KACHEN #21 (Winter 2019) English edition

ON TOUR WITH CFL
LIÈGE
ARDENT ENERGY
Liège is a cosmopolitan city buzzing with visitors from nearby
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany and France. The ‘ardent
city’ is full of surprises that thrive on its history whilst being
future-forward, accessible, joyful and festive.
© OFFICE DU TOURISME LIEGE
© OFFICE DU TOURISME LIEGE
S
pectacular. No other word could describe the
arched vault that make Liège station look like
a modern, bright, streamlined and futuristic cathedral
reminiscent of a vast ship whose sails reach for
the skies.
You don't tend to be awestruck when you arrive at a
station in Europe. But the Liège-Guillemins train station
stops every visitor in their tracks. Designed by the
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava Valls and inaugurated
in 2009, this landmark is among the most photographed
in the city. Even the most blasé onlookers
are blown away by the beauty of its illuminated dome
with undulating curves at night.
Then it's time to head to the smart and floral cul-desacs
in the Hors-Château area before making for the
foot of the “Montagne de Bueren” staircase. It isn't a
mountain but you do have 374 steps at a 28% gradient
to climb. It may be exhausting but the panoramic views
at the top are worth the effort.
When you reach the Citadel's slopes you comprehend
the topography and instantly grasp the beauty of this
city with a population of 200,000 and the Meuse quietly
flowing through. From here there are footpaths with
miles of walks running through all hillside “areas”:
Favechamps, Le Péri, Carmélites woods, Fabry woods
and the Vivegnis hillside. It's always a surprise to end
up in one of these leafy areas covering 90 hectares
when you're in the bustle of the city. You can't miss the
© URBANISME VILLE DE LIEGE -JEAN-PIERRE ERS
heart of the Citadel and its myriad landmarks (60) including
the terraced ornamental garden in the ruins of
the former Minim convent. You may well see vines and
fig trees as its south-facing position means anything
can grow here.
Near the river, don't miss the exhibitions at La Boverie,
the former Fine Arts Palace built for the 1905 Universal
Exhibition and renovated in 2016.
After a good dose of culture, it's time to explore more
exciting areas. Cross the stunning Arches Bridge into
the popular Outremeuse area where the writer behind
Inspector Maigret, Georges Simenon, once lived. You
simply can't miss Tchantchès, a puppet dressed in traditional
work clothes: black and white check trousers,
blue smock, red scarf with white dots, black hat.
Don't leave Liège without trying the city's signature
round waffle, meatballs (beef and pork in Liège syrup),
cheese, pékèt (gin) and local beer.
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TEXT Martine Carret
KACHEN No.21 | WINTER 19