Don’t feel like going on a  long escapes thousands of miles away from your comfort zone, but  still craving a change of scenery? In that case, nothing beats a trip in Europe, just a short hop from Morocco. A city trip, to be precise, but not just anywhere. In 2024, we’re avoiding mass tourism and capitals like Berlin, London, and Madrid. As for Paris, with the Olympics looming, we won’t even consider it. Instead, we’re exploring the Old Continent, its history, and local charm through small, charming cities that are truly worth visiting. Shoelifer has made its choice: Bruges and Nantes, for now. Interested?

Sailing the canals of the Venice of the North

In Belgium, Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, just a few kilometers from the North Sea. This lovely city, which has preserved its authenticity, is known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful Gothic and medieval architecture. That’s why it’s often called the “Venice of the North.” Cosmopolitan, elegant, and epicurean, Bruges is a must-see if you’re planning a European getaway.

Where to stay:

Hôtel Héritage, located in Bruges’ historic center. It’s a true haven of peace, so chic in a beautifully classic setting. Its highlights? An exceptional gourmet restaurant (Le Mystique), an ultra-comfy luxury spa, and attentive staff.

Hôtel Héritage
11 Niklaas Desparsstraat, Bruges
Tel: +32 (0)50 444 444
Rates start at 229 euros per night

Where to grab a quick bite : 

Indulge in the guilty pleasure of fries, Belgium’s specialty. What makes them so unique? They’re cooked in beef fat and served with Andalouse sauce or mayonnaise. To finish on a sweet note, try another local specialty: the Liège waffle with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Our favorite spot? Frit Bar Bruges, located in the city center. Eat them on-site or while wandering the city’s streets (great for burning off those calories).

Frit Bar Bruges
Katelijnestraat 3, Bruges
Price range: 4 to 15 euros
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where to have dinner : 

At Republiek, a bistro and tapas bar also in the city center. It’s one of the few places in Bruges where you can dine after 9 p.m. (yes, northerners eat early, between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.). We love its lush, surprisingly large interior patio. On the menu, the Japanese beef and Holstein tagliata are irresistible. Or try the mint and coriander kefta, chili sin carne nachos, and, of course, their incredible cocktails.

Republiek Grand Café
Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, Bruges
Tel: +32 50 73 47 64
Price range: 10 to 30 euros (per dish)
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Where to dance: 

At Coulissen. Don’t be fooled by the name; it’s actually a nightclub with an electric atmosphere. Sure, the crowd is quite young (Gen Z and Millennials), but it’s a lot of fun. After a brief stint of hard techno (a Flemish favorite), the DJ spins classics from Will Smith to J-Lo, Whitney Houston, and Aya Nakamura.

Coulissen
Jakob van Ooststraat 4, Bruges
Free entry
Open Thursday to Sunday from 10 p.m.

What to do :  

Take your time wandering around Bruges’ city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then cruise the intertwined canals. The city is an open-air museum, where every building is a medieval or Gothic masterpiece. Among the most spectacular sites? The Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses the “Blood of Christ” and is now a museum. For convenience, here’s a bucket list of all the city’s must-sees.

Getting a green fix in Nantes

The first city in France to be named European Green Capital in 2013, the second greenest city in the country (with 100 parks and gardens), and ranked first among France’s “most livable cities” in 2021, the capital of the Dukes of Brittany is now one of the most attractive (and lush) destinations in France. It’s an ideal choice for a European trip with a slow-living, eco-tourism vibe.

Where to stay : 

At Château de Maubreuil, the first 5-star establishment in the Nantes region, located just 15 minutes from the city center. The program includes a spa offering Cinq Mondes treatments, a gourmet restaurant serving local cuisine (with ingredients sourced from the estate’s farm), and wine-tasting workshops for wine lovers.

Château de Maubreuil
Allée de Maubreuil, 44470 Carquefou
Tel: +33 (0)2 21 70 03 70
Rates start at 150 euros per night

Where to have lunch : 

At Vacarme, the wine bar everyone’s been talking about since its chef (and owner) Sarah Mainguy reached the finals of Top Chef season 12. On the menu: bistro dishes to share (or not), specialty coffees, and “living” wines sourced directly from winemakers.

Vacarme
Open for lunch and dinner, closed Sundays and Mondays.
5 Rue des Bons Français, Bouffay Quarter, Nantes
Tel: +33 (0)9 87 34 18 82

Where to have dinner : 

At La Cigale, a legendary brasserie in the city since 1895, adorned with Art Deco woodwork and frescoes from floor to ceiling, and listed as a historic monument. Enjoy local oysters, fine cuts of meat, or a large seafood platter. Why not dine there after an evening at the Opera, just across the street?

La Cigale
4 Place Graslin, Nantes
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Tel: +33 (0)2 51 84 94 94

Where to grab a drink : 

(and not just any drink) at 19:33. This cocktail bar, with decor inspired by the iconic Orient Express carriages, takes you on a journey through expertly mixed liqueurs by two enthusiasts who honed their craft in New York, Geneva, and Saint Barth. Just be careful not to jump off the train too soon on your way out.

Le 19:33
8 Rue Voltaire, Graslin Quarter, Nantes
Closed Sundays and Mondays

Where to dance : 

At Le Lieu Unique, the city’s most popular cultural center, housed in the former Lefèvre-Utile factory (yes, the LU biscuits). Visit during the day for exhibitions, artistic encounters, and a bookstore, in the evening for shows and concerts, and at night for its dancing bar.

Le Lieu Unique
Quai Ferdinand Favre, Nante
Open daily

What to do :  

Explore the Île de Nantes and discover its famous machines. Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, spend an afternoon at Trentemoult, the fishing village across the Loire accessible by boat. Then visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and don’t forget to enjoy a buckwheat galette (because yes, that’s an activity in itself).

Picture (c) : Behance