Lille to Antwerp and Mechelen: Private day trip

Settled since around the 5th century, Antwerp has had its fair share of ups and downs, thanks in large part to its important port. Napoleon had hoped to make it the finest in Europe, while during World War II, the Germans fired more V-2 rockets at it than every other target combined. In 1609 Rubens established his atelier in the city, which now exhibits his work. Along with the Rubens Antwerp’s old town is filled with centuries of historic architecture - from the Medieval castle to the Gothic cathedral to Baroque palaces all within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also take a trip to the city’s hip side: made a fashion capital by a group of local designers in the 80s, visitors can learn about Antwerp’s fashion heritage at MoMu. Scattered throughout the city are bold works of modern architecture, such as the Museum by the Stream, which revitalized the dockside area.

Settled since the Gallo-Roman era, Mechelen was given town rights in the 14th century, which started a rivalry with Antwerp that would last for the next 600 years. Over its long history, it was home to the likes of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Anne Boleyn, and today is the seat of Belgium’s archbishop. The charming marketplatz is surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings and dominated by the UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral. Visitors can brave the tower’s 500 steps for stupendous views of the city, or just enjoy the church’s exceptional artwork, which includes paintings by van Dyck and Rubens. The nearby town hall has cleverly combined the old council hall, cloth hall, and UNESCO-listed belfry into one building. The third UNESCO site is the charming Groot Begijnhof - a neighborhood built between the 13th and 16th centuries expressly to provide a community for religious women.