Thuin

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Belgium

Hainaut is a unique mix of industrial towns and natural gems in its quiet countryside. Since it’s not as touristy as other parts of Belgium, it’s a perfect spot for travellers wanting to see the full picture of the country. Venture out into Hainaut for hidden gems, lesser known adventures, and historic castles to see. 

Hainaut

Clocking in at 60m tall, the belfry towers over most of Thuin. Get to the top to see the sights from the 4 towers of the belfry. History buffs should see the video in the belfry on its history, plus the panels throughout the tower for more info (English, Dutch and French). 

- Oh the views: see Thuin, plus the Sambre and Biesmelle valleys from the top of the belfry. 
- Ring my bell: Thuin’s belfry has 27 bells in its tower. The main two bells have been around since the 1760s and have names too. Shout out to Maria and Paula, the two oldest bells of the tower. See all the bells inside the tower, plus all the fiddly mechanical bits to see how it all works. 


The only belfry in Liège! Get to the top of the belfry tower for views of Thuin and the surrounding valleys. 

A belfry with 4 towers on its roof and a golden clock face in Thuin, Belgium

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60m tall Belfry tower in Thuin city centre, Thuin, Belgium

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Thuin city views with the belfry in the distance, Thuin, Belgium

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Belfry tower in Thuin city centre on a sunny day, Belgium

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Urban street with the belfry of Thuin around the corner, Belgium

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Urban

Sights & Landmarks

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Of course it's still possible to explore and have fun while taking precautions! There's so much to do, even during these COVID times. These fun activities are all safe since they're outdoors or with the organizers taking protocols into consideration.

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Belfry of Thuin

A jewel of Tournai’s history. Come see the 5 towering spires and the rose stained glass window of the medieval cathedral. 


Flower shaped stained glass window above a church organ at Tournai Cathedral, Belgium

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Looking up at the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Tournai, Belgium

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Church organ below a rose shaped stained glass window at Tournai Cathedral, Belgium

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7m beautiful rose stained glass window at Tournai Cathedral, Hainaut, Belgium

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Tournai town square during a local market with Tournai Cathedral in the distance, Belgium

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View from above of Tournai Cathedral and the surrounding city streets, Hainaut, Belgium

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Tournai Cathedral

Climb the 250+ steps of Wallonia’s oldest belfry for city views. An iconic landmark of Tournai!

Tourist group standing by the Tournai Belfry, Belgium

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Tourists sitting at a table outside Tournai Belfry in Tournai town square, Belgium

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Tournai Belfry can be seen in the disance from the city streets in Tournai, Belgium

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Tournai Belfry with lights on at night under a dark blue sky, Belgium

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Shallow pond in the market town square with Tournai Belfry towering over, Belgium

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Tournai city view in the evening. Tournai Belfry stands out against the darker city and purple sky, Belgium

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Golden dragons attached to the stone structure Tournai Belfry, Belgium

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Tournai Belfry top ceiling in Tournai, Belgium

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Tall, grey bell tower in a town square. Tournai Belfry, Belgium

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Tournai Belfry

Inject some medical history into your trip. Uncover 8 centuries of medical history at one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. 


Herbal garden at the Hospital Our Lady with the Rose, Belgium

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Outside the entrance to the Hospital Our Lady with the Rose, Belgium

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Inside corridor in the Hospital Our Lady with the Rose, Belgium

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Hospital Our Lady with the Rose

Not your average park! Check out the big, free to visit gardens and see the historic castle in Enghien.

The Pavilion of the Seven Stars, Enghien, Belgium

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Outside next to Château d'Enghien in the castle park, Enghien, Belgium

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Jardin des fleurs by architect Le Père Charles de Bruxelles, Enghien, Belgium

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A 17th century heptagonal pavilion in the the baroque park of the "Seven Stars", Enghien, Belgium

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Outside the front entrance to Château d'Enghien in the park, Enghien, Belgium

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Lake and trees in Parc d'Enghien, Enghien, Belgium

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Grassy walkway to the entrance of Château d'Enghien in the park, Enghien, Belgium

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Parc du Château d'Enghien

A 14th century castle known for its French garden, beautiful interior, and massive library.

Steps up to the entrance of Beloeil Castle, Belgium

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Walking path outside Beloeil Castle, Belgium

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Swan swimming in the moat of Beloeil Castle, Belgium

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Woman walking in front of French style Beloeil Castle, Belgium

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Grassy field seperated by a small river with Beloeil Castle in the distance, Belgium

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Beloeil Castle

A 19km walk starting at the pretty Beloeil Castle for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. 

Castle walk around Beloeil

Who said learning science has to be boring? Laser cutters go brrr! Fun for the whole family. 

Children exploring the science museum at Le Pass, Frameries, Belgium

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Underground in the Parc d'aventures scientifiques et de société, Belgium

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Blue lit corridor in the science museum Le Pass, Belgium

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Kid-friendly indoor playground at science museum Le Pass, Belgium

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Lights display in the science museum in Le Pass, Frameries, Belgium

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Seating area in science museum Le Pass, Frameries, Belgium

Family in the science museum Le Pass, Frameries, Belgium

Outside the science museum Le Pass, Frameries, Belgium

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Le Pass

An 18th century castle with tons of gardens. Taste authentic Belgian chocolate using 18th century recipes or check out the castle museum for history deets. 

Black mental entrance gate and fence with gold highlights at Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Hedge garden in Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Bridge across the lake to a small garden island in Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Lion statue by the roof of Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Statue gallery in Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Gardens at Château de Seneffe, the castle can be seen over the hedges, Belgium

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Male acrobat holding upsidedown female acrobat with one hand at Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Metal bridge across a pond to a small island in the gardens of Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Sitting room inside Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Geometric art display in the gardens of Château de Seneffe, Belgium

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Seneffe Castle

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Freedom, romance and the open road - to cruise on a Vespa through the fragrant and sun-drenched region of Provence is to flirt with adventure and the seductive allure that is the South of France. The humming sound of your Vespa is like a melody - paired with a visual feast of olive groves, and pit-stops in between centuries-old French country houses... Driving through Provence on a Vespa is a journey for the senses.

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Roadtrip adventure

Cultural journey

Solo traveller / Family fun / Couples / Group of Friends

Food and drinks enthusiast

Fancy a true French getaway in the South of France? Imagine yourself cruising through the charming countryside of Provence on a Vespa, the warm sun on your face and the smell of lavender in the air. The winding roads take you past fields of vibrant purple, where the rolling hills are dotted with ancient stone villages, each with its own unique character.

Riding a Vespa through Provence is the perfect way to experience the romance, authenticity, and beauty of this enchanting region in the South of France. TravelBase’s Vespa Trip takes you on a leisurely ride through the world-renowned lavender fields as the roads stretch from the Provençai lands to the Côte d’Azur. You’ll get to make your own pit-stop in various spots, like the historic city of Aix-en-Provence, with its heritage-emblazoned streets and quaint cafes. As each day on your TravelBase Vespa trip draws to a close, you'll be mesmerized by the sunset glow that bathes the bucolic landscapes in warm hues.

The Vespa is more than just a mode of transportation, it's a symbol of freedom, adventure… and, most of all, romance. It's the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of Provence and to create memories that you'll cherish forever with your loved ones or for a solo two-wheel adventure. Riding a Vespa in Provence is not just a means of transportation, it's an experience in itself. And don’t worry, even if you are a beginner, with TravelBase Vespa Trip, a journey through Provence is easy, and they will provide helmets, hotel accommodations, a roadbook and GPS as part of the package. So all you’ll have to focus on is enjoying the moment through the winding Provencial roads! 

As TravelBase’s Provence VespaTrip has multiple routes for you to choose from, this itinerary is an amalgamation of the various stops that you can discover in Provence with your two-wheel ride. 

Take a stroll down this medieval bridge across the shimmer Rhône river. 

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Bridge of Avignon

Explore one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic architectural grounds in all of Europe! 

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Palace of the Popes

A Romanesque building since the 12th century with an emblematic bell tower.

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Avignon Cathedral

Possibly the best place to eat, where dazzling stalls are filled to the brim with French food.

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Les Halles d'Avignon

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Avignon

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Oh, the South of France - even uttering those words in a string together sounds beautiful rolling off the tongue. What is it about this region that had drawn legendary artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne over the decades to it?  Or why the villages (ever so tiny, yet ever filled with its own gems) have made a lasting impression? On your first day of the Vespa trip, you’ll start to unravel the mysteries and find out your own answer to what makes Provence just such an enchanting region. To start it all off, no matter which route you choose - you’ll begin in Avignon, a historic city that dates back over 5,000 years ago!

As a city that has stood through the ages, Avignon is filled with ancient landmarks for you to explore, One of the main sights is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a 14th-century palace that was once the residence of the popes during the 14th century. The palace is a great example of Gothic architecture and makes for a great museum to wander through. You’ll definitely stumble upon the Pont d'Avignon (the Bridge of Avignon), a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 12th century. The stone bridge spans the Rhône River and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. While you roam Avignon’s back streets, take in its unique architecture like the Gothic-style Avignon Cathedral, the medieval ramparts and the lovely Place de l'Horloge square.

Since this is your first stop as you embark on the Vespa Tour, it’ll also be your first taste of the local Provencal cuisine if you head to Les Halles d'Avignon, the city’s big market. Also, Avignon is dotted with many local restaurants run by families for generations - so you’ll have your pick of delicious bites. On your first day, you’ll also receive your GPS, roadbook, and check into your hotel - gearing you up for the exciting Vespa journey ahead of you! 

Art & Culture

Food & Drinks

Walk in the steps of the Romans at this amphitheatre that dates back to 90 AD where gladiatorial games were played.

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Roman Amphitheatre

Descend into the underground darkness of this dark and labyrinthine crypt dating back to the 1st century BC. 

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Cryptoporticus of Arles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore what were the Roman baths and grand thermal complex of its heyday.

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Thermes de Constantin

A sprawling Roman necropolis of the ancient world just outside of the city's old walls.

Alyscamps

Ready to go behind the wheel? Now is your moment as you leave Avignon behind for the great roads ahead of you. As you start driving your Vespa, Provence will unfold itself with olive groves and lush hills. Then you’ll arrive in one of its many well-preserved cities, this one with Roman heritage: Arles. Arles was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC and was an important Roman city for over four centuries! During your pit stop you can see the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre, which is still used for cultural events and bullfighting, the ancient theatre, the Cryptoporticus and the Thermes of Constantin. 

While exploring Arles, definitely don’t miss out on the Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alyscamps is a well-preserved Roman cemetery dating back to the 1st century AD and offers a glimpse into the past and ancient funerary customs. 

The same streets that you walk through in Arles, have a deep connection to the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, who lived here for over a year and painted some of his most famous works from here. You can see the locations where he painted and also the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, which showcases some of his work. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Rhône river, which seems to glisten with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Belfry of Thuin
Beffroi de Thuin

Tips and Tricks

Belfry of Thuin Beffroi de Thuin

Tips and Tricks

Belfry of Thuin
Beffroi de Thuin