick International
Hotels and of the Leading Hotels of the
World, the 226 room 5-star Royal
Windsor Hotel is considered one of the
best luxury hotels in Brussels, having
undergone extensive refurbishment over
the last few years. It is ideally located next to the city’s beautiful main square, The Grand Place,
and close to its historic centre, shopping areas and many museums.
It is expected that the remaining two Fashion Rooms will be completed before the
end of 2005.
© Warwick Hotels
© BTO LOndon
The Belgian Tourist Office-Brussels and Wallonia has expanded with new member
Rym Neffoussi joining the team. Rym who is press assistant to our Press & PR
Manager Sophie Bouallègue has 2 years previous experience in the tourism industry
and is also bilingual in English and French.
Accor Group opens
new four star hotel
in Wallonia
The fifty three rooms and one suite, all equipped with en suite bathroom, telephone, television, minibar
and radio, provide comfortable accommodation for business and leisure travellers alike, and the hotel
also has six meeting and banqueting rooms able to accommodate between five and two hundred
people.
Other features include a gourmet restaurant, a bar, lounge with open fire, an outdoor swimming pool
with large terrace, a fitness room and car parking for eighty cars.
The centre of the nearby historic town of Mons, the site of the first battle fought by the British Army in
World War I, has a delightful cobbled square, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, a beautiful collegiate
church and belfry and is the setting for one of Wallonia’s most colourful summer festivals, the Doudou,
when over fifty thousand people fill the streets of the town to witness the reenactment of
the slaying of the dragon by St George.
For more information www.warwickhotels.com
More information on www.accorhotels.com and www.mons.be
SN Brussels Airlines opens new Glasgow –
Brussels service
Following firm evidence that there is strong demand from the business and tourism community for direct flight services between Glasgow and the European capital, SN Brussels
Airlines is now offering nine weekly flights between Brussels International Airport and Glasgow.
With a flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, the flight schedule allows business trips, long weekends, cultural visits and holidays to the Belgian capital with morning, evening and
noon flights providing smooth connections from Scotland to dozens of other SN destinations in Europe, the US and Africa.
On board the modern four engines Avro RJ aircraft, passengers can enjoy free meals, drinks and newspapers and business class clients have free lounge access both in Brussels
and Glasgow. Thanks to the loyalty programme Privilege all passengers can earn and redeem miles on the route and on more than 700 other destinations.
It is expected that these new SN Brussels Airlines flights will allow more than 40,000 people to travel this year between Glasgow and Brussels.
More information and reservations on www.flySN.com
Motorists to Southern Belgium enjoy the ride with
new Eurotunnel initiatives
Motorists crossing the Channel this summer to visit the unspoilt French-speaking Southern Belgian provinces of Wallonia, just 2 hours from Eurotunnel’s terminal at Calais, will have an even
smoother journey with new initiatives introduced by Eurotunnel, the preferred choice of over 1 million motorists each year.
Standard one-way fares from just £49 for car and passengers have been introduced, along with extended 24 hour day trip/overnight fares from just £30, and a fully flexible and
exchangeable flat rate FlexiPlus fare, valid for a year, offering fast track dedicated check-in, priority boarding on the next available shuttle, use of an exclusive lounge (for
passengers traveling in vehicles under 1.85m high), complimentary light meals, drinks and newspapers.
Eurotunnel has also launched special fares for breaks of up to five calendar days with discounts of up to 50% on the standard fares, with Short Stay Saver fares starting
from just £78 for a car and all passengers, and a new frequent traveller fare also offers regular Channel hoppers the opportunity of further savings with a minimum
purchase of ten off-peak single crossings for just £39 each way for a car and passengers.
Further information on www.eurotunnel.com
umtheplaceto.be for continuous updates on what’s happening in Brussels and Wallonia.
ian Tourist Office – Brussels & Wallonia, 217 Marsh Wall, London E14 9FJ.
. Fax: 020 7531 0393. Brochure line: 0800 9545 245. Email: [email protected]
Coyright of all images in this news letter belong to the OPT and the BTO unless otherwise stated.
Calendar of events for
the last six months of 2005
Street Parties, Carnival
& Folklore
Music Festivals & Cultural Events
Belgium is well known for its colourful carnivals and street parades, most of which are based on
ancient festivals. Great fun for participants and spectators alike!
Various dates
In July
Musical Month in St Hubert (Province of Luxembourg)
48th “Juillet Musical” with jazz and classical music concerts in and around St Hubert. One
of the most important summer festivals in the Province of Luxembourg.
Various dates
July & August
Durbuy Music Festival (Province of Luxembourg)
With eight evening performances of classical music concerts and recitals in the Church of
Durbuy, officially the smallest town in the world. Performers include winners of the
prestigious Queen Elizabeth Music Competition held yearly in Brussels.
19-24 July
Francofolies music festival, Spa (Province of Liege)
Annual musical event over 5 days with a host of Belgian and French talent including
Rachid Taha, Zap Mama, Matmatah and world famous DJs Bob Sinclair and Charles
Schilling.
16 July23 September
29th Summer Festival of the Meuse, Wallonia
Classical concerts in spectacular abbeys, chateaux and churches. UK performers include
the Gould Piano Trio playing Beethoven Haydn and Fuchs at the Chateau de Modave, and
Renaissance group The Clerks’ Group with music by Ockeghem, Obrecht and Josquin at
the Romanesque Church of La Hulpe.
Weekend of
6-7 August
Nuit des Livres, Redu (Province of Luxembourg)
21st anniversary of this all-night literary event in the historic book town of Redu, the first
in Continental Europe. Attracts around 300,000 book worms a year! With concerts,
exhibitions, street artists and fireworks.
21-25 July
46th International Festival of Dance and World Music, Jambes
Meeting of musicians and dancers from around the globe at this yearly event in the
province of Namur, including performers of African, Jewish and Flamenco music, and
dancers from Bulgaria, Venezuela, Turkey, Hungary, Mexico, Russia and China.
25-26-27 August
Nuit des Choeurs Festival, Villers la Ville (Province of Walloon Brabant)
Series of prom concerts in the stunning floodlit ruins of the 12th century Cistercian Villers
Abbaye featuring international chorals groups. This year’s line-up includes the Von Trapp
Children from Austria, the Hesperimenta Vocal Ensemble from Italy and the Male Choir of
St Petersburg.
11-12 September
Heritage Days in Wallonia
The 17th edition of this important cultural event will be focusing on the richness and
diversity of the Middle-ages. Over 500 activities, including medieval festivals, reenactments in period costume, juggling shows, troubadours, falconers, and gastronomy,
will be taking place over the two days during which castles, museums and private homes
usually closed to the public will open their doors. Access to all monuments and sites is
free.
October &
November
20th Audi Jazz Festival, various venues in Brussels and Wallonia
Program still to be finalised but this year already promises a terrific line-up with
confirmations so far by Maceo Parker, Ibrahim Ferrer, Madeleine Peyroux, Vinicius
Cantuaria, the Philipe Catherine Trio, the Michel Portal Quartet, the John Scofield Trio
and the Dave Douglas Sextet.
15 August
13-15 August
20-21 August
27-28 August
18 September
15-21 September
22nd International Bathtub Regatta, Dinant (Province of Namur) Surely the wackiest and
most entertaining boat race on earth with over 250 participants in a flotilla of original
vessels made out of at least one bathtub racing down the river Meuse. Strictly no
deliberate sinking of opponents allowed!
Celebrations for the 15th of August in Outremeuse, Liege (Province of Liege) Three days
of processions and festivities, including flea markets, folkloric dancing, and opportunities
to taste the famous Peket gin and delicious “bouquettes” pancakes typical of this lively
part of Liege.
International Festival of Street Artists, Chassepierre (Province of Namur) 32nd edition of
this bubbly and colourful event , with all manner of street entertainment, theatre, music
and puppetry with participants this year from Belgium, France, Romania, Switzerland,
Argentina, the US, Australia and Germany.
Ducasse, Ath (Province of Hainaut) Thousands of people take part in this ceremony dating
back to the 15th century. A folkloric procession of giants and 19th century style floats
takes place over two days, culminating in a hot air balloon festival on Sunday.
Festival of the Pumpkin, and of curious and forgotten vegetables, Noduwez (Province of
Walloon Brabant) Unusual festival in this province of Walloon Brabant with a prize awarded
for the largest and most beautifully decorated pumpkin. Other attractions include a crafts
fair, tastings of all things pumpkin-related and the sale of rare vegetable seeds.
Brussels & Wallonia are awash with events and festivals from jazz, world, and classical music
festivals, to celebrations of Southern Belgium’s rich cultural heritage
Horse Parade Belgium 2005, Brussels
An open air exhibition of 186 model horses decorated by Belgian artists in the
streets of Brusels in celebration of the country's 175th birthday
Sporting Events
Bikes, cars, cars, cars, rollers …and running
30 -31 July
Proximus 24 Hours of Spa, (Province of Liege)
This 24-hour Endurance race solely for GT cars takes place on the Spa- Francorchamps
racing track and is one of the major motor sport events of the Belgian calendar.
19-21 August
Bugshow 2005 Spa (Province of Liege)
The Biggest VeeDub festival in Europe. At Spa Francorchamps, of course!
28 August
ING Brussels Marathon
42 Kms, taking in the best sites in Brussels, starting at the Cinquantenaire and finishing at
the Grand Place. Also a half marathon (21Kms), mini marathon (3Kms) and kid’s run
(1Km).
9-11 September
Belgium Formula 1 Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps (Province of Liege)
The exiting F1 on one the racers’ favourite tracks in the world!
15-16 October
Superbiker, Jules Tacheny Circuit, Mettet (Province of Namur)
The largest SuperMoto event in the world with Superbiker and Starbiker events and a
Freestyle show. Noisy and crazy!
Various evenings
June- Sept from
7pm
Roller Parade, Brussels & Wallonia
Free 20 km roller parades throughout the streets of Namur (Thursdays),
Brussels (Fridays) and Mons (Saturdays)
Exhibitions & Special Events
Must-dos and unique exhibitions and events in Brussels and Wallonia
20-23 July
Tintin Festival, Brussels
Staged in various locations throughout the native city of Tintin and his creator Hergé.
With exhibitions, tours, screenings and a fancy-dress ball dedicated to the young reporter
and his genius creator. Ends with a performance of Mats Lidstrom’s “Tintin Suite”.
Markets & Fairs
22 July22 August
Bruxelles-les-Bains, along the Beko Basin in Brussels
Summer in the city with sand, coconut palms, fountains, a football pitch, a pétanque
green, salsa bars, dance classes, DJs and concerts and more.
From antiques to Christmas shopping
02-04 September
Temploux Market (Province of Hainaut)
28th edition of the largest market in Belgium, with over 1500 exhibitors of antiques and
second and items. First day reserved for collectors and buyers of comic strip only. Lasts
through all of Saturday night and culminates on Sunday with the Coxa Nostar, a meeting
of Aircooled VWs!
7th Belgian Beer Weekend, Grand Place Brussels
With 53 Belgian breweries presenting their best selections of beers and a procession of
historic brewery carts and beer wagons through the streets of Brussels. Entrance is free
and prices very reasonable!
Until
11 September
43rd Ciney Antique and Flea market (Province of Namur)
One of the largest antique fairs and flea markets in Belgium with over 400 exhibitors from
Belgium, France, the UK, Germany and Holland displaying their wares in two massive halls
as well as on outside stalls. Parking available for 4,500 cars. First day for trade only.
5th International Triennale of Tapistry, Tournai (Province of Hainaut)
This year the focus will be on Japan and its fascinating textiles. The history of textiles of
the archipelago has been important for over 2000 years. So it may come as no surprise
that the most beautiful fabrics in the world can be found in Japan.
26 July18 September
Opening of the Royal Palace Brussels
After the national holiday, the Royal Palace opens every year for approximately two
months. Commissioned by Leopold II and completed in 1865, it contains priceless
collections and decorative art from every continent. Daily10:30-16:30, except Mondays.
Free entry.
Until
15 September
Made in Belgium, Brussels
Part of the celebrations of Belgium’s 175 years this is the largest exhibition ever about
Belgium. Discover different aspects of Belgium via 12 different themes
Religious & Military
Processions
Until
30 November
I was 20 in ’45 in Bastogne, Bastogne (province of Luxembourg)
Exhibition dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the battle of the Ardennes which saw the
involvement of more than 1 million combatants. Contains displays of military uniforms,
life-size replicas of the allied and German HQs, and depictions of the lives of soldiers and
civilians during the battle.
From military marches to reconstructions of the battle of Waterloo
Until
23 December
The Art Nouveau Façade, a Total Work of Art,
Museum of Architecture, Brussels
Exhibition exploring the different themes evoked in the Art Nouveau facade, namely
graffito, ironwork, stained glass, ceramics and architectural mosaic, as well as the general
composition, the techniques and the materials used.
Until 31
December
Art Nouveau & Design, 1830-1958
Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels
Organised as part of the celebrations for the 175th anniversary of Belgium’s
independence, this exhibition presents an overview of the evolution of decorative art in
the 19th and 20th century and of the creativity of Belgian artists in the field of interior
decoration.
4 October21 Feb 2006
Europalia Russia, at various venues across Brussels and Wallonia
This year’s Europalia will be devoted to Russia, with more than 20 exhibitions, some 250
concerts and a number of stage performances, ballets and film screenings, in one the
largest displays of Russian culture ever to be organised outside Russia. With the
participation of many of Russia’s foremost art institutions including the Hermitage
Museum, the Russian Museum of St Petersburg, The Ekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts,
The Tretyakov Gallery and the Bolshoi Ballet.
20-21 August
7-9 October
End NovemberDecember
Christmas markets in Brussels and Wallonia
A yuletide atmosphere with illuminations, ice rinks, tastings of local specialities and
hundreds of Christmas stalls selling all sorts of Christmas goodies.
24 July
“Tour de la Madeleine”, Jumet (Province of Hainaut)
22 km military march and procession with 2000 marchers and pilgrims and 150 horses.
12 September
Historic Grand Procession, Tournai (Province of Hainaut)
Historical Procession in one of the oldest towns of the Western world, and former home
of Henri VIII, in honour of the Virgin Mary who delivered the city from the plague in
1092. The main treasures of the Cathedral are carried through the town, escorted by
fraternities and groups in ancient costumes, and by musicians and choirs. A High Mass is
celebrated in the cathedral at 10 am on the day.
2 October
Tour Saint-Gertrude, Nivelles (Province of Walloon Brabant)
729th edition of this religious procession attended by over one thousand pilgrims in
honour of St Gertrude, patron saint of the town of Nivelles, where she founded a
monastery.
All dates subject to change. For futher information please contact the
Belgian Tourist Office – Brussels & Wallonia on 020 7531 0390, [email protected]