Tag Archives: Europe

Strolling Around Bruges And Surroundings

A Huge Need for Beauty And Culture

At the beginning of spring, it was freezing cold and I walked for a long time in the historic center of Bruges without any real goal, just the huge need for beauty and culture. Cobbled streets, old buildings and the Reie river. Following the inspiration of the moment, I follow the narrow passage that opens onto an interior courtyard with a pretty garden. Continuing, near the canal, small bridge probably dating from the Middle Ages extremely curved and slippery. I observe the old stones steeped in history. And it’s off again to get lost in a maze of streets until nightfall. Walk, stroll and visit a museum!

In the city of chocolatiers, I finally tasted the famous chocolate (with hazelnuts) from Dominique Persoone, star chocolatier. Its chocolate is fine, subtle and tasty, without fuss: such a treat! I think the decor of his shop doesn’t represent well to the finesse of his creations. Close to the Ellis Gourmet Burger: very good burgers with quality meat. After many feasts (lololol), I finally head the Groeningemuseum to discover eminent Belgian painters over six centuries, starting with the Flemish masters Jan van Eyck (15th century) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (16th century). The museum is not huge, but there are many major art works. A really exciting visit, collections absolutely to see!

The big breath of fresh air : on the way to Bruges, we made a detour through the landscape park of the Bulskampveld castle estate. The tour started with the Herb Garden (herbs that can be purchased from a vending machine; bring change). Then the Paths through the water: soothing landscape, even under a threatening sky. We continued into the nearby woods. Very pleasant walk without great difficulty, beneficial for both the mind and the body. As a reward for these 10 km walk: my first homemade ice cream of the season!

                                The day trip in pictures below

Stroll Through The Old Bruges

Flemish Painting, Chocolate And Hamburger

Bulskampveld

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Related articles : Destinations

Se promener à Bruges et ses environs

Un immense besoin de beau

Au début du printemps, dans un froid glacial, je me suis longuement promenée dans le centre historique de Bruges sans but réel ; juste l’mmense besoin de beauté et de culture. Rues pavées, bâtiments anciens et la rivière Reie. Suivant l’inspiration du moment : je suis l’étroit passage qui donne sur une cours intérieure avec un joli jardin. En continuant, près du canal : petit pont datant probablement du moyen âge, extrêmement courbé et glissant. J’observe les vieilles pierres chargées d’histoire. Et c’est reparti pour se perdre dans un dédale de rues jusqu’à la tombée de la nuit. Marcher, flâner et visiter un musée!

Dans la ville des chocolatiers, je déguste enfin le fameux chocolat (aux noisettes, une merveille!) de Dominique Persoone, chocolatier star. Son chocolat est fin, subtile et goûteux, sans chichi : un délice! J’aime moins la déco de sa boutique qui à mon sens, ne rend pas justice à la finesse de ses créations. A deux pas l’Ellis Gourmet Burger : très bons hamburgers avec une viande de qualité. Après moult ripaille (lololol), enfin le riche Groeningemuseum pour découvrir d’éminents peintres belges sur six siècles, à commencer par les maîtres flamands avec Jan van Eyck (XVe siècle) et Pieter Bruegel l’Ancien (XVIe siècle). Le musée n’est pas très grand, mais il y a beaucoup d’oeuvres majeures. Une visite excitante, des collections absolument à voir!

Le grand bol d’air! En route vers Bruges, nous avons fait un crochet par le parc paysager du domaine du château de Bulskampveld. La visite a commencé par le Jardin d’herbes (aromatiques que l’on peut acheter dans un distributeur automatique ; prévoir de la monnaie). Puis les Sentiers à travers l’eau : paysage apaisant, même sous un ciel menaçant. Nous avons continué dans les bois avoisinants. Promenade très agréable sans grande difficulté, bénéfique tant pour le mental que le physique. En guise de récompense pour ces 10 km de marche : ma première glace artisanale de la saison!

                                  La suite en images ci-dessous

Flâner dans le vieux Bruges

Peinture flamande, chocolat et hamburger

Le domaine de Bulskampveld

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Autres articles : Destinations

Three Weekends in Holland: Amsterdam & Limburg (Part 2)

Limbourg Chic & Nature

The Hotel : Winselerhof in Landgraaf

Surrounded by vineyards, this elegant hotel set in an old farmhouse is a haven of peace. We had lunch in the lovely interior courtyard bathed in sunshine (photo above, 5). Tasty refined cuisine with Mediterranean accents (3 & 4). The breakfast is also varied and plentiful.

We are happy to get in our spacious comfortable suite (1 & 2), after a long (sporty) walk in the nearby forest (6: no, it is not the silhouette of a real wolf, but a sculpture). When we left the Winselerhof, we felt very relaxed and invigorated.

What To Do

Visiting Valkenburg & Maastricht

Direction Valkenburg aan de Geul, a picturesque medieval village (photos 2, 3 & 4 above). What a surprise when we arrived, the village was crowed by tourists! It is really touristy. To avoid the bulk of the crowd, move away from the center of the village.

Another option: driving to Maastricht, a charming little town with countless cafes whose summer and winter I never tire of (1). In the evening, we dine in Herleen at the Brasserie Mijn Streek, located on the top floors of the SCHUNCK museum (5 & 6). A nice view, really good food and friendly team. 

Arty Amsterdam

The Hotel : Conservatorium Hotel

For this new weekend in Amsterdame, we focused about contemporary art. The Conservatorium Hotel, a former music conservatory, is located in the museum district of Amsterdam. I did not know this lovely neighborhood.

As soon as we enter the imposing lobby (photos below 4 & 5), we are projected into a large space mixing cutting-edge design, massive architecture and lots of art. The hotel has a number of works of art as well as renowned restaurants. The reception and restaurant teams are  friendly and professional.

But the best is our large Rooftop Suite with a sleek minimalist design (photo above and photos below 1 & 2). Superb bathroom (3). A cocoon of luxury and good taste. I forgot, the breakfast in the Brasserie and Lounge is simply delicious. 

What To Do

Amsterdam Art Weekend

There are a thousand ways to visit Amsterdam. We decided to go there, during the Amsterdam Art Weekend  (the next session is scheduled from April 15 to 17, 2021). s 2021). We started our art walk by visiting of the artists’ studios in residence at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten  (1).

Then we spent the rest of the day in different private art galleries. And in the evening, we were at an exhibition opening in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the huge museum of contemporary art (2). After the event, what a treat to quickly be able to walk back to our hotel! 

The next day: long stop at the PAN Amsterdam,, the most important art and antiques fair in the Netherlands. Where among a thousand discoveries (it’s a real Alibaba cave), I really liked the sculptures of Vladimir Zbynovsky at the Etienne Gallery (3). In the afternoon: we went to the Moco Museum where I really enjoyed the works of Daniel Arsham (4). 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

I Amsterdam

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to Visit Holland and I Amsterdam, for this beautiful invitation. Also many thanks to the Winselerhof Landgraaf and Conservatorium Hotel and the restaurants mentioned in the article. As always, theses are my opinions.