Tag Archive for: Ghent

Flea Market Dates in Belgium

In Belgium, flea markets and antiques hold a cultural significance that goes far beyond mere nostalgia. They reflect a deeply rooted appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and everyday aesthetics. The country, whose towns and cities have often preserved their medieval character, has a long tradition of trade and a rich material and industrial culture. Within this context, a refined sensitivity to the objects of the past has evolved – to furniture, household items, and artisanal works that have endured through time and tell fragments of lived history.

Please make sure to check online before your visit to confirm whether the flea market is taking place. This list has been compiled with great care, but dates may change, and even regularly scheduled markets may be cancelled, for example due to other events or public holidays. Opening hours may also vary, so it’s best to arrive early. The number of stalls can fluctuate significantly, depending on factors such as weather or holidays.

Below you’ll find the dates for particularly well-known and highly recommended antique and flea markets, which offer a wide variety of goods but no new items. You can find my personal favourites, details and tips here.

Every day

Brussels

TOP Marché aux puces du Jeu de Balle
Location: Place du Jeu de Balle
Time: 9 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 350

Sundays (weekly)

Antwerp

Antiek- & Brocantemarkt
Location: Sint-Jansvliet
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
Stands: 100

Brussels

Sablon Antiques Market
Location: Grand Sablon
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 25

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Herve

TOP Brocante du Marché Couvert de Battice
Location: Rue des Forges les Eaux
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 200

Raeren

Megahalle Hauset
Location: Aachener Straße
Time: 8 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 75

Spa

TOP Brocante de Spa
Location: Place Royale
Time: 7 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Tongeren

TOP Antiekmarkt
Location: Leopoldwal
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 350

Tournai

Brocante des Bastions
Location: Boulevard Walter de Marvis
Time: 4 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Waterloo

Brocante du Lion
Location: Drève Richelle
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 300

from March to November

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

from March to October

Namur

Brocante de Jambes
Location: Quai de Meuse
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Saturdays (weekly)

Brussels

Sablon Antiques Market
Location: Grand Sablon
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 25

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Raeren

Megahalle Hauset
Location: Aachener Straße
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Stands: 75

from March to November

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

Fridays (weekly)

Antwerp

Vrijdagmarkt
Location: Vrijdagmarkt
Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 50

Ghent

Bij Sint-Jacobs
Location: Bij Sint-Jacobs
Time: 8 AM to 2 PM
Stands: 100

Liège

TOP Brocante Saint-Pholien
Location: Boulevard de la Constitution
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 150

from June to September

Bruges

op de Dijver
Location: Dijver
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 50

Wednesdays (weekly)

Durbuy

Brocante Durbuy
Location: Parc de Julienas
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Kortrijk

Eurometropolis Brocante Kortrijk
Location: Engelse Wandeling
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 100

Sundays (monthly)

first Sunday of every month from March to October

Arlon

TOP Marché aux Puces du Vieil Arlon
Location: Grand Place
Time: 7 AM to 1 PM
Stands: 250

Various dates

Antwerp

Brocantwerpen
Location: Grote Markt
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 100
Dates

Brussels

TOP Voddemet Brussels Flea Market
Location: Rue Picard
Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Stands: 100
Dates

first Sunday of July and August, fourth Sunday of September

Bruges

TOP Zandfeesten
Location: ’t Zand
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 250
Dates

three times a year over three days

Ciney

TOP Ciney Puces
Location: Rue du Marché Couvert
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 500
Dates

Annually

June: Sunday

Stavelot

Grande Brocante de l’été
Location: Place Saint-Remacle
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 400
Dates

August: Friday

St. Vith

TOP Großer Kunst- und Trödelmarkt
Location: Hauptstraße
Time: 1 PM to 8 PM
Stands: 1,200
Dates

August: Saturday and Sunday

Namur

TOP Brocante de Temploux
Location: Rue Arsène Grosjean
Time: almost all day
Stands: 1,200
Dates

September: Sunday

Kemmel

Rommel- en Antiekmarkt
Location: Kemmelstraat
Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Stands: 1,000
Dates

/0 Comments/by

Belfries: Belgium’s striking City Towers

The belfry (Dutch belfort, French beffroi) is a significant architectural and historical landmark in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, but also in Wallonia and northern France. These imposing towers were erected in the Middle Ages by secular city authorities or guilds as symbols of civic power, often in contrast to that of the Church. Many of these belfries have been preserved in Belgium and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Most belfries were built during the Gothic period and rank among the most important secular buildings of the Middle Ages. Typically, a belfry is connected to the town hall or stands independently beside it.

As the safest place in a city, the tower usually housed the city archives and the treasury. Additionally, it served as a watchtower, with its bells warning the population of dangers such as fires or attacks, as well as announcing public matters. These duties were carried out by the tower keeper. A city bell also structured daily life, marking time and signaling various events.

Belgium is particularly rich in belfries. Their architectural designs are often stunning and reflect the craftsmanship of medieval builders. These structures showcase unique architectural styles, blending Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque influences.

My personal Top 5 Belfries in Belgium

Tournai

The oldest surviving belfry stands in Tournai, built in the 12th century. At 72 meters high, it is not only the oldest but also one of Belgium’s most impressive belfries.

Bruges

The Belfry of Bruges is one of Belgium’s most famous and most visited towers. Standing 83 meters tall, it dominates the city’s market square. Built in the 13th century, it houses an impressive carillon with 47 bells.

Mons

Built in the 17th century in Baroque style, this is Belgium’s only Baroque belfry and a striking landmark of the city of Mons. It stands on an elevated site, away from the town hall.

Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent, built in the 14th century, is crowned with a dragon, which has become a symbol of the city.

Charleroi

A more recent belfry from the early 20th century, it is connected to the town hall of Charleroi and represents a modern interpretation of traditional belfries.

I would also like to mention the belfry of Lille, located in French Flanders, near the Belgian border. This tower is particularly slender and tall (104 meters) and was only completed in 1932. It impresses with its magnificent Art Deco style.

The belfries of Belgium and France were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999, 33 of them in Belgium alone. This recognition highlights their historical and cultural significance. These towers are not only architectural masterpieces that reflect the history and development of medieval cities, but also symbols of freedom, self-governance, and economic prosperity.

/0 Comments/by