Liege - The Hot Blooded City

The main reason I went to Liege was the weekly Sunday market called 'La Batte'. It is one of the oldest street markets in Europe and spreads along the bank of the Meuse River for about a mile. Most of the stalls have colourful coverings and, even if it's raining, it's still fun to wander through the stalls filled with clothes, food, jewellery, etc. People come from all over, including Holland and Germany, and it's a great spot for people watching even if you don't shop.

Quick Tips:

Grab a quick & cheap bite to eat from one of the many stalls selling food.

Liege is located in the Wallonia part of Belgium and the people speak French.

Best Way To Get Around:

The sights I list are a bit spread out but traffic was pretty congested at times, so you're still better to park the car & walk. There are also city buses if your feet get tired.

Located on the east bank of the River Meuse in the Outremeuse district, the building used to be a monastery. It isn't in a pretty section of town and I wouldn't feel comfortable walking by myself after dark but the bus stop is just across the street. The hostel is very modern with key card entry to the room, elevator, lending library and nice bar. Floors are co-ed but rooms are single sex. I was in a large 6 bed room with an ensuite bathroom. There were 2 bunks adn an overhead loft that slept 2. I didn't notice many restaurants nearby but there is a discount grocery store about 1/2 block away. Staff was friendly and breakfast was substantial. Cost was under $15. per night, including sheets.

This church, built in the 12th century, is being renovated inside & out, so it looks pretty messy with scaffolding all over. One of its main attractions is a baptismal font which is one of 'Belgium's Magnificent Seven'- the title given to the country's 7 most important historical treasures. The very large font was cast about the same time that the church was built and is made of copper and brass with sculpted Biblical scenes around the outside. The interior walls of the church are being stripped to uncover the original frescoes and when the work is finished, the church will be very attractive. Unfortunately right now, I wouldn't recommend a special trip to the church unless you are really interested in the font. Admission is 50BF and the money goes toward the restoration.

This climb of close to 400 stairs is not for couch potatoes. From the bottom, the stairs look like they go on forever and about half way up, it feels like that too. Luckily, you are rewarded at the top with wonderful views over the city and the Meuse River - don't forget your camera! There are a few benches along the way if you need to rest and you get a peek at some of the houses & yards that line the steps. At the top is a monument to battles fought by Liege's inhabitants. It is in a residential area where groups of boys play socceer at the base of the stairs and older people sweep the section of stairs near their house. Don't forget to bring along a bottle of water because I don't remember any stores close by where you could purchase one.

This busy square is used as a meeting place (It was the start of a parade route on the day I was there.) and sometimes has street dances at night. A new monument, 'Le Choeur de Liege' was being built when I was there and is set to open in Oct. 2000. Across the street is The Palace of the Prince-Bishops, one of the largest Gothic structures in the world. It is now Liege's courthouse & only the courtyard is open to the public. There are a number of stores, including a large department store as well as restaurants and taverns just off the square and it's a good place for people watching.