The 12 essential things to do in Western Flanders

Follow the North’s call with this selection of 12 things to do in Western Flanders!

The West Flanders is certainly the most tourist province in Belgium. With Bruges in the lead for foreign tourists who never get tired of the charm of his houses in the water. The coastline of the North Sea is also for something in this success, the premises are on it, and we understand them, both the attraction of seaside promenades is irresistible. And if all of this makes you want to visit the West Flanders, what about the light of sleeping on the waves?

And this good fortune is not ready to stop if one considers the number of illustrious people that this part of Belgium has seduced in the past.

Then, in your turn, admire the charm of this region with these 12 must-sees to visit in Western Flanders.

1. Bruges

Who has never heard of Bruges, says the North Venice? The city is the capital of the province and the first destination to visit in Western Flanders. The big question will be at what time, because whatever the season, Bruges always has fairytale air.

Architecture

Its reddened gabled gabled gabled houses make Bruges famous. Moreover, they want to photograph them one by one. Be careful not to fall into the trap, few of them are 100% of medieval origin. Many were completely rehabilitated in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style and Arts & Craft.

A ride on the canals remains the best way to appreciate the charm of the historic heart. Finally, go to the Beguinage, a haven of peace away from the hustle of the Grand Place.

Museums

In addition to its alleys that invite to the stroll, Bruges can boast many museums. They can nourish the spirit thanks to the exhibition of masterpieces of Belgian art but also the taste buds of gourmets. Thus, sugar beaks can go to the Choco-Story Museum while houblon fans will discover the De Halve Mann Brewery.

The shiny lovers make a tour of the diamond museum. Otherwise, for something more unusual, it is on the roof terrace of the concert hall that you have to go. Here you can create your own music thanks to the recorded sounds of 150 bells of Bruges.

Finally, finish with a shopping trip among the many small shops located in the centre.

2. Ypres

Change of atmosphere in Ypres. This city to visit in Western Flanders is especially recommended if you want to learn more about the First World War. She is also frequented by the British who come to pay tribute to their soldiers. A large part of the city has been shaved but rebuilt to the identical, including the superb Halle aux draps, on the Grand Place of course and which has been converted to a museum on the battles in Flanders.

If you wish to continue in memorials, go for a tour at the church of Saint-George and at the gate of Menin. Otherwise, in spite of the destruction, the city centre does not lack pepits such as the Saint-Martin Cathedral, the Biebuyck House and many other small architectural treasures. And to enjoy the greenery, nothing is worth walking on the old ramparts.

3. Courtrai

With 30 kilometers, barely, which separate it from Lille It would be a shame not to plan a getaway to discover this charming Flemish town. Courtrai stayed for a long time secret, little known behind celebrities like Bruges or Brussels. So the city has put on a big asset to develop its attractiveness, shopping!

It makes sense because the city had the first shopping pedestrian street in Belgium and its K shopping center is the paradise of serial-shoppers. But of course, Courtrai is not that it is also a charming historic centre. Among the immanquables, there is its crushing, classified at UNESCO, with its small white houses. However, its twin, the Baggaertshof is sometimes preferred to the first thanks to the charm of its gardens.

The other landmark to see is the Broel towers that controlled the passage on the river. Finally, to have a superb view of the contemporary transformations of Courtrai, walk on the panoramic bridges of the banks of the Lys.

4. Natural park Le Zwin

The Zwin was the old sea arm that allowed boats to reach the ports of Bruges and Damme. Today, it has begun and is certainly the most beautiful natural space to visit in Western Flanders. It is called "the airport to birds" so much the wealth of its fauna and flora is important. More than 300 bird species have been identified.

This exceptional attendance is due to the wide variety of habitats between dunes, vases and salty pres. Depending on the seasons, the vegetation appears in splendid colours such as the violet of the heaters or the red of the salicorne. The Zwin is also a wide range of activities to raise awareness of the importance of these natural environments. The exhibition centre presents interactively the world of migratory birds.

On the outside, a theme hut path allows to hear the song of birds, another to listen to stories or to observe insects under a microscope.

5. Damme

For the Damme story, which is located a few kilometers from Bruges, served as a transshipment port to the latter during its peak. The goods arrived on large ships from the North Sea and passed by the Zwin. But after Damme, the draught was too low, so we had to load the goods on other flat-bottomed boats.

Today, the trade in the cities of the Hanse no longer exists but a canal still connects Bruges to Damme. The longer or borrow the dawn boat that makes the shuttle is also a very nice experience. Because if Bruges is very busy, Damme is quiet and surrounded by bucolic landscapes as you can see during a short walk along the old fortifications.

The small streets have kept their houses of character and the city center houses some beautiful monuments. Among the most beautiful are the Town Hall, the 13th century church and the Saint John hospital of the same time. In summary, Damme is a very beautiful discovery not to be missed.

6. Furnes

Here is another unknown city to see in Western Flanders! Like everything, Furnes deserves a stop. Its 17th century Grand Place has lost nothing of its superb so take a break to admire the many details that adorn the Renaissance façade of its City Hall. From the top of the church, you can embrace the city as well as the surrounding countryside.

After being downstairs, go to the stroll to discover the other picturesque buildings such as the old halls or the "Die Nobele Rose" or Marie Curie and Victor Hugo have stayed. Moreover, speaking of a monument, before leaving, go to the nearby village of Wulveringem where a beautiful romantic castle awaits you.

7. The coastal tram

It would be unthinkable to visit the West Flanders without going on a tour on the North Sea coast. Here it is the kingdom of the seaside resorts of charm and sand dunes. And be it to organize a trip of several days or just for a day, the best way to get around and enjoy the landscapes is to take the tram of the coastline. The line runs along the coast from La Panne to Knokke-Heist.

In other words, from the French border to the Dutch border. The line is modern but its origins date back to the nineteenth century, thus offering a beautiful overview of coastal cities and landscapes. In all, there are 68 stops so you have plenty of what to expect some nice visits.

8. Ostend

It is certainly one of the best known seaside resorts on the coast thanks to its huge beach. The seafront makes, in fact, the happiness of walkers and children with pedal carttes. If Ostende’s architecture is not the most beautiful one, there are still some buildings that are worth a look.

It would therefore be a shame to get discouraged by concrete and not go to discover the city. The centre is lively with terraces and nice shops. And behind the walls, you'll find some crazy stories. The most mythical is that of Marvin Gaye who took refuge here for 18 months and composed his album Midnight love with the celebrity Sexual Healing .

An exciting journey with documentary excerpts makes you leave on the tracks of the singer. Another interesting house to discover is that of painter James Ensor in the universe close to surrealism. In case you would like to learn more about Belgian art, we recommend the Mu. ZEE.

9. Nieuport

Nieuport has become the trendy resort to visit in West Flanders. Perhaps because we find the largest marina in Northern Europe. With its layout between the Yser and the sea, riders can envy their favourite sport, whether it be surfing, kayaking, kitesurfing or waterskiing. For the walks, there is the nature reserve "De Ijzermonding" which houses between saltwater and fresh water, a fauna and a flora of great diversity.

Since the area is in free access, it is especially recommended to go to admire the sunrise or sunset. On the land side, the city centre does not have much to envy others in terms of historic buildings. Indeed, once the seafront has passed, it reveals a cultural heritage within which it makes a good stroll.

In short, Nieuport has this little thing in addition that makes it absolutely necessary to stop there.

10. Blankenberge

If there’s a picture you had to see from Blankenberge, it’s that of the Pier promenade. It is the emblematic place of the city, and for cause it is the only one in Belgium. The first construction was built in 1894 but was destroyed during the First World War and rebuilt in 1933. In all, it is 350 meters ahead in the sea and end with a brewery with an exceptional view.

In the centre, you can also admire beautiful buildings. The tourist office has set up routes to discover the most beautiful Art Nouveau villas. For an even more picturesque visit, go to the Majutte Puppet Museum-café which is in an old fisherman's house of the late 18th century.

11. Knokke-Heist

If Knokke-Heist doesn't tell you anything, you certainly know Knokke-Le-Zoute. It is undoubtedly the most popular and photographed area of this seaside with its sublime villas. Only by himself, it is worth a stop in the city that is the last resort you can visit in Western Flanders, just before the border.

It is also the largest coastal cities that can also accommodate several thousand people in the summer. It must be said that the seafront is still 9 kilometers and that it is not the water activities that are missing. In autumn, the city hosts a renowned event, the Zoute Grand Prix, which brings together legendary car models.

But if you prefer motor calm, you can always go take a large bowl of air at Le Zwin Natural Park, right next to it.

12. Shrimp fishing in Oostduinkerke

Finally, why not enjoy a unique show to see in Western Flanders. In Oostduinkerke is an activity that has almost disappeared and is therefore listed in Unesco. This is horse shrimp fishing. Normally, you can't miss the fishermen with their yellow waxed outfit and their powerful trait horses, the Brabançons.

This fishery takes place at low tide as it is at this time that the gray shrimp is collected. The horses fly the trawl in the water while the fishermen hope that it fills with crustaceans, alas less and less numerous.

If in normal times a fishing session lasts several hours, shorter demonstrations are organized to make it public. So you have to enjoy it and then finish with a good tasting.

How to get to Western Flanders?

By plane

If there is an airport in Bruges, it only loosens the southern regions of Europe and there are no links with France. Same for Antwerp. The simplest thing is to turn to the Brussels airport and then take a rail link to your final destination. For more details, a comparison of flights as Skyscanner can be useful.

It is also important to note the presence of a low cost airport near Ostende .

By train

The capital of the province, Bruges, is served by the Thalys in 2h30 from Paris Gare du Nord. As for Ostend on the coast, it is accessible via correspondence to Courtrai in less than 2 hours since Lille. Otherwise many links exist from Belgium due to the influx of tourists.

By car

It is impossible not to find its way from the French border thanks to the many highways that go out of Belgium. L’ A10 and A17 are the main fast tracks that serve Bruges and the coastline.

Where to stay in Western Flanders?

Needless to say, it is not the tourist accommodation that is missing in Bruges, nor on the coasts of the North Sea. From the luxury hotel to the family pension through the Airbnb , campsites and even gites, you find absolutely everything. The historic centers of the cities with their traditional architecture are especially indicated if you are looking for charming rooms or romantic hotels.

For camping enthusiasts, there is something to satisfy you fully on the coast with establishments throughout the coast. The hotel offer is also important as well as the rentals at home. You just have to think of booking in advance during the periods of affluence. We advise you to take a look at one a hotel comparison for availability.