Charming Belgian villages
 

My wife and I will be in Bruges for three days this september and I'd like to find another destination in belgium for a few nights. I'd go to The Netherlands, but my wife wants to go there in the spring for tulips. I was thinking of flying to France and Italy for a few days, but that seems like a hassle for just a week trip. I've heard Ghent is a beautiful city, but it may be a lot like Brugges. Are there cities in Belgium that might be similar to charming Italian or French villages? Specifically old, not a lot of modern buildings or stores. We don't need much to do, we enjoy walking to and from nice villages. Thanks.

I think the Ardennes region of Belgium might be what you are looking for. Lots of fortified towns and villages in the hills, nice views, rivers, castles, etc. I'm afraid I haven't spent much time in the region (yet - am planning to spend a weekend there in February) so I can't give you much detailed information, but I'm sure the guide books on Belgium could give you a few ideas.

I haven't been myself, but the tiny village of Durbuy may be exactly what you're looking for.

Many! Lompret, Melin, Sohier, Fagnolle, Celles, Crupet, Deigne, Falaen, Laforet, Nobressart, Mozet, Ny, Ragnies, Chardeneux, Clermont-Sur-Berwinne. Search on yahoo. Hope you like them.

It's ten years since we were in Belgium; however, I remember it as one of our favorite countries in Europe. We enjoyed Antwerp, and Lille (France); plus many smaller towns whose names I do not remember. Just rent a car and drive. It's a small country; you can cover a lot of it and find plenty of nice places to visit. The Ardennes region, in the south, is also very interesting -- especially if you are into World War II history.

Spa is great for a complete change of scenery.

If you go to Bruges, then Damme (just a few kilometres away) is an absolute must. But, in addition why not visit some of the old béguinage communities in Belgium, more on which here: http://www.hiddeneurope.co.uk/articl...rticles_id=293

One of my favorite European drives used to be from Dinant south along the Meuse river. Ihaven't done it in about 10 years, though, so maybe someone else can comment if it's still as pretty as it used to be and dotted with one charming village after another.