Proud towers, pituresque market squares with magnificent town halls, canals and bridges: Flanders owes everything to the sea and trade. With its cities like Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent, Flanders has been one of the most important centers of Western ar t and culture since the middle Ages. The traces of flemish masters such as Rubens or Van Eyck are much a part of Flanders as the desire for pleasure and good food. It is no wonder then that the creative Flemings also draw comics, brew 100 different b eers, invent chocolates, cook masterfully, and of course make the best French fries.