Relatively cosmopolitan and bourgeois given its compact size, Bruges (official name in Dutch: Brugge [1]) is one of the best preserved pre-motorised cities in Europe and offers the kind of charms rarely available elsewhere. Part of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, Brugge is a postcard perfect stop on any tour of Europe. The official language is Flemish (akin to Dutch), but with a little courtesy when asking, everyone can speak English French. Even by Belgian standards, Bruges has a poor reputation for its weather. Compared to other western European cities like London and Paris, the weather in Bruges is colder and more damp. Even in July, average daily maximum temperatures struggle to exceed 21c (70F) and rainfall averages 8 inches a month. After October, temperatures drop off quite rapidly and winter months are damp and chilly.