France: Wildfires in Gironde

France travel advice

Change made:

Removal of information about wildfires affecting parts of Gironde and Landes

BELGIUM: Brussels Flower Carpet, Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August 2026

The Flower Carpet returns this month for its 24th Edition!

Don't miss this beautiful display, of over 1650 square metres of begonias, dahlias, grass and bark in the capital.

WHEN: Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August 2026

WHERE: Grand Place, Brussels
MORE INFORMATION: Here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Festive Family Fun Weekend at Waterloo, 15th and 16th August 2026

A spectacular adventure is coming to Waterloo this summer!

For the first time, a zipline is launching from the top of the Lion's Mound! For two days only, a range of awesome activities will be on offer for some fabulous family fun. Come and enjoy:

• Bouncy Castles
• Giant Zip Line
• Climbing Wall
• Pony Rides
• Historical Animations with Re-enactments
• Rifle and Cannon Demonstrations

And this is all included in the ticket entrance price - Under 10's go free!

WHEN: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026
WHERE: The Domain of Waterloo
TICKETS: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brits in NATO After Work Social, Thursday 30th July 2026 17:00 onwards

This month's Brits in NATO After Work Social is...

WHEN: Thursday 30th July 2026, 17:00 onwards
WHERE: NATO Staff Centre

Look out for the Union Jack.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Directory of Boarding Schools 2026

Are you considering Boarding School for your child(ren)? Did you know that there is a directory that showcases all the Boarding Schools and Colleges that offer discounts and CEA funded places for HM Armed Forces Families?

You can find the Directory of Boarding Schools 2026 here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

VIRTUAL CHAT HV and Virtual New Parents Group

SSAFA's Virtual New Parent Group Sessions are open to all military families living in remote areas as a way to connect with other parents in similar situations. Although there will be a health visitor present to answer any questions, the floor is open to talk about whatever you want - from sleep, feeding or just general parental frustrations with no judgment or anything.

Our online CHAT HV sessions are open to all military parents across all time zones. These informal sessions cover a different topic each month to help guide and support you through the different stages of your parenting journey. These are a great way for you to meet other families from around the world and make connections, especially when living in a host country that has different practices with regards to new mum groups etc.

If anyone wants anymore information or to register for an online session, please either speak to your Health Visitor or email us on UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-NYG-SSAFA@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Top Tips Number Two for Keeping Cool in this Heat

TOP TIPS IN THE HEAT WITH YOUR HISO:

Further to my previous top tip at the end of last month regarding keeping cool overnight by using a frozen hot water bottle, here is my Top Tip number 2:

Keep your skincare, body creams, sun cream, after sun and a water spray in the fridge; this is the perfect way to cool down at any time during the day.

NB if you are a retinol/retinal user, keep these out of the fridge.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: After the Battle, a new video mapping installation at Domain of Waterloo until 31st December 2026

This year is the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and to commemorate this a new video mapping experience has been introduced at the Domain of Waterloo.

This will bring the aftermath of the 1815 battle to life and shows how it heralded the beginning of progress, innovation and transformation throughout the 19th century. This show will continue to run until the end of the year.

WHEN: from now until 31st December 2026
WHERE: The Domain of the Battle of Waterloo
MORE INFORMATION: here

This weekend also sees the re-enactment of the Battle at the Waterloo Battlefield Estate which is a fantastic day out. Hougoumont Farm will be transformed into a military camp complete with Bivouacs, a civilian village and several demonstrations over the course of the weekend.

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Guinguettes Season is Back for 2026

Guinguettes season is back in Brussels, launching last Friday with Guinguette Maurice in Cinquantenaire Park.

These pop-up bars, open across the city, offer food and drinks as well as various activities, events and concerts. The 2026 programme incudes Yoga, a Repair Cafe, a Lindy Hop and Street Theatre.

To find out more, have a read of this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The Royal Palace in Brussels opens its doors to the public following a 2 year renovation

Following a two-year renovation project, the Royal Palace of Brussels will reopen its doors to the public!

The Palace is the administrative headquarters of the  Belgian monarchy and is where King Philip of Belgium maintains his office. 

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the architectural splendours of  this gorgeous building. The Palace will be open for 6 weeks this summer; check out the imposing grand staircase, the great gallery, the empire room and the throne room before enjoying the gorgeous gardens.

WHEN: Friday 3rd July to Sunday 16th August 2026

WHERE: The Royal Palace, Rue Brederode 16, 1000 Brussels

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Introducing the Community Resource List for Brussels

Introducing the Community Resource List (CRL) for Brussels!

To make it easier for everyone to find local recommendations and information, check out the Community Resource List or CRL for short.

Access your Community Resource List here

Submit your recommendations here

This is a go-to list for information guides, local businesses, babysitters, pet sitters, restaurants, days out, local businesses, mechanics, hairdressers, and more!

The CRL resource should help new arrivals and anyone with a burning question that might have already been asked and answered previously in different groups. The benefit of this being you can check the list anytime, especially if you need to know something ASAP.

This list is for and by your community so please add any and all of your if you have a recommendations by using this quick MS Form.

The list will be updated regularly with any new entries.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Back on Senne at the Sewer Museum, from now until 3rd January 2027

It is commonly said that Belgium has a Museum for Everything, but did you know that this country is home to a Sewer Museum?

Remi the Rat from Disney's Ratatouille may spring to mind, but it is in fact true, and Brussels is the location for this fascinating place. And from now until early-January 2027, Back on Senne is an exhibition that unlocks the hidden river beneath its premises. Projections, spatial sound and laser beams immerse visitors in a sensory landscape of moving light, tones and water movement. Workshops, guided walks and more are available.

The Sewer Museum is one of the 160+ museums throughout Belgium that take part in FREE Museums Sunday on the First Sunday of the Month too!

WHEN: Now until 3rd January 2027
WHERE: Anderlechtsepoort, 1000 Brussels
MORE INFORMATION: https://sewermuseum.brussels/en/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Flight Exhibition, Friday 17th October 2025 until Sunday 9th August 2026

Ever wondered how to defy gravity? Short of finding Elphaba’s copy of the Grimmerie, why not pop along to the Museum of Natural Sciences to discover just how animals and humans can soar above the clouds without broomstick or magic.

Nature meets technology at this fascinating exhibition. Youngsters will also get a chance to make their own paper aeroplane soar too! Suitable for ages 10 and upwards.

WHEN: Friday 17th October 2025 until Sunday 9th August 2026

WHERE: Natural Sciences Museum, Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/museum/exhibitions-activities/exhibitions/flight

 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The best ice-cream shops in Brussels

Are you an Ice-Cream Connoisseur, a Gelato Gourmet or a Sundae Specialist?

Be sure to check out the favourite artisanal ice-cream shops across Brussels. I wonder how many you could visit this Summer? Challenge accepted? Find out more HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: On-Board Ticket Sales to be scrapped from Wednesday 1st July 2026

Travelling by Train? No more on‑board ticket sales from Wednesday 1st July 2026.

In a clear measure to tackle fare evasion, starting 1 July 2026, SNCB-NMBS will phase out on-board ticket sales via the train manager. This decision aims to reinforce a key rule: every passenger must have a valid ticket before boarding the train (and be able to show it during ticket inspection).

On‑board ticket sales frequently led to disagreements, and at times even aggression, during inspections. Eliminating this source of conflict helps SNCB-NMBS make the rules clearer and better protect its employees.

This shift lets train managers refocus on what matters most: ensure safety, guide passengers and provide the right assistance throughout their trip.

Find out more here.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Children's Summer Holiday Camps, registration now open!

Looking for Children's Summer Holiday Camps?

You can register your children for holiday camps from now. Sports activities, creative development, and all kinds of fun await your children. Registration at the Staff Centre reception, or by e-mail: academy.nato@highfive.fit. 

Available dates:

• 1-3 July (3 days)
• 6-10 July
• 13-17 July
• 20-24 July (4 days)
• 27-31 July
• 3-7 August
• 10-14 August
• 18-21 August (4 days)
• 24-28 August

PLEASE NOTE: in order to ensure the best experience for all families, camp registration will close one week before the start of the camp.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Watch World Cup Games at the Staff Centre

Excited about the World Cup 2026?

World Cup matches will be screened on the TVs at the Staff Centre during opening hours.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Tutankhamun; the Immersive Experience, Brussels Expo, on now until October 2026

The Tutankhamun Immersive exhibition explores the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where many Egyptian Pharoahs are buried, including Tutankhamun who lived from 1342 BC to 1323 BC.

Your visit includes display galleries with narrative panels, reconstitutes funerary objects and virtual reality experiences of the Valley of the Kings, the camp and Tutankhamun's tomb.

WHEN: from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 11th October 2026 
WHERE: Terminal 1 Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1, Laeken

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

'Treasures of Tutankhamun' exhibition is also on at the Digital and Interactive Venue (DIVE) in Antwerp.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE