Floralia Brussels - Belgian Tulip Festival

Every tulip lover's dream is Keukenhof in Netherlands. Mine too! Infact there were organized day trips from Brussels to Keukenhof. However that would include 6-7hrs bus travel in 1 day which would be just too stressful for Atyudarini. May be next time. Hunting for the next best tulip festival, I came across this happening in this very city - Floralia Brussels!

This was happening in Groot Bijgaarden and Castle, located a bit farther to Koekelberg from city centre. The architecture of the entrance across a moat with an impressive bridge - In the first instant it definitely reminded me of Eltham Palace. This was built in 17th C CE. The bridge with 5 arches is the first stunner, followed by the 30m tall, 4 storied tower with 3m thick wall and then the main castle. All 3 are accessible till date. Following this is a spectacular huuuuge 14 ha garden (again reminding of Eltham Gardens!). Right now, when Keukenhof is in full bloom, so is Groot Bijgaarden!!!

The best thing I did was to reach there at its opening hour, coz by the time I was returning, the entire car park was filled and the crowd was too much! As soon as I entered, I was tempted to climb the tower, but then, since there weren't many people at that time, I decided to head directly to where most of the flowers were.

Just behind the tower, was a this charming, wooden bridge across a canal and beyond it was this heart shaped arrangement of red tulips. Further ahead was my favourite spot - rainbow valley! There were multitudes of tulips and several other flowers in several colors! Best part 2 geese and a.............. BLACK SWAN!!!!! Call me ignorant, I didn't know Black Swan existed!!! It a species that's originally from Australia and has been introduced in UK & Europe.

From there the next spot was the French Garden with tulips in rectangular arrangement. Further ahead from there was the cafeteria. Picnic isn't allowed in the garden (except for small babies like Atyudarini who cannot by any rules, lolz!), but the food & drinks variety here at the cafetaria is really good. The Cheese cake was divine. Beside it is the indoor arrangement. The floral arrangement around old horse carts was just exquisite.

Behind this was the maze! Honestly, it was a let down. When I saw the maze in the map, I was really expecting a human height or atleast waist high vegetation. Sadly it was on the ground. Tulips arranged like a maze, on the ground.

After walking about for some more time (the peacock had lost its sheen by the time we visited!), I was back at the tower. This has 4 floors and each floor has a beautiful floral arrangement by Sebastien Dossin, which very much reminded me of Flower Time, Brussels.

It wasn't very big and cannot be compared to the tulip fields of Keukenhof, but this is the best place to go in Brussels. Overall, it was a day well spent, esp., for Atyudarini, who we left on the ground behind the cafeteria. She did, totally enjoy the sun and the colorful blooms!!!

To Get There:

On Google Maps: Groot Bijgaarden & Castle
Nearest tram & railway station: Groot Bijgaarden
While the railway/tram station is located 750 mts from the entrance, the bus stop is located just opposite to it.

Tickets: €14 (Can be bought online at Floralia Brussels website)

P.S: I was invited by Floralia Brussels to experience the city for review purposes, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

Floralia Brussels - Belgian Tulip Festival

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