Liege: The Heartbeat of Wallonia

• HelloSalut
  [sa-lyu]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [o ru-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wi]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/dey-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [ko-mon sa va]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twa]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-leh voo on-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr la kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah de vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [o se-koo]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-ay voo on]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [a-peh-lay la po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [a-peh-lay un may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lad]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kom-byen sa koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dee-ez uhr ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-prey mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yeer]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [seez]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh tun/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor la kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kand eh luh pro-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Liege's history dates back to the Roman era when it was known as Leodium. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period. The strategic location along the Meuse River made it an attractive settlement for both trade and defense.

In the 8th century, Liege became an important religious center when it was established as a bishopric by St. Lambert of Maastricht. The assassination of St. Lambert in 705 AD led to his successor, St. Hubert, moving the bishopric to Liege, which marked the city's rise as a spiritual and political hub.

During the High Middle Ages, Liege flourished as a center of learning and culture. The city became known for its educational institutions, including the famous University of Liege, founded in 1817. The Cathedral of St. Lambert, although destroyed during the French Revolution, was a testament to the city's medieval significance.

From the 10th to the 18th century, Liege was governed by Prince-Bishops who wielded both secular and religious power. This unique political structure allowed the city to maintain a degree of autonomy and foster a rich cultural and architectural heritage, visible in buildings like the Prince-Bishops' Palace.

Liege played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution, becoming one of the first cities in continental Europe to industrialize. Its coal mines and steel factories turned it into an economic powerhouse, attracting workers and entrepreneurs from across Europe. The city’s industrial prowess is still evident in its landscape and museums, such as the Museum of Walloon Life.

Liege's strategic location made it a focal point during both World Wars. In World War I, the city's fortresses delayed the German advance, earning it the Legion of Honour from France. During World War II, Liege was heavily bombed, but its resilient spirit saw it through the reconstruction period that followed.

Today, Liege is a vibrant city that blends its rich history with modernity. Known for its lively cultural scene, the city hosts numerous festivals, including the famous Les Ardentes music festival and the Fêtes de Wallonie. Liege continues to be a significant educational and economic hub in Belgium.

Liege is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 90 kilometers from the city. From Brussels Airport, you can take a direct train to Liege-Guillemins station, which takes approximately one hour. Liege also has its own smaller airport, Liege Airport (LGG), which primarily handles cargo but also offers some passenger flights. Additionally, international trains like Thalys and Eurostar connect Liege with major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

Liege boasts a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. The TEC (Transport En Commun) buses cover the city and its suburbs. Liege-Guillemins is the main train station, offering both local and international connections. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bike; Liege has several cycling paths and bike rental stations.

Belgium uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant throughout the city, making it convenient to withdraw cash. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets.

Liege is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Areas around the main train station, Liege-Guillemins, have higher crime rates, particularly at night, so exercise caution. Avoid displaying valuables and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Liege is CHU de Liege, offering comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out or visiting cultural sites; casual wear is acceptable for sightseeing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches; modest clothing is recommended. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a friendly 'Bonjour' is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Liège waffles and 'boulets à la liégeoise.' Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Liege like a local, visit the Sunday market, 'La Batte,' along the Meuse River for fresh produce and local goods. Explore the lively Carré district for nightlife and dining options. Don't miss the Montagne de Bueren, a long staircase with panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, take a boat tour on the Meuse River to see the city from a different perspective.