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What’s new in and around Liège this summer?
While Wallonia’s largest city and former industrial powerhouse is a lively and cosmopolitan metropolis bursting with history and culture, its surrounding countryside attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The rural Ardennes stretches over a large part of Liège province, all verdant hills, river valleys, busy market towns and scenic villages. From the cool caverns of Remouchamps Grottoes (pictured above) to picturesque hiking trails along the Ninginsplo river and Hautes Fagnes nature reserve, the region is engorged with greenery and sporting pursuits.
The province also possesses one of Formula 1’s most recognisable racing circuits in the world in the historic Spa-Francorchamps track, south of Liège. This weekend (17 to 19 July), it hosts the Belgian Gand Prix with racing enthusiasts from around the globe descending on the forest-lined circuit that challenges drivers with its hairpin bends and unpredictable weather patterns. The circuit also hosts a calendar of racing events throughout the year.
City culture and folklore
The city of Liège boasts world-class museums, historical sites and riverside activities, not to mention its famed popular charm and conviviality.
A summer highlight is the 15 August celebrations that are rooted in folklore traditions which transform the ardent city into a place to party during the mid-August public holiday. The main focus is a parade in the Outremeuse district, alongside puppet shows featuring the famous Tchantchès, concerts, games, fun fairs and flea markets.
On the cultural front, the exhibition L’Abri provides an immersive journey into the city’s wartime history. The restored air-raid shelter beneath the former swimming pool and thermal bath complex Cité Miroir is listed as a protected monument. The site consists of six interconnected circular alcoves that sheltered up to 400 people during the Second World War.
La Boverie celebrates the 10th anniversary of the museum’s reopening by staging a major exhibition showcasing its artworks until 23 August. Behind the Scenes of a Collection (pictured above) features no fewer than 300 works grouped around two intertwining themes: the rediscovery of the collections and the museum’s operations. Artists include James Ensor, Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Auguste Rodin. The museum’s park along the banks of the river Meuse is also a shady place to while away an afternoon.
Val Saint Lambert bicentenary
As part of the bicentennial celebrations of world-famous local crystal works Val Saint Lambert, the Curtius Museum in Liège is showing the exhibition Japonism and Art Nouveau. It honours the two style movements that influenced the industry during the Belle Epoque (1880-1914) until 27 September.
On the outskirts of the city liess the industrial heartland of Seraing. It is the headquarters of Val Saint Lambert, a large riverside domain that was originally an abbey. The bicentenary immersive exhibition Living Crystal: 200 years of light, creation and excellence tells the story of the factory and the history of glassmaking from its origins in Mesopotamia to its role as a symbol of power and wealth.
In the monks’ dormitory of the old old abbey, the Living Crystal: Immersive Experience is a dazzling 360° video mapping show by internationally-renowned Belgian artistic entrepreneur Luc Petit and Charleroi creative studio Dirty Monitor. Recounting two centuries of history, the 25-minute HD spectacle highlights innovation, the generations of families employed at the factory and the global journey of many of its creations. Inspired by the glass blowers who kept the company alive, this an emotional and sensory homage.
An end-of-summer highlight is the family show La Légende du Comte de Monté-Cristal at the site from 11 to 27 September. Devised by Luc Petit, it transforms the abbey into a magical world populated by singers, musicians, dancers and acrobats.
Japanese prints at Stavelot Abbey
Showcasing the mastery of Japanese graphic arts is an exhibition at heritage site Stavelot Abbey, From Woodblock Print to Manga: Artistic Japan, that runs until 29 November.
The print tradition in Japan dates from medieval times while also being embedded in popular culture. Visitors can discover ancient objects from masters of print like Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro, while exploring well-known Manga names from the 1980s.
Heritage site promenade concert
The Château de Logne (pictured above) in the Ourthe valley hosts the Belgian group Solia who perform an evening concert on 17 July. Setting off from the Paologne farm, spectators make their way to the grounds of the medieval castle for the musical entertainment before returning to the farm by torchlight. The event is part of Visit Wallonia’s Patrimoine en Spectacle summer programme.
Festival fun
The annual music festival Francofolies de Spa from 20 to 26 July takes over the town reputed for its mineral water springs. Encompassing French chanson, rock, pop, electro and hip-hop, it occupies a series of outdoor stages. The big draw this year is British singer songwriter Sting, while Hooverphonic, Axelle Red and Alice on the Roof are among Belgian artists appearing.
Folklore in Vielsalm
Spell-casting witches take centre stage in the folklore tradition Sabat des Macralles in the Ardennes town of Vielsalm on 20 July. Each year, on the eve of Belgium’s national holiday, they take possession of the town and the public is invited to participate in the gathering in the municipal park from 14.00. Musical entertainment follows. The following day, the town celebrates blueberries in its annual Fête des Myrtilles. The folklore tradition is now in its 76th year.
What’s new in Bruges and West Flanders this summer?
Photos: (main image) ©Maxime Flagothier - Ville de Liège; Alex Kouprianoff-La Fête du 15 août à Liège/VisitWallonia; Living Crystal: view of the show ©Maeoka.be;Patrimoine-Spectacle Lumina Crystallis Val Saint-Lambert Seraing/VisitWallonia; Domaine de Palogne-Château fort de Logne à Ferri
