Brussels has closed to vehicles on one Sunday per year since September 1999, in a Mobility Week initiative to draw attention to the impact of vehicle traffic and pollution on the city, reduce car use, and highlight alternative ways people can get around.

Often taking place in early autumn, the event’s 2026 edition is no exception, scheduled for 20 September this year. For 2027, an additional date in May is on the cards. However, original proposals for the additional Car-Free Sunday to fall on 9 May 2027 have caused some backlash, with critics pointing out that it coincides with significant spring holidays and risks making the city inaccessible to visitors during that time.

The “Non au plan Good Move Committee” said the choice of “the spring half-term for French-speaking schools, a period when many families take the opportunity to travel, visit relatives or spend time together” was not optimal and noted: “above all, it would also coincide with Mother’s Day. In practical terms, this means that families who sometimes travel from afar to visit their mothers, parents or grandparents in Brussels will once again face roadblocks, restrictions and additional complications.”

In response, the regional government has opted for 2 May 2027 instead, according to reporting in Le Soir, but the move still faces another hurdle in the form of approval by all of the capital’s 19 municipalities.

If it goes ahead, there will be two days in the yearly calendar, probably in May and September, when the Belgian capital becomes Europe’s largest no-car zone. Brussels transport operator STIB offers reinforced and free public transport on those days.

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Exemptions to the ban are issued for public transport, taxis, buses, emergency and security forces, as well as for diplomatic vehicles. For everyone else, it’s no cars from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, and authorities advise that “the closing and the re-opening of the entrances to the Region and the tunnels will happen gradually. Therefore, there might be some traffic nuisance outside these times.”

Officials also warn that “As a result of the activities and celebrations, the streets in certain neighbourhoods might also be closed longer. So it is no use hurrying to the entrances to Brussels; this is to avoid congestion and safety problems.” 

The Brussels Mobility service describes the day as “an opportunity to (re)discover the pleasure of walking, riding on a bike or scooter, or travelling on public transport in a peaceful and pleasant city.”

L’article Brussels could double car-free Sundays from 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Belgium’s second-busiest airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, is one of Europe’s leading low-cost hubs, handling over 10 million passengers each year. Serving as Ryanair’s main Belgian base, it offers affordable flights to dozens of European and Mediterranean destinations, playing a pivotal role in Belgium’s aviation network and facilitating inbound tourism.

The announcement has come as a shock to trade unions, airport staff and travellers alike, unfolding amid ongoing tensions between the Walloon government and Ryanair.

The regional government has recently urged Charleroi to diversify its carrier base after Ryanair announced it would cut two million seats due to disputes over local taxes and fees. However, the airport authorities maintain that the 11-week shutdown is strictly a matter of necessity.

The airport’s sole runway is nearing the end of its operational life, with airport authorities noting that it has a lifespan of around 25 years. Airport authorities described the works as “historic”. Other modernisation projects are planned alongside the rebuild, including upgrades to the drainage system and renewal of the runway lighting, markings, and other airfield infrastructure. These improvements are intended to ensure operational stability and safety for decades to come.

“These investments are necessary to ensure the long-term safety, performance and attractiveness of the airport,” said the airport.

To minimise disruption, several projects will run simultaneously, though this will also mean that air traffic will be completely halted for the duration.

Walloon Minister of Airports Cécile Neven responded to the unions’ criticism by stressing that preparations have been under way for some time. “SOWAER [the Walloon organisation responsible for managing infrastructure and spatial planning around the Liège and Charleroi airports] and Charleroi Airport have been studying the runway renovation for years. In November 2024, a joint decision was made on how the works in 2028 will be organised,” her office said.

Trade unions, however, remain concerned about both the airport’s future and the impact on employees.

SETCa representative Alain Goelens accused the Walloon government of lacking a clear long-term strategy for the airport and questioned whether airlines would restore all routes once operations resume.

“What guarantees are there that all destinations will return after reopening? And what about the wages of employees who are temporarily laid off? Despite questions from the unions, there remains a lot of uncertainty,” he said.

The closure is expected to affect airlines, passengers and airport businesses alike. While Brussels Airport could absorb some of the lost traffic, the number of available slots there is limited. Other regional airports, including Liège, Lille and Maastricht Aachen, may also take on some of the displaced traffic, although airlines have yet to announce their contingency plans.

Passengers with bookings during the closure will likely be offered alternative flights or relocated to other airports, or they will receive refunds.

The airport has said that it will publish a detailed timetable for the works well in advance, to allow sufficient time for airlines, passengers, and commercial partners to prepare.

L’article Brussels Charleroi Airport to close for months in 2028 for major runway reconstruction est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The four new Rosenbauer crash tenders are now operational and have joined the airport’s in-house fire service fleet. They replace five older units that had reached the end of their operational lifespan and are specifically designed for rapid intervention during aircraft emergencies on the airfield.

Weighing 39 tonnes, the new vehicles can reach speeds of up to 115 km/h, allowing firefighters to respond quickly across the airport site. Each crash tender carries 12,500 litres of water, 1,500 litres of extinguishing foam and 225 kilograms of dry powder. Their roof-mounted water cannons can discharge up to 5,200 litres of water per minute, providing firefighters with the capacity needed to tackle large-scale aircraft fires. One of the new vehicles is also equipped with a steel-piercing nozzle, which allows extinguishing agents to be injected directly into an aircraft cabin or cargo hold to fight fires more effectively.

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The modernisation of the fleet is part of Brussels Airport’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its emergency services continue to meet the highest safety requirements. The airport fire service operates 24/7 and is responsible for responding to aircraft-related incidents and other emergencies within the airport environment.

Alongside the new vehicles, Brussels Airport has also invested in a dedicated training simulator. The simulator recreates realistic emergency situations, enabling firefighters to practise their response procedures in a controlled environment and further develop their skills without affecting airport operations.

The investment in new equipment and training infrastructure aims to support the airport’s fire service in maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring efficient responses in the event of an emergency. This forms part of Brussels Airport’s broader efforts to continuously enhance safety across its operations.

The airport is also upgrading its security screening systems with next-generation technology, including body scanners for passengers and CT scanners for hand luggage. Set to be introduced from 2028, the new equipment will allow travellers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their bags during screening, while enhancing security efficiency and improving passenger flow.

L’article Brussels Airport invests €6 million in four new specialised airport fire vehicles est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont said the announcement showed why Charleroi Airport needed to attract a wider range of airlines. Diversifying its operators would make the airport less dependent on decisions taken by one dominant carrier. “We are familiar with Ryanair’s communication, which is regularly aggressive,” Dolimont told Belgian news agency Belga. “I have no intention of trembling at each of their statements.”

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From 1 January 2027, Belgium’s federal tax on departing passengers taking flights longer than 500 kilometres will rise from €5 to €7. The increase amounts to 40% compared with the current rate. Flights of up to 500 kilometres are already subject to a €10 charge. The government had originally planned to introduce a €10 tax for longer flights as well but reduced the amount following pressure from airlines, airports and regional authorities.

Dolimont was involved in the discussions that led to the lower increase. He said the Walloon government had helped Charleroi Airport avoid around €30 million in additional taxes. This included approximately €15 million in proposed municipal charges and another €15 million connected to the federal tax plans. “Claiming that we can go even further would be unrealistic in the overall context,” he said.

The Walloon government had already intervened in a separate dispute over a proposed regional passenger tax at Charleroi. The measure would have charged €3 for every passenger using the airport and was expected to raise around €15 million per year. After the proposal was abandoned, Ryanair restored its full Charleroi schedule for Summer 2026. The airline promised 7.5 million seats, 112 direct connections and a 9% increase in capacity.

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However, the reversal of the regional tax did not end Ryanair’s dispute with the federal government. Despite the decision to limit the federal tax to €7 instead of €10, the airline has now confirmed its planned cuts. “Their decision is theirs to make,” said Dolimont. “We have done our utmost at the Walloon government level, notably thanks to excellent coordination with the federal authorities, and everyone needs to recognise the effort.”

Ryanair continues to demand the complete abolition of the federal aviation tax. It argues that the charge makes Belgium less competitive than European markets where aviation taxes or airport charges are being reduced or removed. The five aircraft withdrawn from Charleroi will be transferred to markets the company considers more competitive. However, Ryanair has not yet revealed which Belgian destinations or flight frequencies will be affected.

Regional Airports Minister Cécile Neven also expressed regret over Ryanair’s announcement. She said the Walloon government had acted within its powers to protect the competitiveness of regional airports and the thousands of jobs that depend on them. The government remains in contact with Charleroi Airport and says it will monitor the situation closely. No details have yet been provided about which other airlines the airport could target as part of its diversification plans.

It also remains unclear how the two million-seat reduction will be divided between Charleroi and Zaventem. The figure describes capacity that Ryanair will not put on sale and does not mean two million existing bookings have been cancelled. Ryanair currently carries around 11.6 million passengers per year across its Belgian network. Travellers will have to wait for the detailed schedules to learn which routes and frequencies will be removed.

L’article Wallonia calls for more airlines at Charleroi Airport after Ryanair cuts two million seats est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

From 1 January 2027, the tax on departing flights longer than 500 kilometres will rise from €5 to €7 per passenger. This represents a 40% increase compared with the current rate. The government had initially planned to raise the charge to €10 but reduced the increase following pressure from airlines, airports and regional authorities. Flights of less than 500 kilometres are already subject to a €10 tax, meaning the amount passengers pay depends on the distance of their journey.

Despite the government’s compromise, Ryanair continues to call for the federal tax to be abolished entirely. The airline argues that the charge makes Belgium less competitive than European markets where aviation taxes and airport charges are being reduced or removed. It says the aircraft withdrawn from Charleroi will be transferred to countries where operating costs are lower. However, the company has not yet revealed which Belgian routes or frequencies will be affected.

“We warned Prime Minister De Wever that an increase in Belgium’s aviation tax would lead to a decline in traffic, but he did not listen,” said Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson. “As a result, Ryanair will remove five aircraft from its Charleroi base and cut two million seats from its Charleroi and Zaventem schedules for Winter 2026 and Summer 2027.” The airline claims the reduction will also affect tourism and employment in Belgium. No specific redundancies or confirmed estimates of job losses have been announced.

The changes will begin when the Winter 2026–2027 aviation season starts at the end of October, more than two months before the new tax comes into force. Airlines normally prepare and finalise their schedules several months in advance, meaning decisions about aircraft and routes must be made before a tax starts to apply. However, the timing has also raised questions about whether the tax increase is the only reason for the reduction. Ryanair had already threatened to remove the same five aircraft when the government was still planning to increase the tax to €10.

“Ryanair always has between 11 and 18 aircraft at Charleroi,” aviation economist Wouter Dewulf of the University of Antwerp told Belgian broadcaster VRT. “In winter, it traditionally withdraws aircraft because demand is lower or because the aircraft require maintenance.” Charleroi also remains one of Ryanair’s most profitable bases, according to Dewulf, making a complete withdrawal from the airport unlikely. He expects some weaker routes outside the airline’s main winter network to be discontinued in the coming months. These routes may no longer be profitable due to higher fuel prices and the effects of the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Ryanair’s profit reportedly fell by 34% to €593 million during the most recently reported quarter, with rising fuel costs putting additional pressure on its results.

The dispute follows an earlier confrontation over a separate regional passenger tax at Charleroi. Wallonia had considered charging €3 for every passenger handled by the airport, with the measure expected to raise around €15 million per year. Ryanair responded by threatening to cut one million seats from its Summer 2026 schedule. After the Walloon government abandoned the proposal, the airline restored its full Charleroi schedule, promising 7.5 million seats, 112 direct connections and a 9% increase in capacity.

That reversal did not end Ryanair’s separate dispute with the federal government. In December 2025, the carrier announced plans to cut around one million seats during Winter 2026–2027 in response to the proposed €10 federal charge. The latest announcement extends the reductions into Summer 2027, bringing the stated total to two million seats across the two seasons. The figure refers to capacity that Ryanair will not put on sale and does not mean two million existing passenger bookings have been cancelled.

At the time of the announcement, neither the Belgian federal government nor Brussels South Charleroi Airport had issued an official response. It also remains unclear how the two million-seat reduction will be divided between Charleroi and Zaventem. Ryanair currently carries around 11.6 million passengers per year across its Belgian network. Travellers will need to wait for the airline’s detailed schedules to learn which destinations and flight frequencies will be removed.

L’article Ryanair reduces Belgian network by two million seats over higher aviation tax est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The necessity for such a facility has increased in tandem with the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the capital. According to The Brussels Times, Brussels is currently the only European city with a population of over one million that does not have a permanent outdoor public swimming pool.

Plans for the swimming complex were approved by the Brussels regional government in 2022 following a proposal by Pascal Smet (then Brussels Secretary of State for Urbanism) as part of the wider transformation of the historic Abattoir site in Cureghem.

Over the years, the former slaughterhouse has evolved into a bustling hub for markets, food production, and cultural events. The underground Cureghem Cellars also hosted many memorable events before closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smet said the new swimming complex would “make a huge difference to the quality of life for thousands of Brusseleers”. However, despite widespread support for the pool, its construction was put on hold for years while the authorities finalised the legal, financial and operational details. The project involves the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), the municipality of Anderlecht and the Brussels Urban Development Corporation.

Things are finally moving again. Brussels Secretary of State for Urban Renewal Ans Persoons (Vooruit) announced that the tender is set to be launched following approval from the regional government.

“Cooling down should not be a privilege for those who have the space or the means,” said Persoons. “The city is only getting hotter, so this project is becoming increasingly important,” she told Bruzz.

Construction, however, is not expected to begin before 2029 at the earliest.

The project is being developed under a DBFMO (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain and Operate) contract, a public-private partnership, under which the successful bidder will be responsible for every aspect of the project, from design and financing to operation and maintenance. The contract is expected to be awarded in 2028.

Around €4 million has already been secured from the VGC and the Brussels-Capital Region, and preparatory work, including reinforcing the Manufakture roof, has been completed.

The pools will be located on top of Manufakture, a new food production hub that is currently under construction on the Abattoir site. The refrigerated rooms used by the businesses below, which naturally generate heat and energy as they keep food cold, will not go to waste and will be used to help warm the pool water.

Plans include a 25-metre indoor pool for schools and sports clubs, a smaller teaching pool, and an additional 25-metre outdoor pool, which will be open throughout the summer. The complex will also feature recreational and relaxation areas with views across the Brussels skyline.

Once operational, the facility is expected to be open for at least 3,500 hours over 50 weeks of the year, welcoming schools, sports clubs, and members of the public. Admission prices will be in line with other public pools in Brussels, with reduced rates for schools and certain groups.

With almost 400,000 visitors expected annually, it could become one of the capital’s busiest public facilities.

Beyond Anderlecht

While Brussels, historically, had many outdoor swimming spots, these gradually disappeared during the second half of the 20^th century, leaving residents largely reliant on private facilities and sports clubs. A situation unlikely to change before 2030.

This is not the first proposal, and previous proposals have proved less successful. Plans for a natural swimming pond in Neerpede have stalled due to objections from local residents regarding potential noise and damage to wildlife. Meanwhile, an ambitious 350-metre pool project at Quai des Péniches was abandoned due to a lack of funding. The city and Port of Brussels are now considering a more modest alternative: a single supervised swimming lane in the canal.

Until then, the nearest options remain outside the capital, including Renipont beach in Lasne, IJsevijver in Overijse, Hofstade beach, and the provincial domain in Kessel-Lo.

L’article Brussels gives green light to Anderlecht rooftop swimming pool est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

However, the Belgian government has not abandoned its plan to increase the levy altogether. Instead, the Tax on Boarding an Aircraft (TILEA), which is currently €5, will rise by 40% to €7. This change will affect international flights of more than 500 kilometres and 3,500 km (intra-European and medium-haul), from 1 January 2027.

The TILEA was introduced in 2022. Until July 2025, passengers paid €2 on flights of more than 500 kilometres within the European Economic Area, and €4 on longer journeys outside of it. These rates were then harmonised at €5.

The tax is levied when a passenger departs from a Belgian airport, so it is not payable if a flight is cancelled.

Nevertheless, the agreement to cut the levy is a significant compromise, following weeks of fierce criticism from airlines and airport operators. They warned that the planned doubling would damage Belgium’s competitiveness and lead carriers to cut routes, capacity and jobs.

Airlines have long argued that aviation taxes discourage demand, harm tourism, and reduce competitiveness. Airports, for their part, have pointed out that the country is close to northern France, the Netherlands and western Germany, providing both airlines and passengers with alternatives within relatively short distances.

These countries are easily reachable by car from Belgium, providing budget-conscious travellers with a viable, cheaper alternative just a few kilometres away. The government hopes that its €7 compromise will limit the impact on Belgium’s air connectivity while still allowing the federal government to raise budget revenue.

For most travellers, an additional €2 is unlikely to influence their decision, particularly on medium-haul services. Low-cost carriers are more sensitive, however, as even a small increase becomes noticeable on a €20 or €30 fare, especially when combined with airport charges and other regulatory costs.

Unsurprisingly, Ryanair was the loudest critic. In his trademark style, Michael O’Leary threatened to remove millions of seats, cut routes and transfer aircraft to cheaper markets if the government pushed ahead with the original plan. Ryanair has already reinstated its full summer 2026 schedule at Charleroi Airport.

The company has not yet said whether the new €7 federal compromise will persuade it to reverse its planned winter cuts.

Wouter Dewulf, an aviation economist at Antwerp University, told Belgian broadcaster VRT that Ryanair ‘will not be leaving Charleroi’, as it is still its most profitable base in Europe. The airline will continue to make threats in order to keep costs down, he said.

Dewulf said he wasn’t surprised by the increase. ‘The federal government simply needs the money,’ he said, adding that the amount isn’t excessive compared with neighbouring countries, where additional taxes of €20 to €30, sometimes more, are common.

‘The days when you could fly somewhere for €10 or €20 are truly over,’ he added. Such fares will, at most, be rare.

Flights of under 500 kilometres will remain taxed at €10, rising to €10.50 in 2028 and €11 in 2029. The higher rate is partly intended to encourage travellers to consider lower-emission alternatives for short journeys. However, for this policy to be effective, Europe will require more than just another tax increase; it also needs to overhaul its fragmented and often costly international rail network.

L’article Belgium scales back aviation tax increase to €7 after weeks of industry pressure est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Step inside Bouillon’s medieval past

The best way to discover Bouillon is simply by wandering its historic streets. The town is wrapped almost entirely by the River Semois, with stone houses, cafes and bridges leading visitors towards the fortress that rises above the valley.

To begin exploring Bouillon, visitors can follow the town’s heritage walk, which passes more than 20 listed buildings and monuments. The route includes the former Convent of the Sépulcrines, now home to the Archeoscope, historic 17^th– and 18^th-century buildings, and the charming Brittany district at the foot of the castle. Along the way, visitors can also see remnants of Bouillon’s 17^th-century defensive walls, including three surviving bastions that once formed part of the town’s fortifications.

Towering above the town is Bouillon Castle, one of Belgium’s oldest and best-preserved medieval fortresses. Built on three rocky peaks overlooking the Semois, the site has guarded this strategic location for almost a thousand years. The earliest written mention of the castle dates back to 988, although historians believe fortifications may have existed even earlier, dating back to the Gallo-Roman era.

Bouillon Castle is deeply connected to the legacy of Godfrey of Bouillon. In 1096, he sold the fortress to the Prince-Bishop of Liège to help fund his participation as one of the leaders of the First Crusade. Following Godfrey’s death in Jerusalem in July 1100, his younger brother Baldwin took over his role and became the first officially crowned King of Jerusalem.

Over the centuries, the fortress changed hands several times before being extensively reinforced by the renowned military engineer Vauban during the reign of Louis XIV. His work created the impressive blend of medieval and early modern military architecture that can still be seen today. 

Inside, the castle is a maze of underground galleries, tunnels, staircases and defensive passages. Visitors can climb towers overlooking the Semois Valley, walk along fortified ramparts and descend into dark dungeons that reveal how the fortress was designed to withstand prolonged sieges. One of its most remarkable engineering features is a deep well, which reaches a depth of 165 metres — below the level of the River Semois — ensuring a continuous water supply for the fortress in the event of a siege. Nearby, a giant wooden wheel once allowed men to draw water from the depths by walking inside the mechanism. 

Among the castle’s highlights is the Primitive Room, one of its oldest surviving sections dating back to the 13^th century. The spacious Godfrey of Bouillon Room, once used as an indoor stable, now displays historical artefacts, while another section of the fortress hosts the permanent Scriptura exhibition, preserving inscriptions left by patients when the upper floor served as a military hospital in the 19^th century. Weapons from the 16^th century line several chambers, adding to the fortress’s immersive atmosphere.

During the visitor season, the castle also hosts falconry demonstrations, showcasing birds of prey against the backdrop of the medieval walls. Evening torchlight tours give visitors a different view of the fortress, guiding them through its historic spaces after dark with views of the town lights below.

Into the woods and waterways of Bouillon

Beyond its medieval heritage, Bouillon is equally appealing for those looking to experience the Ardennes through food and outdoor activities.

Regional specialities reflect both the surrounding countryside and Belgium’s rich culinary traditions. Visitors can sample Bouillonnaise beer, brewed locally, or try L’Oeillet du Château, a hard goat’s cheese traditionally matured in the castle’s cellars. Another local delicacy is Le Croisé, a biscuit reminiscent of speculoos but containing less sugar. Created in 1996 to mark the 900^th anniversary of the First Crusade, the biscuit bears the image of Godfrey of Bouillon and is sold in a decorative metal tin featuring Bouillon Castle. Fish lovers can also enjoy fresh Semois trout, a regional favourite caught in the river flowing through the town. 

Bouillon is also one of Wallonia’s leading destinations for hiking. Several marked trails begin directly in town, making it easy for visitors to combine sightseeing with nature. The 3.5-kilometre Promenade de la Sente aux Geais follows wooded paths and sections of a former tram route while offering panoramic views over the Semois and the historic centre.

For those seeking a more demanding journey, one of the best ways to discover Bouillon’s natural surroundings is the Walk by the Château de Bouillon, a 7 km hiking route that follows the River Semois while revealing new perspectives of the town’s medieval fortress along the way. Starting from the Poulies Bridge on Boulevard Vauban, the moderately challenging trail is marked with red rectangle signs and offers the perfect balance between nature and heritage. Along the way, hikers pass through peaceful natural surroundings and discover landmarks such as L’Abbaye Notre-Dame de Clairefontaine. As the path winds through the area, hikers can enjoy panoramic viewpoints of the castle dominating the skyline before returning to the town. Route descriptions, interactive maps and GPX files are also available for visitors wishing to explore the trail independently.

Cycling provides another way to explore the region. Bike rentals, including electric bikes, are widely available, allowing visitors to tackle the rolling Ardennes landscape with greater ease. One of the most popular excursions leads to the famous Tombeau du Géant (Giant’s Tomb), a spectacular viewpoint around 10 kilometres from Bouillon where the River Semois forms a dramatic loop around a wooded hill. More experienced cyclists can continue on longer circular routes passing Rochehaut, Frahan and even the nearby French border before returning to Bouillon. 

The River Semois itself also becomes part of the experience. During the warmer months, kayaking and pedal boating allow visitors to admire Bouillon from the water while drifting beneath the castle walls. Together with its hiking trails, cycling routes and local gastronomy, these activities make Bouillon far more than a historic stopover, offering travellers the chance to experience one of Belgium’s most scenic corners at a slower pace.

Where to stay in Bouillon

Bouillon offers a wide range of accommodation options, allowing visitors to choose between comfort, nature and outdoor experiences while exploring the Ardennes. Perched above Bouillon’s historic centre, Hotel Panorama offers sweeping views of the Semois Valley and the medieval fortress, making it one of the town’s finest vantage points to admire its main landmarks.

The hotel features comfortable rooms, many with panoramic views of the entire city, offering guests a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities. Its elevated location combines tranquil surroundings with easy access to the town’s main attractions. 

As the sun sets over Bouillon, dinner at Hotel Panorama offers the perfect way to round off a day spent discovering the town’s heritage and landscapes. Served on the terrace overlooking the River Semois and the softly illuminated streets below, the restaurant blends regional hospitality with mesmerising views. The menu features a wide range of fine options, from seafood specialities such as shrimp starters and dorado mains to other carefully prepared dishes and delicate desserts, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed dining experience surrounded by the Ardennes scenery.

In the morning, guests can start the day with a breakfast buffet featuring fresh breads, pastries, fruit, cheeses, cold cuts and hot drinks. The generous selection provides a pleasant start before setting out to discover Bouillon’s historic charm, scenic trails and natural beauty.

For travellers looking to stay closer to nature, campsites around Bouillon provide options for traditional camping, caravans and motorhomes. These outdoor stays allow visitors to enjoy the surrounding forests and rivers while remaining within easy reach of the town and its heritage sites.

Those seeking a more unusual experience can opt for glamping at Le Hameau de la Semois, where visitors can combine the atmosphere of outdoor living with additional comfort. Set in the Ardennes surroundings, the site offers an alternative way to experience the region while enjoying access to its hiking trails, landscapes and outdoor activities.

Beyond its castle and outdoor activities, Bouillon continues to celebrate its heritage through events that attract visitors throughout the year. The town’s Fête Médiévale de Bouillon, taking place on 8 and 9 August 2026, is one of its biggest annual highlights, welcoming around 50,000 visitors. During the event, Bouillon is transformed into a medieval setting, with residents and visitors dressing in period costumes and bringing the town’s history back to life through a range of activities.

The celebrations continue on 15 August with the annual Marche des Croisés (Crusaders’ Walk), organised by the walking club Les Sabots de Godefroy. Starting from Rochehaut, participants can choose from three mainly forested routes of 6 km, 12 km or 20 km.

In November, Bouillon hosts its Hunting Festival, another major event showcasing the traditions of the Ardennes region. The festival highlights the area’s long connection with hunting culture and brings together locals and visitors for a celebration centred around regional heritage. Together, these events add to Bouillon’s appeal as a destination where history, culture and local traditions remain an important part of the visitor experience.

L’article Why you should visit Bouillon: Belgium’s medieval gem in the Ardennes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The flight is expected to attract both aviation and astronomy enthusiasts, as opportunities to observe such a deep eclipse from the air are extremely rare. Check-in at Brussels Airport will begin at 5:20 pm, before the Airbus A320 departs for France at 7:20 pm. The eclipse is expected to reach its maximum at 8:21 pm, with the aircraft returning to Brussels at around 9:20 pm.

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Only 100 seats are available because the aisle seats will remain empty, giving passengers a better view through the windows. Travellers will also receive special eclipse glasses and will be accompanied by experienced Urania guides throughout the flight. According to the organisers, a similar eclipse flight departing from Belgium will not be possible again until 23 September 2090.

Although the eclipse will also be visible from Belgium, observing it from the ground may prove difficult. During the event, the sun will be very low above the horizon, making visibility highly dependent on local weather conditions. Even a thin layer of clouds could hide much of the phenomenon. Flying above the cloud cover offers passengers a much greater chance of enjoying an uninterrupted view.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, covering part of the sun’s disc. In this case, up to 96% of the sun will be hidden from view, leaving only a thin crescent of sunlight visible. This level of obscuration is considered exceptionally high for an eclipse that can be observed from Belgium. Once the eclipse reaches around 90% obscuration, observers may even see the moon’s shadow moving across the cloud layer or the landscape below as a dark band.

The eclipse flight is not only designed for passengers looking for a memorable experience. Researchers and students from the University of Antwerp and VUB will also use the flight to study how the atmosphere behaves during a deep partial solar eclipse. The research will be supervised by Prof. Dr Katrien Kolenberg and Prof. Dr Valéry Ann Jacobs.

The team will measure several effects that occur as the moon blocks more and more sunlight. These include changes in light intensity, the darkness of the sky, temperature variations and the blue-green twilight effect that can appear during a deep eclipse. The same measurements will be carried out simultaneously on the ground in Spain. By comparing both sets of observations, researchers hope to better understand the influence of the approximately 11 kilometres of atmosphere between the aircraft and the Earth’s surface.

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Participants will also be invited to a preparation evening at Urania’s observatory in Hove on 8 August 2026. During the session, experts will explain how the eclipse develops, present the flight programme and organise a planetarium show. The €299 ticket includes the information evening, the two-hour eclipse flight towards Nantes, eclipse glasses and onboard guidance from Urania specialists.

Travellers who prefer to stay on the ground can also experience the eclipse in southern Europe. Brussels Airlines has highlighted several destinations in Spain, as well as selected cities in France and Portugal, that lie close to the eclipse’s path. Depending on the location, visitors will be able to experience between 97% and 100% obscuration, making them some of the best places in Europe to watch the event.

Among the destinations, Bilbao, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca are expected to experience 100% obscuration, while Madrid will reach 99.98%. Barcelona is forecast to see 99.85% obscuration and Alicante 99.19%. Toulouse in France and Porto in Portugal will also offer excellent viewing conditions, with obscuration levels of 97.87% and 98.26%, respectively. Brussels Airlines notes that travellers may even be able to observe the eclipse from certain regular flights passing over northern Spain, although visibility will depend on the weather, flight path and operational conditions.

The eclipse on 12 August 2026 is expected to attract visitors from across Europe, with Spain among the most popular destinations for those hoping to enjoy clear skies. Whether viewed from a dedicated eclipse flight or from the ground, it promises to be one of the continent’s most remarkable astronomical events in the coming years.

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Gravel routes are a popular choice among cyclists who want to avoid busy roads without going off-road altogether. However, such paths aren’t necessarily easy to find – in West Flanders, for example, unpaved paths are a rare sight according to Jesse Clarysse of Sport Vlaanderen, Flanders’ sports administration. Putting together an entire gravel bike route is therefore no light task.

“Of course, West Flanders already possessed gravel routes. But these were provided by commercial partners or via online route planners such as Strava, Komoot, and RouteYou. The problem with these routes is that they are not always officially accessible; sometimes they run across private land or through nature reserves where cyclists are not permitted,” Jesse Clarysse told Belgian media outlet VRT NWS.

In order to expand the existing cycling network in West Flanders and to add a gravel bike path to the list of possibilities, a new cycling route has now opened in the town of Diksmuide. With a length of 50 kilometres – approximately half of which are gravel paths – and just 12 altitude meters overall, the route has been designed specifically for families and beginning (gravel) cyclists.

“There is also a strong focus on safety. And more experienced gravel cyclists can incorporate the route into a longer ride,” Clarysse explained.

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Data from the Belgian mobility federation Traxio show that over 23,000 gravel bikes were sold in Belgium during 2025, a number that increases by 3,000 to 4,000 bikes on a yearly basis. While sales for mountain bikes are slightly decreasing, the more versatile gravel bikes are thus gaining in popularity.

Along the Frontzate route, cyclists will not only be able to marvel at the natural beauty of the region, but they will also get to see a number of World War I monuments and locations. Starting from the IJzerboomgaard provincial estate, the route takes visitors past the Dodengang memorial site and the so-called Trench of Silence, among others.

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Moreover, a selection of cafés and restaurants along the route allows for a comfortable stop every now and then. Sport Vlaanderen specifically mentions Café de IJzerboomgaard (at the start), Perron 74 (11 kilometres in), Boer Bart (15 kilometres), and restaurant Zannekin (36 kilometres).

For the town of Diksmuide, which is already known for its many World War I sites, the opening of the path marks a new way to attract visitors, while also adding an extra option for locals.

“We want to stimulate residents as well as visitors to get on their bike and to discover our region in an active way. Over the next few years, we aim to develop even more offroad routes”, Diksmuide’s alderman for Sports, Marc De Keyrel, told the Belgian newspaper HLN.

Although the Frontzate route has been officially inaugurated, the path is not signposted. Cyclists who want to follow the path can download the GPX file online.

L’article Diksmuide’s new gravel bike path takes cyclists past World War I monuments est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.