♦ Sunday Fun Day ♦
Embracing a leisurely start to the morning, we find ourselves with no grand plans for the day, having thoroughly explored the main attractions of the city yesterday. Instead, we opt to leisurely revisit our favorite spots, savoring the familiar sights and sounds of Bruges. After indulging in a satisfying breakfast and completing the check-out process at our accommodation, we embark on a leisurely stroll back across the city, intending to drop our bags off at the car parked in the nearby parking lot. The walk serves as a welcome opportunity to burn off the indulgent waffle and a few mussels from the delightful evening before.
Relieved of the burden of our bags, we decide to venture up Zonemeekers Street, a renowned thoroughfare that had eluded our exploration the previous day. While the street boasts a certain charm, with several noteworthy houses catching our eye, we find it lacks the extraordinary allure of some of Bruges’ other quarters. Undeterred, we make our way towards Jan Eyck Square in search of a spot for brunch. Our initial choice, the highly acclaimed BlackBird, disappoints as we are met with a sign at the entrance announcing their full reservation status until Wednesday, a testament to their popularity and the necessity of planning ahead in Bruges.
Taking heed of this valuable lesson, we make a mental note to always make reservations in advance when visiting popular eateries in the city. Nonetheless, determined to enjoy a memorable meal, we quickly discover an equally inviting alternative: Balthasar. Arriving at the charming establishment within a mere 10-minute stroll, we are delighted to find ample seating available. With menus in hand, we eagerly peruse the tantalizing offerings, already envisioning the culinary delights that await us. Drawing from the lessons learned from the previous day’s dining experience, we opt to share three delectable dishes, striking a harmonious balance between savory and sweet indulgences.
For the sweet portion of our meal, we cannot resist the allure of a decadent chocolate milkshake, generously adorned with a medley of confectionery delights, including a donut, an Oreo, a KitKat, Maltesers, and more. Accompanied by a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, the extravagant milkshake promises to be a fitting finale to our brunch feast. Minutes later, our dishes arrive, eliciting involuntary salivation as we prepare to dive into the culinary extravaganza before us.
Against all odds, we manage to savor every last morsel, our taste buds dancing with delight at the exquisite flavors and textures. With our appetites fully satiated, we embark on a leisurely meander through the picturesque streets of Bruges once more, relishing the opportunity to soak in the historic charm and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Although we regret missing the chance to ascend the Belfry due to Covid restrictions, we find solace in the stunning views from the bar at the Museum of History.
Brasserie de Halve Maan
Returning to Brasserie de Halve Maan for our promised guided tour, we find the weather perfectly aligned with the cozy ambiance of the brewery. With a gloomy sky overhead and the promise of rain in the air, there’s a sense of anticipation as we step inside, greeted by the comforting scent of malt and hops.
Booking the next available guided tour in English, we find ourselves with a delightful half-hour to spare. Opting to revisit the tranquil Begijnhof, we’re drawn once again to the serene sight of swans gracefully gliding across the tranquil waters. Their elegant movements and occasional displays of feather fluffing make for a picturesque scene, inviting us to capture the moment in photographs, each click preserving memories of this idyllic setting.
But our leisurely interlude is soon interrupted by the promise of a beer tasting awaiting us at the brewery. Making our way through the cobbled streets of Bruges, we arrive at our destination, eager to delve into the rich history and flavorful offerings that await us.
As the tour begins, our guide regales us with tales of the brewery’s storied past, tracing its origins back through generations of the family who proudly owns and operates it. In a small group of about ten Dutch tourists, the guide seamlessly switches between languages, ensuring that everyone feels included and engaged in the experience.
Ascending to the top of a tower, we’re treated to a breathtaking panorama of the entire city from the terrace. From this elevated vantage point, nestled in the heart of Bruges, we’re afforded a sweeping view of its iconic skyline, with historic buildings and landmarks stretching out before us. Only the belfry remains hidden from view, obscured by the imposing silhouette of Notre Dame Church.
Descending from our lofty perch, we’re eager to sample the brewery’s exclusive beer, a brew that’s only available here, within the confines of this historic bar. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this unique beer retains 100% of its post-brewing flavors, a testament to the dedication of its makers and the quality of their ingredients.
With our thirst quenched and our minds enriched by the knowledge shared during the tour, we bid farewell to Brasserie de Halve Maan, grateful for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich brewing traditions of Bruges.
Wollestraat
To conclude our delightful weekend getaway, we make our way to Wollestraat, a street renowned for its abundance of chocolatiers. While the temptation to indulge ourselves is strong, our visit isn’t solely for our own enjoyment. We’re on a mission to bring back sweet treats for our families, seeking out the perfect confections to share the flavors of our travels with loved ones back home.
After sampling various offerings along the bustling street, we stumble upon a hidden gem: “Les chocolats de Julie” boutique. Nestled among the row of chocolatiers, this quaint shop stands out with its elegant display and inviting aroma of rich, decadent chocolate.
Stepping inside, we’re greeted by a warm smile from Julie herself, the passionate chocolatier behind the exquisite creations. With meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to using only the finest ingredients, Julie’s chocolates are a true labor of love, each piece a work of art crafted with care and expertise.
From classic truffles infused with velvety ganache to innovative flavor combinations that tantalize the taste buds, the selection at “Les chocolats de Julie” is nothing short of exceptional. Whether it’s the smooth richness of dark chocolate or the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, there’s something to delight every palate.
As we carefully select an assortment of chocolates to bring home, Julie shares stories behind her creations, offering insight into her creative process and the inspiration behind each flavor profile. It’s evident that her passion for chocolate extends beyond mere confectionery – it’s a true culinary art form, meant to be savored and shared with others.
With our sweet treats in hand, we bid farewell to Julie and her charming boutique, grateful for the opportunity to experience the artistry and craftsmanship of her chocolates. As we continue our journey through the streets of Bruges, our hearts and taste buds are full, enriched by the memories of our weekend getaway and the delectable flavors we’ve discovered along the way.
After purchasing a few souvenirs for our families, we head back to our car, and our Bruges weekend comes to an end. This city has lived up to all its promises. We were truly charmed! It’s a calm and peaceful city, perfect for strolling. And we can’t forget to mention the hospitality of the Bruges locals, who are very warm and make us really want to come back. Thank you, Belgium, see you soon.
THE INFORMATION YOU NEED
Transportation
Getting to Bruges from Paris:
Car – €104 round trip for two (€70 Gasoline + €34 Toll), so approximately £89.35 per person. Travel time: 3 hours Parking: Leave your car at Centrum Station parking – €3.5 / day.
Train – Approximately £59.84 round trip per person Travel time: 3 hours
Getting around Bruges:
The city is easily explored on foot, wandering through its narrow streets. For faster travel, you can rent bicycles for approximately £8.54 per day. There are around ten vendors; your hotel can guide you to the nearest one.
Restaurants
Gran Kaffe de Passage – Around £17.24 per dish / £3.43 for a 33cl beer. A superb dining spot. The Flemish Carbonade is delicious!
Poules Moules – £21.55 for a pot of mussels (generous portion). A great place to enjoy mussels with original and varied sauces.
Balthasar – Average of £10.28 per platter (generous) / £2.57 for juices. Ideal for brunch – The platter with Brie / Apple / Honey toast is delightful.
Friterie 1900 – £8.54 for a meal: Burger + Fries + Drink For a quick bite. It’s a bit pricey for what it is, but it allows you to eat in the Market Square, which has a nice ambiance.
House of Baffle – £3.43 for a well-filled waffle. Very close to the Market Square, these small waffles are excellent.
Chez Laurence – £2.57 for a waffle. If you want to try waffles shaped like lollipops, you can add crispy beads to the toppings, yum.
Activities
Brasserie De Halve Maan: £10.28 for a guided tour with a complimentary beer. Duration: about 1 hour. Belfry of Bruges: £10.28 if you want to climb the 366 steps and have a breathtaking view of the city.
Accommodations
Hotel August: £45.63 per night / person. With breakfast included. It’s ideally located! The value for money is decent. It’s within the standard price range for Bruges.
