Although today Kortrijk is a modern city, its history dates back to antiquity. At that time, the town was a Roman settlement, known as Cortoriacum. Despite successive invasions and occupations, the town held firm. Then, in the 13th century, it was the site of a legendary battle that is still celebrated today: the Battle of the Golden Spurs. This battle originated in the latent conflict between France and Flanders. At the time, Flanders had a feudal relationship with France. But it also needed to maintain good relations with England to ensure its trade prospered. England was France's sworn enemy. Clans soon formed, opposing supporters of the King of France and the Count of Flanders. Tension reached a climax on July 11, 1302, when Flemish rebels and the French army clashed on the plain of Groninge. With the Flemish outnumbered and the French considered invincible, the rebels were victorious. The legend of the Golden Spurs was born. But why the name? The golden spurs were the mark of the French cavalrymen and, after the battle, the Flemish rebels were said to have collected the spurs from the battlefield and hung them in the church of Notre-Dame de Courtrai. A symbol of the struggle against oppression and a true national icon, the Battle of the Golden Spurs is celebrated every year by jubilant crowds. That's right, July 11 has been chosen as the day to celebrate the Flemish Regional Festival!Kortrijk boasts an exceptional architectural heritage, with remarkable buildings such as the Belfry, the churches of Notre-Dame and Saint-Martin, the Town Hall and the Broel Towers.Kortrijk is also a city of culinary and popular traditions. Kortrijk is also a city of culinary traditions and folklore, with specialities such as the Courtraisienne leg of lamb (made from veal rather than chicken), the kalletaart (a tart with a base of marzipan, apricots, apples, calvados and slivered almonds) and the Kortrijk rusk, made from bread pudding spread with candy sugar. All the ingredients for a gourmet holiday!

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