20110724 Mongol Rally 0002 300x199 Belgium in Summer – 5 Things We Love

It may not always be sunny, but there's still lots to love about summer in Belgium

Despite the lack of a government and the chilly days of the past week, there’s a lot to love about being in Belgium during the summer. Recent visits from travel blogging friends have reminded me of these things and I thought they were worth sharing. The following is my list of favorite things about Belgium in the summer.

1. Terraces

Sure there are terraces the world over, but when the sun comes out in Belgium, the whole country seems to move outdoors. Like a bunch of lemurs warming their bellies in the sun, people in the city congregate on the terraces of cafés and pubs, chatting and people watching. If you’re in Brussels, in the summer, I recommend getting away from Grand Place and check out St. Gery or the shady square at Place St. Catherine.

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Dining Al Fresco in Brussels - A summer treat

2. Less Traffic

With most of the country on vacation, traffic in Belgium becomes manageable in the summer, (except where there is construction). It’s a good time to rent a car and drive to places like the Abbaye des Villiers or visit the locks at Ronquières. Less traffic also makes the roads more bike-friendly. Rent a bike and visit the forests in the Ardennes or follow the Brussels-Charleroi canal.

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Abbey Villiers is a lovely place to visit in Belgium in the summer

3. Fresh Food

The fields around the country are now being harvested and fresh produce is readily available. Asparagus in the spring, new potatoes and carrots in the early summer, and just about everything else in late summer, means eating well and with wonderful variety. Seasonal menus at restaurants around the country now have chalkboards full of local ingredients. For inspiration, check out some of our favorite restaurants.

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Fresh ingredients all summer long in Belgium

4.  Festivals

We’re not big on standing in fields, with crowds of people, but Belgium is renowned for music festivals. Kicking off with Rock Werchter in early July, the summer continues with music festivals like Pukkelpop, Marktrock, and Jazz Middelheim. If you’re not interested in music festivals, there are loads of other options. Check out http://www.festivals.be to see what is coming up. You can see a full listing of music festivals in Belgium on Wiki.

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Check out one of the many festivals in Belgium during the summer months

5. Shopping

July in Belgium is the month of sales! For anyone interested in stocking their wardrobe, even DOD is on sale. Belgium only has 2 months a year when shops can discount their wares, so it is a great time to find a good deal. If you’re employed in Belgium, this time of year also coincides with your summer bonus payment, so it’s as if the stars have aligned! To avoid the worst of the crowds, try to avoid shopping on Saturdays, if you can.

I’m sure there are lots of other things to love about Belgium in the summer. What do you enjoy?