Following the irresistible scent of chocolate through Bruges

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Bruges is exactly what it says on the tin. A picture-perfect town in the north-west of Belgium with cobbled streets, lively squares and gently flowing canals.

Displaying a rich history going back to the Vikings, it is a superb example of how cities live through growth cycles, rising and falling with time as the world around them changes. Bruges is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here then is a city designed for people to amble through aimlessly and soak in the sights. Whilst that was exactly my plan, my senses (read nose and eyes) had other ideas. It felt as if every street I turned into led to a chocolate shop or bakery till I found myself sniffing my way through town, admiring the charming shopfronts and stopping occasionally to indulge in some yumlicious flavours.

The city of Bruges historically lay on several European trade routes. Its chocolate heritage  reflects the same diversity. Words alone cannot do justice. The first two photos below are the Flemish chocolatier Van Oost and Le Comptoir de Mathilde which has French antecedents. The third picture is that of a local bakery.



























































A visit to Bruges would be incomplete without trying the unique hot chocolate at the renown Old Chocolate House. The menu card has such enticing options that I nearly went for the 'lottery' method where you close your eyes and randomly point your finger on the menu to select an item. In the end I decided against this cavalier approach and opted for the 'Aztec' twist which comprised my favourite dark chocolate with cinnamon and an adventurous side of dried chillies (I know- what was i thinking!). 

The presentations style is atypical. Warm milk (or an alternative option) comes in a huge cup. The chocolate and supporting paraphernalia come on a small tray. You are advised to drop pieces in the milk, stirring gently as they melt to the consistency you desire. If that wasn't enough to pull you in, the cafe's charming interiors and the stained glass are definitely worth enjoying.











Wandering though Bruges, there were the more familiar brands - Leonidas and Neuhaus.












One charming place was selling waffles on a Stick. It was a joy to watch these being made fresh, to say nothing of the fragrant baking aroma.











For history buff, lots more chocolate facts can be found at the Chocolate Museum in town. 

Most visitors already know that Bruges is a beautiful getaway with picturesque houses and water features. The presence of finger-licking chocolate shops just adds to the long list of reasons to visit.

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