We had been lucky, our tour guide told us as he steered the boat gently through the centuries-old canals of Bruges. Just a few weeks earlier locals, and a few hardy tourists, had been walking on inch thick ice on top of the waterways which criss-cross the city.
Now, in mid-March, the scene was bathed in an unseasonable sunshine. Thousands of eager sightseers had begun to throng in the main Market Square, in the shadow of the imposing 11th century Belfry; clip-clopping along in open-top carriages, drinking one of the many Belgian beers on offer in the hundreds of taverns or shopping for the world-famous local chocolate and lace. In London scenes like this would have proved chaotic. The English tend to become hysterical when the weather improves, even for a few hours. But here in northern Belgium the atmosphere remained gentile – as it apparently had for hundreds of years. With so much on offer in such a tiny space, Bruges is stunningly well designed for tourism. We wandered through the streets taking in the medieval houses, miles of canals, ornate churches and – a particular highlight – the Don Quixote-style windmills on the edge of town. This gentle pursuit is the main attraction of the destination. Always a busy trading centre, Bruges has at times been dominated by France, Spain, Burgundy, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. History has therefore left its mark on virtually ever inch of the city, offering visitors limitless opportunities to explore. Surrounded by a moat it is also impossible to get lost. It takes an hour to walk from one side of the old city to the other, with the Belfry virtually always in view, offering a clue as to the way home. Hire a bike for a touch more freedom, or even take a balloon ride for the ultimate perspective.
Click here to see the original article>Now, in mid-March, the scene was bathed in an unseasonable sunshine. Thousands of eager sightseers had begun to throng in the main Market Square, in the shadow of the imposing 11th century Belfry; clip-clopping along in open-top carriages, drinking one of the many Belgian beers on offer in the hundreds of taverns or shopping for the world-famous local chocolate and lace. In London scenes like this would have proved chaotic. The English tend to become hysterical when the weather improves, even for a few hours. But here in northern Belgium the atmosphere remained gentile – as it apparently had for hundreds of years. With so much on offer in such a tiny space, Bruges is stunningly well designed for tourism. We wandered through the streets taking in the medieval houses, miles of canals, ornate churches and – a particular highlight – the Don Quixote-style windmills on the edge of town. This gentle pursuit is the main attraction of the destination. Always a busy trading centre, Bruges has at times been dominated by France, Spain, Burgundy, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. History has therefore left its mark on virtually ever inch of the city, offering visitors limitless opportunities to explore. Surrounded by a moat it is also impossible to get lost. It takes an hour to walk from one side of the old city to the other, with the Belfry virtually always in view, offering a clue as to the way home. Hire a bike for a touch more freedom, or even take a balloon ride for the ultimate perspective.