Traveling Outside France: Brussels (Part 1 of 3)

Brussels, Belgium is not far from Paris.  So, we decided it was time for a train trip.  Fortunately, the French transportation strike did not interrupt our travel.  

We arrived in Brussels shortly before sunset.  We walked to the heart of Brussels, the Grand Place, one of Brussel's oldest and most elegant squares.  Ornate and splendid buildings, including the enormous city hall and several guild halls, surround the Grand Place. 

At holiday time, visiting the Grand Place is truly a special treat.  A tall Christmas tree and a life-sized nativity scene decorate the square.

Plus, after sunset, a special holiday music and light show illuminates the buildings around the square.  The illuminations were splendid! Check it out.    

You can enjoy the musical light show by clicking on the video below.

We also visited two Christmas markets in the center of Brussels.  They were filled with festive chalets selling food, hot wine and gift items.  Thousands of people thronged the streets, eating, drinking, ice skating, and simply celebrating the holidays.  The scene was vibrant!

"Winter Pleasures"

Bright lights made for a festive atmosphere.

One of the markets featured an out-of-the-ordinary carousel.  Instead of horses, the merry-go-round had all sorts of machines and mechanical beasts that children could ride and operate.  One of the machines even blew steam.  (The carousel was designed by the same people who created the Machines de l'Ile ("Island of Machines") in Nantes, France, which we visited with Susan's sister and her husband in June.)

A flying machine with movable wings

A vintage steam engine

One of the markets is located in the large square in front of the Église Sainte-Catherine de Bruxelles.  The church, completed in 1874, was based on the St. Eustache church in Paris and features both Gothic and Baroque elements.   After visiting the Christmas booths, we ducked inside the church.

The church featured not one, but two nativity scenes.

We enjoyed another musical light show projected on the church's facade.  

While rambling around Brussels, we visited an elegant shopping arcade, the Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, built in 1847.  Marie-Chantal fondly remembers visiting the arcade when she stayed in Brussels during two summers while administering a Duke Law School study abroad program.

We also visited the pride of Brussels, the miniature statue called Manneken Pis.  The original statue dates from the mid-1400's. Neither of us can understand why many people are fascinated by this small bronze boy.

Manneken Pis decorated for the holiday season

Of course, we also visited a chocolate shop.  Belgium is famous for its chocolates and Neuhaus is considered one of the best.  We understand exactly why lots of people are fascinated by Belgian chocolate! 

Next Up:  Museums in Brussels