Michel Tonneau
Is the festival inscribed in the DNA of the people of Liège? History proves that yes… The term “Fiery City”, in fact, comes from a 1905 book about the sack and the fire of the city in 1468. The same year the book was published, the Universal Exhibition held in Liège was inaugurated and the future king Albert I used the term “fiery city” to promote the economy and industry of the city. Ultimately, this nickname will remain to characterize a city considered lively, with important cultural and commercial activities, as well as the warm and good-natured spirit of its inhabitants.
Where to go out in Liège?
Obviously, Liège is not a metropolis like Brussels. The places are not as diverse, but we can nevertheless boast of having places to go out worthy of the name.
The essential place to party inevitably remains the Carré. With its bars and dancing clubs, it remains, despite the years, the most emblematic place in the city. You can have a drink there during the day (although few do), and obviously throughout the night, the bars only close in the early morning.
In the city center, but outside the Carré, other bars may also meet your interest, such as Pot au Lait.
Concert halls offer regular events, for example the Reflektor, or the OM. Concerts are organized there frequently.
A little outside the city center, with a different atmosphere, you can go “en Roture”, as they say in Liège. This is the street of the same name located in Outremeuse, a 10-minute walk away. There are bars there, but also dancing establishments.
A myth that persists
Numerous reports and humorous videos show the spirit of the people of Liège.
A little less partying than before?
Although the Cité Ardente retains its image as a party city, things have changed a little over the last few years. Le Carré remains the ideal place to go out, if you want to stay until early in the morning. Other establishments also offer evenings, such as “ Roture », with places open permanently, and very late (early). On the other hand, when it hosts the festivities of August 15, no more laughing. The music stops at 1:30 a.m. and boom, everyone goes to bed. For more than 10 years, the decision has been taken, to avoid concerns of alcohol-related violence, also condemning those who only want to party with friends or family. It is only very recently (a few years ago) that this special regulation has been taken literally. At 1:30 a.m., the police go to the various bars and shops (by decision of the City) to stop any sound emanating from any loudspeaker. Is Liège still a party place?
The mayor had also considered closing the cafes in the square at 3 a.m., but this idea was ultimately not pursued. A godsend for young people (and not so young people) who go out every weekend to this emblematic place.
Liège remains a city where life is good, between the waffles, the Jupiler, the peket (always in moderation), or its warm and festive atmosphere, you will never be disappointed to meet Liégeois, and to get lost in the streets of the Burning City.
