Travel to Belgium
Belgium is a country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations. Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, the Flemings and the French speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German speakers. A small German-speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. Belgium’s linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.
Belgium Travel – Belgian Chocolate Sites Are a Must See and Do!
By Shannon O’Hara
Belgium, specifically Brussels, is well-known as the chocolate capital of the world because of its contribution to the history of chocolate as well as its enduring popularity to many chocoholics around the world. Belgian chocolates have made its mark in the chocolate industry through the praline which was created in 1912. However, it was the Neuhaus chocolate shop, which opened in 1857, that became the birthplace of Belgian chocolates. Today, Belgium produces 172,000 tons of chocolate per year with more than 2,000 chocolate shops throughout the country. Since earning the title of “ Chocolate Capital of the World,” Belgium has become the number one destination and Mecca for all chocoholics across the globe.
Photo: fitforeurope.com
There are several travel agencies offering chocolate-themed packaged tours in Belgium and these include Intrend Tours’ 7-days Chocolate Lovers Paradise Tours. This escorted tour will provide you a chance to:
- taste gourmet chocolate and pralines from Belgium’s finest chocolatiers
- participate in chocolate-making demonstrations at chocolate factories and even get a certificate from the best chocolatiers
- have delicious chocolate desserts and samples
- discover more of Belgium’s history, art, food and architecture
- buy all the chocolates you can eat and bring home to your loved ones
Aside from the Chocolate Lovers Paradise Tours, there are other chocolate-themed travel packages that you can enjoy such as those provided by Belgium-based travel agencies. These include guided chocolate walking/tasting tours, visits to chocolate museums & chocolate factories, and the Ultimate Chocolate Workshop that includes a visit to the Brussels Onstage exhibit underneath the Gallery Saint-Hubert. This interactive workshop focuses on the origin and history of Belgian chocolates.
If you opt to make your own itinerary when visiting Belgium, here are several destinations you might want to consider for your chocolate-themed travel in Belgium:
Chocolate Museums & Demonstrations
Brussels
- Musee du Cacao et du Chocolat – showcases the different production phases of chocolate making
- Planete Chocolat – chocolate demonstration
- Le Chocolatier Manon – guided tour
- Chocolaterie Duval – history of chocolate demonstration and tasting
- La Maison du Chocolat
- Chocolaterie Jamart
Bruges
- Choco-Story – history of chocolate demonstration and tasting
- Roose’s Chocolate World
Chocolate Events
Bruges
- The Chocolate Festival – get a chance to taste different chocolates and see creations from craft chocolate makers and major international brands exhibit.
- Aroma Festival – festival that features coffee, tea and chocolate
Famous Chocolate Shops in Belgium
Found throughout Belgium:
- Leonidas
- Neuhaus
- Marcolini
- Godiva
- Galler
- Flanders
Found in Brussels specifically:
- Chocolat Manon
- Debailleul
- La Maison du Chocolat Artisanal
- Mary Chocolatier
- Wittamer
- Wallonia
Shannon has been an entrepreneur for the last 10 years. She has a number of business ventures primarily in travel and food industries. Passionate about family, travel and chocolate – Shannon lives in the Mid-Atlantic so that she can see the ocean every day! Find out what to do in Belgium.
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