Belgium

Though compact, Belgium is a place of striking contrasts: linguistic, cultural and topographic. Most of the historic ‘art’ cities lie in predominantly flat, Dutch-speaking Flanders, seducing visitors with medieval belfries, magical market squares and step-gabled houses that often overlook pretty urban canals. Dotted with superb museums and galleries, these places are close together and seamlessly interconnected by regular public transport. In contrast, despite some intriguing post-industrial cities, much of hilly, French-speaking Wallonia is profoundly rural. So it’s useful to have your own wheels to reach the region’s spectacular caves, impressive castles and bucolic valleys, where there’s endless outdoor fun to be had.