Considered the cultural capital of French-speaking Wallonia, Liege sprawls along the banks of the Meuse where it meets the River Ourthe. It once served as the industrial backbone of the region, with Romanesque churches, grand mansions and fascinating museums all bringing its rich history to life.

Things to do

Spend a day strolling through Liege’s sprawling pedestrian zone while admiring its historic architecture. Marvel at the 15th-century Liege Cathedral and gaze up at the Collegiate Church of St. Bartholomew’s twin towers before admiring the early Renaissance porch of St James's Church. Also of note is the whitewashed Opéra Royal de Wallonie where operas have been performed since 1820.

One of the most impressive buildings in Liege is the Grand Curtius, a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion that houses an art and archaeology museum. Highlights of the collection include a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte painted by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres in 1804 and Baroque sculptures by Jean Del Cour, as well as a 12th-century gilded triptych in the Mosan style.

On the ruins of St. Lambert’s Cathedral stands the Archeoforum, with this archaeological museum encompassing the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa and exhibiting artefacts dating back to the Mesolithic period. Adjacent from the cathedral lies the imposing facade of the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, a 16th-century residence overlooking the bustling Place Saint-Lambert square.

Getting around

Liege Airport is the main gateway to Liege and around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre, while Brussels can be reached in around an hour by train. Buses are the main form of public transport for getting around Liege, which is also easy to explore by bike or on foot.