Chocolate reigns supreme in Belgium

No visit to Belgium is complete without indulging two of the nation's most calorie-laden exports - chocolate and beer.

While someone ingeniously attempted to marry the two, so much world's opinion is that chocolate beer remains something of an acquired taste.

There are over 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium displaying delicately-sculpted chocolates and with an annual production of 172,000 tons, it is the country's most infamous and indulgent export.

Belgium has a long and proud beer-brewing tradition, which harks back to bored monks in the Middle Ages. Belgium has 115 breweries and produces more than 1000 types of beer - ale aficionados might never have to leave the pub. Some of the more famous brands include Stella Artois, Leffe and Jupiler.