Fact file

More Information:

frietmuseum.be; visitflanders.com; fritesatelier.com.

Getting there:

Etihad and Qatar Airways fly to Brussels. From there, Antwerp is a 30-minute train ride and Bruges is just under an hour. See etihad.com, qatarairways.com, raileurope.com.au.

Staying there:

Hotel Rubens Grote Markt is close to Antwerp Market Square on a quiet side street. The room decor blends luxe touches with the comforts of home. See hotelrubensantwerp.be.

In Bruges, Monsieur Ernest combines the cosy touches of a small lodge with the design sensibilities of a stylish international hotel. See monsieurernest.com.

Carb loading:

Restaurants, kiosks and vans serving fries are found everywhere in Belgium. For a delicious, fancy fries experience, seek out chef Sergio Herman’s ‘‘frites ateliers’’ in Antwerp and Ghent. See fritesatelier.com.