The morning after a particularly intriguing evening in Brussels, I was feeling emotionally wiped and in dire need of an escape from the constricting walls of city life. I wanted nature. I wanted pretty things.

Earlier the day before, I had come across a brochure for a springtime event called Floralia Brussels, set upon the grounds of Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden just a short train ride away. So, as my fellow travelers took inspired day trips to places like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, I settled my mind on disembarking at a desolate train station to venture to an abandoned 12th-century castle.

I’ll admit, I had never been to a flower festival before in my life, but Florists kind of run in my family, so I guess I was more or less surrendering to the petals.

Only 7 kilometres from Brussels by train, the rustic-looking castle was built in the year 1300 for Almaric Bigard, the first lord of Bigard. ‘Groot-Bijgaarden’ translates to Grand Bigard, who’s grounds are open every spring to visitors looking to gape at Floralia Brussels.

I mean, the castle has a 5-arched bridge, a moat, and lion statues guarding the entrance. Umm, sign me up.

Running from early April until early May, Floralia Brussels is curated by gardeners who plant (by hand!) more than 1 MILLION bulbs. Guys, there were over 400 varieties of tulips alone. Between the castle grounds, the sheer volume of flowers, and the peaceful ambiance, this place gives a new meaning to ‘stop and smell the roses’.