Are you planning on visiting Belgium soon? Start your journey with a good dose of Belgium travel inspiration! This list brings together novels, series, and movies set in Belgium that place the stunningly small European country at the heart of their stories. From Bruges to Brussels, encompassing beer and chocolate, not to mention a few linguistic clichés… it’s all here.
Happy exploring!
20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Belgium + What NOT to Do!
Ready for Belgium? This video is your hilarious heads-up! Forget “French” fries, embrace quirky statues, and know your waffles (Brussels vs. Liège – it’s a delicious duel!). Trains are your bestie, and Brussels isn’t the only star. Get ready for beer, chocolate, and a whole lot of unexpected fun!
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
In this novel, the Organisation de l’armée secrète (OAS) hires a foreign hitman to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. A master of disguise, the Jackal meticulously prepares his plan, notably by going to Brussels to obtain false papers.
Tintin by Hergé
Through a series of comic books, we follow the adventures of the famous Belgian reporter and his sidekicks, who travel to the four corners of the world. Some albums like “The Castafiore Emerald” or “The Calculus Affair” take place in Belgium, and the city of Brussels is full of Tintin references, with murals and the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve.
Blake and Mortimer by Edgar P. Jacobs
This comic book series follows two gentlemen detectives on their adventures. Many albums are set in Brussels, notably “The Yellow “M” (L’Affaire du Collier)”, where we explore the streets and monuments of the capital.
In Bruges — one of the best films set in Belgium
Winner of a Golden Globe, this film follows two British hitmen who take refuge in Bruges after a botched contract. Entirely shot in the medieval city, iconic locations include the Belfry, Minnewater Bridge, Koningin Astridpark, the Church of Jerusalem, and the magnificent canals. The Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel is also a key filming location, where protagonists Ray and Ken stay.
The Belgian Beer Book
This whopping 700+ page “Belgian Beer Book” is your ultimate, detailed guide! It’s packed with vibrant photos and fascinating stories, covering everything from brewing secrets and tasting notes for over 100 beers to food pairings and guides to the best beer cafés and breweries. Written by experts, it’s a delightful, comprehensive deep dive into Belgium’s legendary beer culture. Cheers!
Dikkenek
This cult Belgian comedy features colorful characters, between Brussels and Charleroi. It includes scenes shot in Brussels, Antwerp, and Namur, and an offbeat atmosphere that makes you want to explore the local culture. It’s one of the best Belgian films to get used to the accent before you go!
The Danish Girl — a must-see movie filmed in Belgium
Through her journey of transformation, we follow the story of Lili Elbe who discovers Brussels as a refuge as she asserts her identity. From iconic cafes like La Mort Subite and Le Falstaff, to walks in the Royal Park, the city becomes the stage for her first steps towards freedom. While primarily set in Denmark and France, Brussels serves as a significant backdrop for Lili Elbe’s journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The Nun’s Story
The 1959 movie stars Audrey Hepburn as Gabrielle, a young Belgian woman who becomes Sister Luke. Set partly in Bruges, the film follows her challenging journey as a nun, from her struggles with strict religious life to her missionary work in the Belgian Congo. It’s a poignant exploration of faith, duty, and personal sacrifice.
The Expatriate
A former CIA agent tries to reconnect with his daughter by accepting a job in Brussels. His new employer quickly causes them trouble and the two are forced to flee. The plot mainly takes place in Belgium, in Antwerp.
Nothing to Declare
In this zany comedy by Dany Boon, three Parisian friends find themselves trapped in an absurd spiral following an administrative error. Stuck in Belgium without luggage and with a blocked credit card, they must find a way to reach Marrakech in less than 48 hours.
Public Enemy
A former criminal is placed on parole in a monastery in the Ardennes, but child disappearances cause unrest. While Vielsart itself is fictional, the filming for these scenes and much of the rural atmosphere was done in the actual village of Leforet (part of Vresse-sur-Semois), which is indeed located in the Belgian Ardennes.
Apocalypse: World War I
This French documentary series offers colorized and restored archival images to tell the story of the conflict. Episode 4, “Rage,” addresses the fighting in Flanders, specifically the Battle of Passchendaele and the horror of trench warfare.
Jacques Brel 67
The album “Jacques Brel 67” (also known as Brel) is probably the one that best represents his attachment to Belgium. It contains “Le Plat Pays,” an emblematic song in which Brel melancholically and poetically describes Belgium, its low sky, its canals, and its north wind. Other tracks like “Mon père disait” or “Fils de…” also testify to his view on his origins and on Belgian family and cultural heritage.
Professor T
The original Belgian series is a captivating crime drama set in Antwerp. It follows Jasper Teerlinck, a brilliant but obsessively meticulous criminology professor, who applies his unique, often eccentric, methods to help the police solve complex cases. The show delves into his troubled past, offering a quirky yet sharp look at Belgian police work.
The Child
The films of brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, often shot in Belgium, explore poignant social realities. In The Child, Bruno, a young man without direction, sells his newborn. Faced with the mother’s despair, he tries to get him back, sinking into a spiral of debt and criminality.
Hidden Belgium
The book Hidden Belgium by Derek Blyth is an alternative guide to exploring Belgium differently. It reveals over 300 unexpected places and curiosities, often off the beaten path, for an authentic immersion. It is a personal ode to what the author calls “the strangest country in the world,” inviting a unique discovery of its hidden treasures.
What is the new Netflix series set in Belgium? Rough Diamonds!
This gripping Netflix series plunges into Antwerp’s Hasidic Jewish diamond district. When a prodigal son returns after his brother’s suicide, he uncovers family debt and delves into the cutthroat, complex world of the diamond trade. It’s a tense, detailed exploration of tradition, loyalty, and survival amidst crime and secrets.
High Tides (Knokke Off)
This Belgian Netflix drama follows a group of wealthy young adults spending their summer in the chic coastal town of Knokke. Their seemingly carefree lives unravel with the arrival of newcomers, revealing hidden secrets, family pressures, and complex relationships. Expect lavish parties, betrayals, and a dramatic dive into Belgian high society.
