89km (55 miles) SE of Brussels; 27km (17 miles) NE of Huy; 54km (33 miles) NE of Namur

Fervent, lively Liège (pop. 160,000) is known as La Cité Ardente (the Passionate City). Nowadays it exudes in part the aura of an aging industrial gloom, but that seems to fade next to its gracefully down-at-the-heels 19th-century monuments, and remnants from the time of its powerful ruling prince-bishops. Liège has always had an independent spirit. Its 12th-century charter decreed that the pauvre homme en sa maison est roi (the poor man in his home is king) -- an attitude that is still vividly alive in Liège today. The city straddles the Meuse, with a backdrop of Ardennes foothills.

Travel Interest Guides

Fall Driving Guide
From weekend escapes to weeks-long asphalt exploration, our experts map your dream itinerary.

New York Guide
An interactive guide to the Empire State proves that there’s more to New York than the five boroughs.

Ski & Snowboard Guide
Top resorts, best-value spots, the latest gear, complete resort profiles, and more.

Beach Guide
Suspend the seasonal shift by plotting a warm-weather escape to one of our expert-selected beach locales.

More Travel Resources