Belgium - Travel Guide
Description
For centuries Belgium has been influenced by its larger neighbours, France and Germany. It has been fought over in countless wars and finally gained independence in 1830. Belgium offers an outstanding diversity of art, culture and cuisine and has grown into one of the most prosperous countries in Europe.
Easily accessible from the U.K., Belgium is a land of contrasts. The flat lands of the north (the Flemish-speaking region of Flanders) give way to rolling hills and forests, rising in turn to the attractive, unspoilt Ardennes region. In the south is the French-speaking region of Wallonia. The capital city, Brussels is officially classed as bilingual but is mainly French-speaking.
Among the many interesting cities in Belgium, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent are the most historical but there are also many smaller villages with a wealth of history to explore, with cobblestone streets and an array of historically and architecturally diverse buildings and attractions.
The climate in Belgium is on a par with the U.K. with winter temperatures averaging 0-6˚C while summer temperatures rarely rise above 24˚C. If you visit this amazingly clean, diverse country you are advised to take a raincoat as the weather can be changeable.
Facilities and amenities are well-maintained in all the major cities and you will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars (Belgium is famed for its huge range of good quality beers), all serving a range of cuisine. Some of the best restaurants in Europe are situated in Belgium.
The quality of life in this versatile country is very good and this is reflected in the quality of services and accommodation provided for tourists. The traditional beach resorts on the Ardennes and Flemish coasts are particularly good.
Hardly a visitor passes through Belgium without purchasing a souvenir. Luxurious chocolates or lace are traditional mementos which can be found almost anywhere in Belgium.
Driving Guide
When driving in Belgium, you must have a full UK driving licence, which you must carry at all times. Be sure to also have on hand your vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance. If your driving licence does not carry a photograph, then you should keep your passport close by. If you are not used to driving on the right, be particularly careful when leaving petrol stations or restaurants on the left side of the road. When overtaking, allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road. Speed limits are strictly applied, and on-the-spot fines are levied by the police. Please make sure you get a receipt if you are fined. Speed limits are as follows: motorways and dual carriageways 120km/h; open roads 90km/h; towns 50km/h. Headlamp converters are compulsory, and dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. The minimum age for driving in Belgium is 18 years. If you are carrying children, then under-3s cannot travel in the front unless a proper child-restraint system is used. Front and rear seat-belts must be used by everybody in the vehicle. All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available, although leaded is becoming more scarce. You are permitted to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although at out-of-hours pumps you may have difficulty. Do NOT drink and drive.
Belgium - Key Facts
Timezone: UK+1.Languages spoken: French, Dutch, German.
Capital City: Brussels.
Major Cities: Antwerp, Bruges, Liege, Ghent.
Mojor Airports: Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi.
Population: 10.5 million
Area: 30,510 sq km - 11,780 sq miles.
Climate Guide: Temperate with warm weather in summer (May_Sep) and snow likely during winter months.
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 cents).
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.
Telephone Code: 32
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz.
UK Tourist Information: Belgian Tourist Office _ Brussels & Wallonia
217 Marsh Wall, London E14 9FJ
Tel: 020 7531 0391 (trade); 020 7531 0392 (press)
0800 9545 245 (freephone brochure line)
0906 3020 245 (live operator 50p/min)
Fax: 020 7531 0393
E-mail: info@belgiumtheplaceto.be
Website: www.belgiumtheplaceto.be
Tourism Flanders _ Brussels
31 Pepper Street, London E14 9RW
Tel: 020 7458 0044 (trade & press)
020 7867 0311(information only)
Fax: 020 7458 0045
E-mail: office@visitflanders.co.uk
Website: www.visitflanders.co.uk
Hotel Class: Hotels in Flanders (N Belgium) are classified according to the standards of the Benelux system which is overseen by the Flemish Tourist Office. Hotels in Wallonia (S Belgium) are classified according to a system legislated by the Executive of the French Speaking Community. Both systems range from 1-star up to 5-star. There is also a further "unstarred" grade for minimal accommodation.