“Welcoming city”, “good beer”…Brussels held by many French tourists
Laura Van Lerberghe (in Brussels), edited by Romain Rouillard
French tourists represent 11% of total overnight stays in hotels in Brussels. The Belgian capital is full of assets to seduce its visitors between its beer, listed as a World Heritage Site, its chocolate and its festive atmosphere. Europe 1 met some French people, under the spell.
How about a getaway to Brussels this summer? If the beach and the sea air are not on the program, the Belgian capital has many assets to attract tourists. The French are not mistaken and represent 11% of hotel customers in Brussels.
And it is often the little sweet pleasures of the flat country that convince visitors. “I think we’re going to taste the Belgian chocolates first for the aperitif,” says Alexandra. Savoring the true taste of Belgium in the space of a few days is the program of this French family.
“It’s pretty festive!”
A few meters away, another strong argument: the Grand-Place in Brussels and its eclectic mix of architectural styles “It’s magnificent”, remarks Nadine, who came straight from Aveyron with her husband Xavier. “We’re not very far by plane from home”, she adds while Xavier is already eyeing Belgium’s third great asset: “I have to find nice little cafes to drink a good little beer “.
“Payment nearby”
Without forgetting the quirky humor of the Belgian capital, symbolized by the Manneken-Pis, this fountain in the shape of a statue, representing a naked child urinating. “The city is welcoming! And then the Belgians here are so nice!” Savor these French people.
Enough to cultivate, intoxicate and retain these French people. “This clientele remained the main clientele during the (Covid) crisis. What interests us is the cultural offer, it is the change of scenery nearby”, develops Rodolphe Van Weyenbergh, representative of the association of hotels. Brussels. The Belgian capital also attracts the curiosity of lovers of museums and cultural exhibitions of all kinds.