La Batte Sunday Market

One of the more interesting and enjoyable markets in Belgium takes place every sunday from 8am till 2pm on the west bank of the river Meuse in the city of Liège.

La Batte, as it is called - the name is derived from a local dialect, meaning embankment or wharf - stretches from the Quai Roosevelt to the Quai de Maestricht and takes over a few side streets along the way.

You will find everything from clothes to antiques, small animals, fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, to pastries and cheeses.

Because of the area's large Italian population, you can find a lot of Italian specialities at the market, from cheeses and salami to pasta and olives.

Parking should not be too much of a problem (if you come early enough) since there are 2 underground parking garages nearby. You could also try your luck across the river in Outremeuse.

WHen you're done shopping, you can grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many café's near the market.

La Batte gets extremely crowded in summer, especially after 11am. Because of its success, it has become a bit of a tourist attraction. My advice is to get there as early as possible.