‘This is where the cultural, creative, and enterprising urban district Sphinx will arise.’ So reads the ambition behind the plans for the development of the Sphinx area. Plans focus on the place where Maastricht’s industrial revolution began. It was here that Petrus Regout built his ‘Sphinx Factory,’ the start of what grew into an enormous industry, producing bathroom fixtures, tiles, and the products that made Maastricht great. The factory operated until 2006, and since then efforts have been under way to redevelop this area as a district that fits in with the city, but as something Maastricht does not already have. That’s why this district is being designed to attract creative types, young residents, national and international students, and expatriates. It will be internationally oriented, with room for flexible space and temporary functions. Where this area is going is becoming clearer and clearer, in things like the arrival of the pop music stage in a former sawmill, and the newly opened Brandweer(kantine), with workspaces and meeting places for creative entrepreneurs. But not everything in this part of the city is new and different. The historic and picturesque river harbour ‘t Bassin, adjacent to the Sphinx area, makes a perfect buffer for the transition from the more familiar and better known Maastricht to this new part of town.

Founded by Napoleon I, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Rouen contains an extensive collections dating back to the 15th century, with its collection of paintings constituting particular interest. Some of the biggest names whose work adorns museum walls include celebrated masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, David, Renoir, and, of course, Monet, who lived and worked in a village not too far from here.

This medieval cathedral dominates the city and the port from the top of Guasco hill. From here, you also have a breathtaking view of the sea, and do not miss the beautiful sunset.