It was a very foggy, misty and bracing start to my adventure further south this morning @ 7 degrees. Traffic around me on the freeways seemed unconcerned but I was a bit more wary in my journey. By the time I reached Roermond, the weather had cleared a bit.

Roermond is a historically important town on the east bank of the river Meuse in the Limburg region. Limburg culture is characterized by its Bourgondish lifestyle, a deep-rooted Catholic heritage, and a distinct linguistic identity that often makes the province feel “un-Dutch” to visitors. The region—spanning both the Netherlands and Belgium—shares a history where culinary, social, and religious traditions frequently cross modern borders.

I have it on reliable tourist info promotion, that one of the most beautiful squares in the Netherlands can be found in the city center of Roermond: the Munsterplein. The 13thC Munsterkerk, late Romanesque in style, with 55m spires… takes centre stage, with a beautiful garden with wooden sculptures to the side; there are many cozy outdoor terraces and cafes surrounding the square.

And I then saw one such cafe – the Munster cafe – gorgeous comfortable and bright interior fitout; sensational cheese omelette and delish coffee with a small whipped cream option presented as part of the offering.

In the summer, music from big bands, orchestras, and brass bands, among others, can be heard. On Wednesdays, the Munsterplein is particularly lively because the well-attended weekly market is held here. From April to October, you can also visit the antique and flea market.

I discovered a puppet maker in a nearby street (Atelier Joseph Thissen) who designs bespoke beauties; and Klein College – is a historic neo-Renaissance primary school built in 1890, featuring an attached headmaster’s house. Designed by architect Jan Jorna, it served as a prominent school for decades before being redeveloped into seven apartments in 1993.

As I drove out of the area, I noticed a walled area with people disappearing inside…so I parked and went to investigate. Wow, Stadspark de Kartuis, is a garden that was part of a monastery complex where Carthusian monks once lived in silence. You can still see remnants of the monastery walls and the “cells” where the monks resided; it contains a small, child-friendly hedge maze; pond with sculpture; and lovely tree and spring flower plantings. A delight to walk around, or sit in and relax/read in an urban context – so peaceful.

Next, off to see the “white town of Thorn” (white houses, nostalgic squares and lovely cobbled streets) one of the pearls of Central Limburg, located in the municipality of Maasgouw. It has a unique history as an independent, female-ruled miniature principality (circa 975–1794). Founded as a Benedictine nunnery, it evolved into an exclusive convent for noblewomen who minted their own currency and governed the area. The town’s iconic white houses were created after the 1794 French invasion, when residents painted their homes to hide the bricks used to seal windows, which were heavily taxed by the new government. 

Thorn is a classic example of how you visit a historic town in the Netherlands. You drive slowly into the area (15-30kms/hour) and find the defined parking area …and then its pedestrian walk-about everywhere. Or get a taxi and get dropped off. Or bicycle in.

I have been struck by the bicycle culture in the Netherlands – it really is a way of life, with over 23 million bicycles for 17 million people. It is —from school runs to commuting. Cycling is rarely seen as exercise, but rather a functional, daily necessity for transportation to work, school, or social events. The primary, everyday mode of transport for all ages.