My first impression is that Flanders may be small, but it is perfectly formed. Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven and Ostend are all easily accessible by car or public transport, making it straightforward to discover the highlights of this heritage-rich patch of land. Art, culture and delicious food and beer are just a stone’s throw away, and everywhere I look there is evidence that Flanders has had a major impact on the international art scene since the Middle Ages. The small region will commemorate some of its influential artists – Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens – with a programme of themed events throughout 2019 and 2020.

An impressive series of exhibitions and events in Flanders this year marks the 450th anniversary of Pieter Bruegel’s death, celebrating the life, times and work of this exceptional, imaginative artist. He fired the imaginations of both his own generation and those that followed. Living first in Antwerp and then in Brussels, he is largely responsible for developing the Flemish national mentality – and their collective self-image as hard-working but fun-loving people!

Since its completion in 1432, millions of people from around the world have visited Ghent to marvel at the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck. The ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ has suffered more threats and enjoyed greater adoration than any other artwork – over the years it has disappeared during several wars, been lost, endangered by fire, dismantled, copied, smuggled, censored, attacked by iconoclasts, rescued and stolen over and over again. Measuring 4.40m x 3.40m, this winged altar is one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. But the location of the stolen side panel remains a mystery… and the hunt continues! I spend some time watching the restorers at work at the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) in Ghent – the altar will return to its ancestral home in St. Bavo’s Cathedral at the end of 2019.

Antwerp has been a fashion leader for over three decades, and is one of the ten most fashionable destinations worldwide! With its conceptual and avant-garde taste, the world-renowned MoMu fashion museum and a constant stream of new talent from the Faculty of Fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp has earned itself a reputation as a capital of fashion. Again and again throughout my trip, I come across original outlets stocking high fashion, vintage and avant-garde pieces, funky pop-up shops, flagship and concept stores and boutiques carrying top designer and fashion labels. Less than an hour’s drive from Antwerp, I indulge in a little retail therapy at Maasmechelen Designer Outlet Village – home to around 100 Belgian and international prestige and luxury brands.

Flanders is an absolute gourmet hotspot, the only place in the world with more than 100 Michelin-starred restaurants and many up-and-coming young chefs. The Flemish really know how to use regional treasures in their cooking! The next generation of chefs are bringing innovation, creativity and a dash of rock’n’roll to the table.

Even UNESCO has recognised the unique and diverse qualities of Belgian brewing. Belgium has 1,500 different beers, most of them produced in small quantities according to local recipes and authentic methods. It’s no wonder that beer culture is nurtured and cherished throughout the country with tastings, training courses and numerous events and festivals. Cheers!