Belgium Car Rental

 

Belgium is a small, multilingual melting pot of cultures best known for its beer and the original 'French' fries. Hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, take a cruise on the canals of Bruges, go shopping in Liege or take a tour through the rolling hills of the Ardennes. With a hire car, you're independent and can easily stop off at the many attractions scattered all over the flat countryside.

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also of Europe. Here you can visit impressive museums, take in the diverse architectural styles of the historical buildings lining shady boulevards and busy squares as well as eat until to your heart's content. Shopping is also high on the agenda. For a great daytrip, head to Bruge, one of Europe's most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Only 80kms west of Brussels, this charming town boasts picturesque streets and canals, ideal for cruising.

The kingdom's northern part is called Flanders, distinct in its use of Flemish and Dutch languages. The Flemish landscape is blessed with rolling green hills and winding roads dotted by historical villages with charming medieval squares and tree-lined canals. The capital Antwerp sparkles not only with diamonds, but also with lively nightlife and a thriving arts scene. Leuven reigns as Belgium's beer capital as well as having a historical university and a visit here may make you long for your student days.

Wallonia in the south of Belgium is a region straight out of a Grimm fairytale, with quiet villages and enthralling castles. The official language here is French, with a small German speaking minority. The many historic towns give way to fascinating WWI battlefields and countryside with lush forest, waterfalls and lakes, traversed by the Meuse River.

Also in the south is the charming Ardennes region with deep valleys, historic towns and fairy-tale castles. You can easily stop at any one of the many romantic country hotels and delight in the delicious cheeses and local beers. Liege is the region's main centre and is home to a thriving arts scene. The Christmas Market here is a heady mix of decorations, smells and music.

Belgium is a small country yet big in natural and cultural diversity, along with a well-developed and extensive road network. Car hire is not expensive and a good and convenient alternative to using public transport, particularly as the weather can often be damp and dreary with lots of rain.