An unforgettable journey to the vibrant city of Liège.
The vibrant city of Liège boasts the most southerly temperament in Wallonia. Opting for a different mode of transport this time, we left our Land Rover behind and embarked on our adventure in another car, as the campsites in the French countryside were all fully booked. Liège had captivated my interest for some time, prompting us to secure a hotel in the heart of the city and equip ourselves with our cameras to fully immerse ourselves in its charm and intrigue.
One of the initial photographs seized the breathtaking beauty of the Maas River.
Liège combines the tradition and charm of the past, which can be seen in the Place du Marché. At the foot of the steps, there is a symbol of the city’s freedom. The main streets and neighborhoods are crisscrossed with dead ends, alleys, and old buildings. The city is also home to incredible religious buildings such as the Cathedral of Saint-Paul of Liège, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Denis, the baptismal fonts of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Bartholomew, and the Palace of the Princes-Bishops, which overlooks the Place Saint-Lambert. Other notable areas include the popular district of rue Pierreuse, the Bueren staircases, and the verdant hillsides.
Let’s explore the magnificent Cathedrale Saint Paul together. This historic church has a rich legacy, having been founded in the 10th century and reconstructed in Gothic style in the 13th century. The entire church, except for the cloisters, was rebuilt in the 14th century, and the tower, although started in the 14th century, was left incomplete due to the events of the Revolution of 1789. Following the Concordate in 1803, the church was granted cathedral status, and the bell tower was finally completed, resembling the one from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Lambert. Inside, you’ll find remarkable 16th-century stained glass windows and the breathtaking Reclining Christ sculpture by Jean Del Cour, dating back to 1696.
But the cathedral’s allure doesn’t end with the church itself; the cloisters are a treasure trove of history. With numerous tombstones, including those of former Prince-Bishops, and the impressive Treasure House of Liège, the cloisters offer a glimpse into centuries of captivating stories and artistry.
In the vibrant city of Liège, you’ll discover a warm welcome, an abundance of joyful energy, and an irresistible festive ambiance. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Liège waffles, infused with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the tantalizing meatballs with Liègeoise rabbit sauce, perfectly complemented by homemade fries.
Without a doubt, it was clear that they knew how to have a good time. Our night in Liege included a spectacular dinner at La Valaisanne and an unforgettable evening out. The amazing food at La Valaisanne even transported me back to our wonderful times in Morzine near Mont Blanc in the French Alps. The link: https://www.lavalaisanne.be/
After experiencing a restful night, we eagerly embarked on a journey to the captivating train station of Liège. Liège, a city in constant transformation, never fails to impress with its modernity and innovation. The Guillemins train station, a masterpiece by the Spanish architect Calatrava, captivates all who behold its dramatic, soaring structure. Liège has opened its arms wider than ever to welcome curious tourists, who are inevitably drawn back by the city’s warmth and irresistible charisma. It is often referred to as the ‘City of a Hundred Steeples’, a testament to its unique and alluring character.
Liège-Guillemins railway station is an absolute masterpiece! When I tried to capture its beauty in a photo, it felt like embarking on an unending visual adventure. Every angle offered something worthy of being immortalized, and I savored every single moment of it.
During my recent trip close to home, I had the pleasure of using my Leica M10 and Hasselblad cameras. The Leica M10 has always been my go-to for street photography, effortlessly capturing stunning, high-quality shots. On the other hand, working with the Hasselblad demands more time and patience to achieve the perfect focus, but the breathtaking level of detail in the resulting photographs never fails to amaze me.
It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to capture such mesmerizing images, and it’s reignited my passion!
Always remember to follow your passion, as it injects a whole new level of energy and excitement into your craft!
Thank you