On Saturday, September 3, 2022 we organise a social trip to the historic city centre of Bruges, where the 2020 silver anniversary edition of PATAT was originally intended to be held. Participation is not included in the registration fee. Registration for the excursion on Saturday is supplementary (€100).
Departure in Leuven
We will depart in Leuven by bus at 8:00 in the morning. We would like to ask you to meet us at 07:45 at the meeting point. The bus will depart at 08:00 sharp. The meeting point for the bus transfer is the parking lot of the depot of De Lijn next to the Leuven bus and train station. The address is: Diestsepoort 15, Leuven.
Guided walk through Bruges (2 hours)
Upon our arrival in Bruges, we will start with a guided walk. Stroll along the medieval streets and alleys in the inner town whilst soaking up the particular atmosphere. Discover world famous treasures and sights such as the Lake of Love, the Beguinage, the Church of Our Lady, the canals, the Burg Square with the Town Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood as well as the Market Square with its Belfry. This wonderful historic walk will show you why Bruges merits its place on the Unesco World Heritage List.
Lunch
At noon, we will have lunch at the Concert Hall. This international music and art centre is one of the 1001 buildings you must see before you die. It has an exceptional architecture and offers a unique view on Bruges.
Gruuthuse Museum (1 hour and a half)
In the afternoon, we will visit the Gruuthuse Museum.
Gruuthuse Museum takes you to three crucial periods in the rich history of Bruges. There is the time of Burgundian prosperity, the less well known 17th and 18th centuries, and the historical ‘reinvention’ of Bruges in the 19th century. These three periods come to life in over 600 collection items which all tell their own story. From majestic tapestries to unique Gothic stained glass windows, from elegant wooden sculptures to historic lace, paintings, porcelain, and silver. The highlight is the authentic late 15th century oratory which connects the palace and the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of our Lady) with a view of the Gothic chancel of the church.
Arrival in Leuven
After the Gruuthuse Museum, we’ll have a drink at the 'De Halve Maan', an authentic brewery in the centre of Bruges where you can enjoy one of the local beers: Brugse Zot Blond, Brugse Zot Dubbel or Straffe Hendrik Tripel. We will depart by bus in Bruges at 17:00 and will be back in Leuven around 19:00 in the evening.