Liège

Liège's outskirts are still lined with industrial facilities—some operational, some (notably Val St-Lambert and Blegny) transformed into innovative museums, and others closed. Although the views may not be beautiful, you shouldn't let this deter you from giving Liège its due. A soot-covered old building may house a historic treasure, a delicious meal, or a glorious flower shop. (Liège has many talented florists whose windows brighten up the city streets.) An inconspicuous cobblestone alley could be home to busy cafés and architectural gems.

The Liègeois have a reputation for friendliness and are clearly proud of their city. Blue and white plaques are visible on the portals of the many buildings that have been designated Wallonian heritage sights. Walloon can still be heard on the streets and is taught at the local university, where students have been known to say, "Po brêre on èst chal, po bêure!" (We are not here to complain, we are here to drink!) Tchantchès, Liège's beloved puppet with his red nose and indefatigable attitude, is the town mascot. Pèkèt, a regional genever made from juniper berries and consumed straight up, is plentiful. And, every Sunday morning, as has happened for centuries, the quai is transformed into La Batte, one of Europe's biggest weekly street markets.

In addition to its own merits, Liège is a good urban base from which to explore forests, parks, and other pleasures that lie to its south.