The Ardennes is a most attractive region with pleasant drives. But the tour began further east, in Ypres, where a two day tour of the battle sites had been organised (for those that are interested in seeing Passchandaele, Tyne Kot, Toc-H and Poperinghe). For those who were not , there was plenty of other things to see – for example a day’s tour to Bruges or Ghent. This area of Flanders also has some fascinating history. Henry VIII captured and besieged the near medieval town of Tournai. Despite its name in British military folklore, Mons has a most attractive Grande-Place and town hall. In both Tournai and Mons we have been invited to park in the main square and will be greeted by the local Mayor. From there, we will stay at a Spa in Eastern Belgium, near Liege, where the hotel offers massage and therapy. We have been invited by the Governor of Liege to participate in “British Afternoon” and to enjoy a private visit to the Palais des Princes-Eveques, two days before the heads of State from 52 countries descend on Liege for an event to commemorate the siege of Liege in 1914.
During our tour of Belgium, we will stop for two nights in Brussels at the luxury Hotel Amigo adjacent to the Grande-Place and enjoy a private tour of the Town Hall. We will also visit the site of the Battle of Waterloo, where a reception is planned. Then, we travel east to a most attractive area of Belgium, The Ardennes, along the picturesque River Meuse via the ancient town of Huy and on to Bastogne, where the Battle of the Bulge took place in WW2. From there we will travel south, through the woods, staying at a French king’s hunting lodge, to Sedan. The tour will finish in the Sommes Region, where there will be a third day in which to tour the battlefields – or visit nearby chateaux, cathedrals and museums.
The circular tour will take us around Belgium and Northern France, travelling approximately 1,100 miles on country and secondary roads. Four or five star hotels have been booked for the 13 nights, starting in Ypres (60 miles from Calais) and finishing in Gosnay, near Bethune (50 miles from Calais).
