Belgium Tour Packages

1. About Belgium
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Belgium
4. Our Best Belgium Tour Packages
5. Belgium At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Belgium
7. Best Time To Visit Belgium
8. Top Things To Do In Belgium
9. Foods To Try Out In Belgium
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Shopping In Belgium
12. Art And Culture In Belgium

Belgium is widely believed to derive its name from the Belgae tribe, a community that lived in the northern part of Gaul around the 3rd century BC. This fearless tribe fought but eventually lost to the Romans.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territories that now form Belgium became part of the Holy Roman Empire. Over the years, these territories were divided into separate feudal states and ruled by the French. After the fall of Napoleon, the victorious powers decided to create the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, leading to Belgium becoming part of the Netherlands.

This led to unrest, leading to the Belgian Revolution. On 4 October 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands. Early during the First World War, Germany occupied Belgium. The country was free again when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. However, Germany occupied the region yet again during the Second World War. With the help of the British and American forces, Belgium got rid of Germany.

An economic agreement, known as the Benelux Economic Union, was formed between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg in 1958 to promote free trade in the region. The constitution of Belgium was rewritten in 1993 to officially recognise the administrative regions of the country, namely Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders.

Belgium is among Europe’s most heavily populated countries, with most people living in urban areas. There are three different communities in Belgium based on language. The French-speaking Walloons live in the south and east of Belgium. There are the Flemings, who speak Flemish and live in northern Belgium. Lastly, Liege in Belgium has a small German-speaking population residing in the eastern part of the province. The German spoken in this area is similar to standard German, as the region was incorporated into the country during the First World War.

• The highest point in Belgium is smaller than the world’s tallest building.
• Belgium’s highway network is visible from space.
• Brussels Airport is the world’s largest chocolate sales outlet.
• Belgium is the world’s leading exporter of billiard balls.
• Adolphe Sax, a Belgian maker of musical instruments, invented the saxophone.
• The Palace of Justice in Brussels is one of the largest buildings built in the 19th century.
• Belgium has produced many well-known comic strips, including The Adventures of Tintin and The Smurfs.
• Antwerp, a city in Belgium, is the global capital of diamonds.
• Belgium has more castles per square mile than any other country.
• The Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert in Brussels was Europe’s first glazed shopping arcade.
• The Belgian Coast Tram is the longest tram line in the world.

• Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium, and you will mostly receive it 15 days after you apply for it.
• Make sure to carry some coins as you might need them to pay for using public washrooms.
• In Belgium, wearing clothing that partially or completely hides your face in public places is illegal.
• Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and mugging occur, so always take care of your belongings.
• ATMs are quite hard to find in Belgium, which is said to be the Eurozone country where it is hardest to access cash. Therefore, carry your cash accordingly.
• Belgium has strict drink-driving laws, and this includes license suspension, blood alcohol limit, and Alcohol Interlock Programs.
• Tipping is not mandatory in Belgium, but if you’re pleased with the service you receive, you can leave a 10% for the respective server.

Looking for a reason to book our Belgium tour packages? Listed below are multiple reasons why Belgium should be on your must-visit list:

If you wish to experience Belgium’s architecture to the fullest, you must travel to its picturesque towns. The medieval city of Bruges, with its romantic nature, is probably among the most popular destinations in all of Belgium. Make sure to visit Ghent for its medieval monasteries, cultural attractions, and large public squares.

There is Antwerp, the fashion capital of Belgium, which is populated with Renaissance monuments, galleries, and cocktail bars. Of course, you can’t miss out on Brussels, the fascinating capital city of Belgium, which welcomes travellers with museums, unique buildings, green spaces, bars, and more.

Belgium is a haven for foodies. Its cuisine is inspired by the Dutch, German, and the French. The cornerstone of most dishes is seasonal and regional produce, including leeks, potatoes, horse meat, white asparagus, and grey shrimp.

European staples, such as butter, cheese, and meat, also appear in Belgian cuisine. Belgians usually consume four meals a day, which include a light breakfast, a not so heavy lunch, a snack, and a heavy dinner.

As a foodie, you may have had waffles and fries several times. But eating them in Belgium is an altogether different experience. Did you know French fries were first invented in Belgium? They are called frites or frieten in the country, and don’t appreciate when tourists call them French fries. These food items are beloved snacks in the country and serve as great accompaniments and desserts with other meals. There are, of course, Belgian chocolates too that you absolutely must consume to experience their deliciousness and smooth consistency.

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love being in Belgium. The country produces almost 1,500 beer varieties and over 250 authentic breweries. Whether you prefer something strong, sweet, bitter, or even non-alcoholic, the Belgians have it all for beer. In fact, the beer culture of Belgian is so popular that it’s a part of the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Belgium is known to have more castles per square mile than any other country. This isn’t surprising since the country is home to approximately 3000 castles, some of which you can visit as you go around Belgium with our Belgium tour packages. You can consider adding castles to your itinerary, including The Castle of the Counts in Ghent, the Castle of Freyr in Hastiere, the Chimay Castle, and the Castle Reinhardstein in Ovifat.

The train connections in Belgium are truly commendable, allowing locals and visitors to get around the country without a hassle. For example, you can travel from Brussels to Bruges in an hour and from Brussels to Antwerp in about 40 minutes. Its high-speed rail infrastructure makes it easy to travel from Belgium to other European destinations. For instance, you can travel to London, Paris, and Amsterdam in about three to four hours.

Belgium experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Every season brings distinct sights, sounds, festivals, and cultural celebrations. The months that are considered the best time to visit Belgium are April, May, June, and the period between September and October. During these months, the weather is perfect, and tourists get to enjoy a variety of festivals. If you book our Belgium tour packages for these months, you will have numerous activities to experience while witnessing nature at its best in Belgium.

Let’s examine each season in Belgium so that you can finalise your vacation accordingly.

The temperature during the spring season in Belgium ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant during this time, allowing you to have a great time touring the villages and smaller towns in Belgium. Expect the days to have crispy sunshine and the evenings to be mildly cold. Since this is somewhat of a shoulder season in the country, you can visit the sightseeing spots without being too crowded.

Most hotels reduce their prices during this season, so you might want to grab those deals and book as soon as possible. The festivals you can experience in Belgium during the spring season include the Brussels International Film Festival and the Brussels Jazz Marathon. Make sure to bring light summery clothes, sunglasses, and hats for this season.

The temperature in Belgium during the summer season oscillates between 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The heat is bearable enough to engage in touristy activities, and it’s also the perfect time to explore the beaches. Since this is the peak season in Belgium, the country and all the sightseeing regions are immensely crowded. Therefore, book our Belgium tour packages in advance so you can get accommodation of your choice before they all get booked.

Carry water bottles as you tick things off your itinerary so that you stay hydrated. Make sure to pack hats, sunglasses, and light and comfortable clothes. The festivals you can witness during the summer season in Belgium are Tomorrowland, Brussels Summer Festival, and Ghent Festival.

As autumn begins in Belgium, the temperature remains between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. The summer heat starts to wear off, welcoming cooler weather, making this one of the best periods to visit Belgium. The coastal regions experience rainfall at this time, but it doesn’t interfere with sightseeing activities.

Since this is an off-season in terms of travel, you can expect fewer crowds in Belgium during this season and better hotel and flight deals. This is the ideal time to go hiking and trekking in the hilly areas of the country. Being prepared for rainfall is a must during the fall, so bring your raincoat and umbrella whenever you head out. Carrying a lightweight jacket is wise, too, in case the weather fluctuates. The festivals in autumn during autumn are the Belgian Beer Weekend, MegaVino Expo, and the Eat Festival.

Winter in Belgium is cold and wet, with temperatures staying between 3 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius. However, the winter season in Belgium is not among the harshest ones you will encounter around the world, making it bearable. The coastal areas of the country experience rainfall during these months, which further lowers the temperature. Festivals, carnivals, and outdoor activities are seen in plenty around this time in Belgium.

If you book our Belgium tour packages for this season, you can check out the many Christmas markets in Brussels and indulge in a round of skiing. The Carnival of Binche can also be enjoyed at this time.

Belgium provides enough activities for travellers of all kinds, whether travelling with your family, your partner, or yourself. When you book our Belgium tour packages, here are the places you should visit and the activities you can indulge in:

The Grand-Place is the historic, geographic, and central heart of Brussels. Also known as Grote Markt, this central square is engulfed by Baroque guildhalls of the former Guilds of Brussels, City Hall, and the Maison du Roi. The construction of this iconic landmark started in the 11th century, and most of it was completed by the 17th century. Most of the square was demolished when the French troops bombarded Brussels during the Nine Years’ War. The only areas that survived the attack were the tower of the Town Hall, the facade, and some of the stone walls.

The Atomium is a modernist building and one of the most vital landmarks in Brussels, Belgium. It’s said that the Atomium is to Brussels what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It was initially built as a centrepiece for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. It was designed by Andre Waterkeyn, a Belgian engineer, and the architects behind it were Andre and Jean Polak. The structure was meant to serve as a tribute to Belgian engineering skills. The spot serves as a cultural destination, an art centre, and a museum simultaneously. Standing at a height of 102 metres, it is one of Belgium’s tallest structures.

St. Peter’s Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Leuven, Belgium. This Roman Catholic Church was built during the 15th century and is opposite the Town Hall in Grote Markt. The bell tower and belfry of the church made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. One of the artistic masterpieces within the church is the Dirk Bouts painting known as The Last Supper or Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament. The church’s other paintings are The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus and Scenes from the Life and Martyrdom of Saints Catherine and Clement.

Manneken Pis, which translates to ‘little pissing man’ in Dutch, is a bronze fountain sculpture located in central Brussels. The sculpture shows a little, naked boy, who is about 56 cm tall, urinating in the fountain’s basin. It is among the most beloved and representative symbols of Brussels, showcasing the way through which several people of the city received water. Being a 5-minute walk from the Grand-Place, it serves as an embodiment of the spirit of resistance of the people of Brussels. Several armed forces attempted to steal the structure back in the day until an ex-convict managed to do so in 1817. The structure was disintegrated into 11 pieces, after which it was put back together and has been maintained since then.

Minnewater Park, or Love Lake or Lover’s Lake, is in Bruges, Belgium. Named after a popular legend, this tranquil and romantic destination is perfect to witness with your spouse or partner. Legend says that a young woman named Minna fell in love with a warrior from a neighbouring tribe. Minna ran away from home as her father was forcing her to get married to someone else. As she ran into a forest, she found her lover, after which she died of exhaustion in his arms. The park, the bridge, and the lake are all built-in memories of Minna.

The Church of Our Lady dates mainly from the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. It is a Roman Catholic Church located in Bruges, Belgium. The church tower stands 115.6 metres tall, making it the world’s third-tallest brickwork tower and the tallest structure in the city. The church is a prime example of the Gothic style of architecture. One of the chapels located within the church was built in 1482 for Lodewijk van Gruuthuse. He was wealthy, and the chapel was created as a personal worship area.

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries is a collection of three glazed shopping arcades in central Brussels. These galleries include the King’s Gallery, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Prince’s Gallery. Built and designed by Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, a Belgian architect, they were constructed between 1846 and 1847.
Walking around these shopping arcades, you will come across various jewellers, boutiques, bars, restaurants, pastry and biscuit shops, and chocolate shops. These galleries were built before the other famous European shopping arcades of the 19th century, such as the Passage in Saint Petersburg and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

The historic centre of Brugge is a cultural site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brugge, or Bruges, is the capital city in the Flemish Region of Belgium while also being its capital. This quaint Dutch-speaking Belgian town is the sixth most populated city in Belgium. This city centre is oval and is sprawled over a land area of 430 hectares. The city’s history as a trade centre can be traced back to the 13th and 15th centuries. Walking around the stone streets of Brugge almost feels like going back in time to visit the city’s golden era.

The Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval castle in the city of Ghent, Belgium. It was once the residence of the Counts of Flanders and remained so until 1353. It later served as a prison, court, mint, and cotton factory. The structure was restored between 1893 and 1903 and is currently a museum and one of the city’s most vital landmarks.

The origin of the castle can be traced back to the rule of Arnulf I. It was built by Philip of Alsace, who is said to have derived inspiration for the structure from the crusader castles he witnessed during the Second Crusade.

The Brussels Town Hall, which also goes by the name of Hotel de Ville, is the seat of the municipality of Brussels. Situated on the southern side of the Grand-Place, it stands opposite the King’s House or Bread House building. The structure is regarded as a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture. Built between 1401 and 1455, it stands as the sole remaining medieval building of the Grand-Place. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The east wing of the present building is its oldest part and was built between 1401 and 1421, along with a shorter tower.

The Citadel of Dinant is a fortress in the Walloon region of Belgium. Built in 1815, it overlooks the city of Dinant and the Meuse River, which flows through Belgium. Along with Huy, Liege, and Namur, it is part of the Meuse Citadels.

The Antwerpen-Centraal railway station is Antwerp’s primary railway station. It is among the four Belgian stations on the high speed rail network and served as a terminal station from 1873 to early 2007. The structure was built between 1895 and 1905 and designed by Louis Delacenserie, who was a Belgian architect. A tunnel with two continuous tracks was inaugurated in March 2007 under the station. The National Railway Company of Belgium is responsible for operating the train services. The station is famous for being a prime example of Belgium’s railway architecture.

During the Second World War, the train hall faced major damage due to the V-2 rockets. However, the National Railway Company of Belgium stated that this did not impact the structural stability of the building. The condition of the building had deteriorated to such an extent during the mid-20th century that demolition was being considered. In 1986, the station was closed for safety purposes. Soon after, restoration work was started for the roof and facades, beginning in March 1986 and finishing in September 1986. In 2011, the station was given the honour of a Grand Prix at the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.

• Parachute jumping
• Wakeboarding
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Kitesurfing

Throughout the centuries, Belgium has been invaded by the Vikings, Romans, Germans, French, and the Dutch. As a result, the country’s cuisine is widely influenced by the invaders’ cooking techniques and preferred ingredients. Although the locals developed their distinct cuisine by the Middle Ages, the food of Belgium continues to have strong ties to medieval cooking. This can be seen in how they use dried fruits, vinegar, mustards, and condiments to achieve the right mix of sweet and sour taste in their dishes.

Belgian cuisine uses spices in abundance to season everything, including desserts, vegetables, meats, and wine. The spices used can also be traced back to the Middle Ages, such as ginger, saffron, peppercorns, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves. Being from India entails being familiar with spices in one’s cuisine, and you will notice the same when you explore Belgium with our Belgium tour packages.

The Belgians love including potatoes in their food, and it’s a country of meat-eaters that includes chicken, veal, pork, beef, and even rabbit in their dishes. You will often find charcuterie boards in Belgium, beer, and bread. Let’s now dive into the dishes you absolutely must consume during your Belgian holiday:

A trip to Belgium is incomplete without consuming copious amounts of chocolate, and rightfully so. Belgian chocolates are known for their intricate craftsmanship, high quality, and exquisite taste. The finest cocoa beans from around the world are used to make these chocolates. They are roasted and then processed to give them a velvety and rich texture.

You can find it all in Belgium whether you like creamy and smooth milk chocolates or intense and rich dark chocolates. These chocolates are often decorated with intricate patterns and designs and contain delicious fillings, such as fruits, ganache, caramel, and praline. One of the major reasons why Belgian chocolates are so renowned is the intricate process involved in creating them. The artisans handpick the cocoa beans, roast and grind them in small batches. Finally, the rest of the ingredients are added to achieve that delightful blend.

Belgian fries, or frites, are a beloved culinary delight among locals and travellers. They are usually served in a paper cone and accompanied by a wide variety of dipping sauces, including ketchup, mayonnaise, and samurai sauce.

The history of these fries is quite interesting. They were introduced to the American soldiers who fought in Belgium during the First World War. At that time, French was the official language of the Belgian army, which was why the soldiers mistakenly called them ‘French fries’. They then went back and tried to recreate them, which is apparently how French fries became popular worldwide.

As opposed to most varieties of fries prepared from frozen packs, Belgian fries are made fresh on the spot and cooked to order. This ensures they have a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior and are piping hot. In Belgium, frites are usually fried in beef tallow.

As you go around the country with our Belgium tour packages, you’re bound to have Belgian waffles for breakfast during one of the days of your trip. They differ from regular waffles as they are fluffier, thicker, and bigger. Belgian waffles have a tender interior and a crispy exterior and are usually served with various toppings, including maple syrup, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.
In addition to being served during breakfast, Belgian waffles are eaten as a dessert and for brunch. Belgian Waffles were served for the first time at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, after which they immediately became a hit.

If frites or fries are a popular dish in Belgium, then moules-frites is another component of Belgian cuisine that includes fries and is loved all over the country. It refers to a combination of mussels and fries, and they are said to have been first served at the Liege Fair around 1875. This classic Belgian dish is usually imported from the Netherlands, as mussels are harvested in the coastal area of Zeeland.

Moules-frites are created using plump, fresh mussels steamed in a broth of white wine and shallots until they become juicy and tender. The broth, which results from this preparation, is a perfect blend of sweet and acidic, wonderfully complementing the mussels.

Waterzooi is a creamy, soup like stew that is different from traditional stews due to its delicate mixture of textures and flavours. The history of this stew dates back to the Middle Ages when it was made by catching fish from the nearby rivers. It was then served to wealthy merchants and noble members of society. Along with an eclectic array of vegetables, the dish has evolved to include various kinds of meat, such as veal or chicken.

To prepare waterzooi, it is seasoned with numerous spices and herbs, including nutmeg, bay leaves, and thyme. These spices and herbs add complexity and depth to the broth. The stew is often consumed along with white wine or Belgian beer.

Speculoos is a type of Belgian cookie or biscuit that is linked to both Belgian and Dutch cuisine. These spiced biscuits are usually made using ginger, cloves, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Famous for their crispy texture, you can consume them by dipping them into your tea or coffee.

Speculoos also has a rich history. It is linked to the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration in Belgium and the Netherlands, which dates back to the third century. During this holiday, kids are given cookies in the shape of Saint Nicholas and other characters.

Stoemp is the Belgian version of mashed potatoes. This staple Belgian dish consists of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as leeks, onions, cabbage, and carrots. It’s a particularly comforting dish to be had during cold winter nights. The name of the dish is derived from a Flemish word ‘stoempen’, which means ‘to mash’. It is often served alongside meatballs, sausages, and other hearty meat dishes. Although stoemp is typically made using potatoes, it can also be made with other root vegetables.

• Shake hands with everyone you meet, be it women, men, or children, and shake someone’s hand again before you leave.
• Repeat your name when being introduced.
• Don’t snap your fingers, as it’s considered impolite.
• Don’t keep your sunglasses on while talking to someone.
• Do not yawn, scratch, use toothpicks in public, or put your hands in your pockets.
• Don’t back-slap, as it is considered offensive.
• Don’t put your feet on chairs or tables.
• When you wish to call for a waiter or waitress, get their attention by raising your hand and making eye contact.
• If a host offers you a drink, accept it.
• Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal and not on your lap and keep your elbows off the table.
• Avoid asking personal questions about someone’s life and avoid discussing the country’s linguistic divisions.
• When you’re invited to someone’s home, bring flowers for the hostess and a small present or candy if the hostess has children.
• Don’t bring chrysanthemums to a Belgian home, as the country associates them with death.
• Finish off all the food on your plate while having a meal.

Shopping is a delight in Belgium, and you will discover it as you go around the country with our fabulous Belgium tour packages. Here are the souvenirs to buy from Belgium and the best places to shop from:

Belgian chocolates are one of the most delicious chocolates in the world. Known for their velvety and creamy texture, they simply melt in your mouth and make for perfect presents. There are various Belgian chocolate brands to choose from, such as Godiva, Guylian, Neuhaus, and Leonidas.

Belgium has created numerous popular comic books and introduced the world to various famous cartoonists. Therefore, if you’re a fan of comic books, you can collect them in Belgium along with comic book memorabilia as they are truly unique souvenirs to buy from the country.

One of the most traditional Belgian crafts is lacework, which is why you will find many markets selling Belgian lace to tourists. Lace making has contributed to the Belgian economy since the 12th century, and by the early 20th century, the country had about 47,000 lacemakers. Brussels and Bruges are the destinations in Belgium where you can buy high quality lace.

Not only can you have Belgian beer while you’re in the country, but you can also take some back home with you. Travellers can also purchase beer glasses to remember the grand time they spent sipping delicious Belgian beer on their holiday. Make sure to get some Belgian Trappist beer for yourself, made by Trappist monks in monasteries.

With Manneken-Pis being such an iconic landmark and statue in Belgium, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it has been immortalised in the form of souvenirs as well. These souvenirs are available as corkscrews, shot glasses, lighters, keychains, miniature figurines, and magnets, among other things.

When you visit a café in Belgium, there is a high possibility that you will be served Speculoos Biscuits along with your beverage. When your trip ends, these spicy and crunchy biscuits will make their way to your heart, and you can carry them in your luggage as gifts for yourself and your loved ones. These biscuits are easily available at patisseries, bakeries, and chocolate shops in the country.

Miniature gabled houses are some of the most beloved souvenirs in Belgium, which you can easily buy at a store in Brussels, Bruges or Antwerp. The fun thing about these souvenirs is that little signs represent what kind of shop these houses are, such as ‘frites’, ‘waffles’. ‘beer’, ‘chocolate’, and so on. These are available as ornaments, snow globes, and even magnets.

• Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert: For clothes, chocolates, accessories, beauty products.
• Avenue Louise: For fashion, luxury items, jewellery, toys, cosmetics.
• Rue Neuve: For cosmetics, electronics, and fashion.
• Brussels Vintage Market: For vinyl records, jewellery, clothes, and furniture.
• Sablon Square: For fine art, Belgian chocolates, vintage jewellery, and antique furniture.
• Maasmechelen Village: For designer and luxury clothes.
• Cameleon: For accessories, bags, footwear, textiles.

• Brussels is a great place to shop for chocolates and designer clothes.
• The sale season in Belgium usually lasts from January to June.
• The stores in Belgium are usually open from 10 am to 6 pm.
• The shops in Belgium remain closed on Sundays.
• The bigger shopping centres in the country usually remain open until 8 pm or 9 pm.

Belgium has played a significant role in the art department. This can be seen in Early Dutch painting, Mosan art, Baroque painting, and the Flemish Renaissance. During the 15th century, religious paintings created by artists like Rogier van der Weyden and Jan van Eyck dominated the scene. The 16th century brought about a different kind of art with Lambert Lombard’s representation of the antique and the landscape paintings developed by Peter Brueghel. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the emergence of artists like James Ensor, Rene Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and Constant Permeke.

Belgium has produced iconic comics, such as The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke, and Blake and Mortimer. Some well known cartoonists from Belgium are Peyo, Herge, Willy Vandersteen, Marc Sleen, Edgar P. Jacobs, Francois Schuiten, Benoit Peeters, and Raoul Cauvin.

Several well known poets and novelists from Belgium have had their works published and loved over the years. This includes Emile Verhaeren, Robert Goffin, Henri Michaux, Stijn Streuvels, Michel de Ghelderode, Charles de Coster, and Suzanne Lilar. Belgian writers wrote mostly in French until the mid-20th century, and it’s often tough to differentiate between Belgian francophone literature and French literature.

Thanks to Belgian cinema, many Flemish novels have been adapted to be viewed on the big screen. Some of the examples of these include De Witte, De man die zijn haar kort liet knippen, Malpertuis, De komst van Joachim Stiller, and Dood van een non. Belgian movies have often received accolades at the Cannes Film Festival and at other movie festivals as well. The Belgian directors who have made a name for themselves in cinema include Andre Delvaux, Jean-Pierre Dardenne, and Stijn Coninx.

Renaissance culture included the vocal music of the Franco-Flemish School. The region that is now Belgium gave birth to various renowned medieval and Renaissance composers. These include Jacob Obrecht, Heinrich Isaac, Guillaume DuFay, Orlando di Lasso, and Gilles Binchois. Several violinists, including Henri Vieuxtemps, Arthur Grumiaux, and Eugene Ysaye, received limelight during the 19th and 20th centuries. Belgium also hosts many well-known music festivals, including Tomorrowland, Pukkelpop, and Rock Werchter.