A romantic cruise on the canals of Bruges

Situated between Lille and Brussels, the city's reputation is well established. For centuries, the canals of Bruges have formed the veins of the city, exuding an incomparable picturesque atmosphere. Winding its way through splendid medieval architecture, a boat cruise offers a magical spectacle that is sure to surprise you at every turn. A romantic city by definition, you'll discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and remarkable Gothic-style facades reflected in the water. Accompanied by majestic swans drifting peacefully along with you, you'll be enchanted by the special beauty of this medieval city.

Many tourists flock here every year to stroll through the cobbled streets of the Venice of the North. The pride of Belgium, Bruges is a must-see when visiting this small country nestling in the north of France. What's more, a cruise is a must if you want to get a better grasp of the city's history. Passing through Bruges and reaching the towns of Ghent, Damme and Zeebrugge, the three canals that serve the city welcome you for some lovely strolls. The Baudouin Canal, which links the port city of Zeebrugge, is the widest and stretches for almost 12 kilometres. It is used by some of the world's largest cargo ships.

Historically, boats reached the centre of Bruges from the sea. Bruges is just 15 kilometres from the North Sea. So the canals played an important role in the country's trade. In the 10th century, they were developed to create around fifty small adjacent canals. The city then saw quays spring up everywhere, and two centuries later, the first ramparts were built along these canals, creating the undeniable charm of the city. Today, lovers from all over the world flock here to admire this typical Flanders town. Admire the old bridges, the houses lulled by the water and discover the timeless decor of the town.

Everyone will agree that the city's appeal is largely based on its canals. However, this small Flemish town has nothing to envy of the larger cities such as Amsterdam or Venice. Its heritage has been preserved down to the very last stone. And so that tourists can make the most of a lovely cruise on one of the river shuttles, the city has made available five landing stages.

From March to November you can enjoy a lovely cruise on the Bruges canals. Out of season, and depending on the weather, some shipping companies may decide to open. To admire the city from the water, you'll find piers dotted around the city. During busy periods, it's not unusual to have to wait a while before boarding a boat, as visitors hurry to relax their legs tired from visiting the old town. To avoid the crowds, head for the pier on Rue de Dijver, which is probably the least crowded as it is a little further from the centre. Tickets are not on sale online, so you'll need to be patient if the day is fine and the tourists are flocking in for a well-deserved break on the river.

Dutch is spoken in Bruges, but don't panic, tours in English are available. As you cruise along the city's canals, the captain will tell you all about the history of the city. Depending on the nationalities on board, one language will predominate. The tour lasts 30 minutes and costs 12 euros per adult and 7 euros per child to get on board. Despite the different piers and companies, all the tours are the same and all the boats follow the same route. The capacity is 35 to 40 people.