| Belgian Luxembourg |
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Belgian Luxembourg Once a fortress positioned upon one of the busiest Roman Crossroads, the House of Luxembourg’s castle oversaw the turbulent growth of a small nation that is now a pinnacle of refinement, culture and exquisite European cuisine. One of the wealthiest countries in the world, the Duchy of Luxembourg oozes with affluence, and provides the finessed comfort and leisure of a monarch’s private grounds – to just about anyone who cares to travel through. Yet before heading over the border from Belgium, you may want to check out the Belgian version of Luxembourg.
You see, Luxembourg hasn’t had the easiest go at things. It’s been the constant stomping grounds of larger international powers invading it and using it as a territorial chess square to advance further upon their enemies. Only relatively recently has Luxembourg attained full autonomy, although it cost it about half its territory, which it ceded to Belgium in 1839. Those who visit Belgium’s side of the territory enjoy the richness of Luxembourg’s cultural heritage intermixed with the breathtaking, pastoral landscape of the Ardennes, making the Luxembourg province of Belgium a magnet for travelers and pleasure seekers from around the planet. Still, you can breath easy – unlike Luxembourg the country, its Belgian counterpart is not overrun with tourists.
One of the top destinations in the largely French-speaking Province de Luxembourg is Bouillon, a tranquil town featuring extensive medieval architecture stretched out along the banks of River Semois and climbing up into the hills which are crowned by stone castles and picturesque cottages. Also don’t miss Durbuy, which for a while held the distinction of “Smallest Town in the World”, with only 400 residents. While one could dispute this distinction, the original town of Durbuy is arguably the most beautiful of such small towns. Shops and government buildings are characterized by moss covered shingles and walls of stone that are crosshatched with wooden planks. Drive into Durbuy via a small country road, and finding lodging by renting a room with one of the locals.
Even Arlon, the capital of the Province of Luxembourg, is peaceful and quite compared to Luxembourg city over the border. It’s a tiny town for a capital, yet features the ornate, curvaceous architectural styles that characterize the wealth of Luxembourg, to a scale befitting this provincial capital. Exploring Belgian Luxembourg is a seemingly endless task; there are dozens of exquisite little town, each with their own uniqueness. Renting a car is the ideal way to travel through this region, and lodging – or even camping – is easily accessible everywhere.
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