Flanders by bike

YPRES

Arrive at your leisure in Ypres, in West Flanders. Enjoy an evening in the city.
Ypres reveals a unique atmosphere once the night falls. The evening begins at the Grand Place, where the illumination of the Cloth Hall gives a majestic aura to this historic monument. Strolling through the cobbled streets, immersed in the whisper of the past, is an experience that brings the city’s resilience after World War I to life, with each stone telling its story.

At precisely 8:00 PM, an intense emotional moment awaits visitors under the Menin Gate: the Last Post ceremony, a daily tribute to fallen soldiers. The poignant sound of the trumpet resonates in the collected silence.

To conclude the evening, a stop at a typical estaminet is a must. Over a Trappist beer and Flemish carbonade, conversations come alive, extending the warm, historical atmosphere of this unforgettable city.

A perfect way to start your holiday and this trip!

From YPRES to KORTRIJK 35km 110m

Your Flemish adventure begins in the heart of lush, gently rolling countryside, which you traverse on quiet, almost deserted roads.
Although the region appears serene, it was the site of some of the deadliest battles of World War I. The military memorials and cemeteries—whether British, Canadian, American, or German—still dot the landscape, reminding us of this tragic time. A vast shell crater, now transformed into a pond, bears witness to the intensity of the fighting.

At the end of the day, you reach Kortrijk, a major textile city in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by its still-intact Belfry. It also retains its famous Broel towers and picturesque beguinage, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Today, after diversifying its economy, notably through the conversion of its linen industry, Kortrijk has transformed into a modern, dynamic city. Its energy is fueled by its university and its inclusion in the Lille-Tournai-Kortrijk Eurometropolis, the largest cross-border metropolitan area in Europe.

• For a few more km 49km 180m

  These gently rolling countryside landscapes offer some lovely panoramas: if you choose the sportive option, you’ll only extend the enjoyment!

From KORTRIJK to GHENT 67km 80m

Leaving Kortrijk, you take one of the many “bike highways” that are now flourishing in Flanders.
This system, originating in the region, allows suburban residents to easily cycle into the city center. When a bike path intersects with a road, cyclists have priority, with cars yielding the way.

You then head towards the Flemish Ardennes, crossing landscapes made world-famous by the Tour of Flanders. You pass through several iconic locations of this cycling race, but without the pressure of competition. This more hilly region also offers magnificent views of the surrounding areas.

Next, you reach the medieval city of Oudenaarde, known for its tapestries, similar to Aubusson. The city is also home to the Tour of Flanders Museum, a must-see for cycling enthusiasts.

Your journey then takes you to Ghent, a former prosperous city thanks to the wool industry in the Middle Ages. Often considered as beautiful as Bruges, it stands out with a more compact city center, yet equally charming. Numerous canals wind through the old town, bringing a touch of serenity to this lively and economically dynamic city. Less touristy than Bruges, Ghent retains a more authentic feel, far from the “museum city” atmosphere. Moreover, its attractions are plentiful: the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and its famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” the Belfry, as well as the Graslei and Korenlei quays, lined with medieval houses of remarkable architecture.

If you wish to explore Brussels for a day before returning to Ghent, the Belgian capital is just 28 minutes by train, with three departures per hour. You could consider an extra night in Ghent to fully enjoy it.

• For a few more km 70km 260m

  This sporty variant allows you to take on the most iconic climbs of the Tour of Flanders: the Kwaremont, the Paterberg, and the Koppenberg.
  The slope can reach up to 20%, all on cobblestones!

From GHENT to BRUGES 49km 40m

After leaving one gem, you discover a new one: your final destination is Bruges!
The journey between the two cities takes you through varied landscapes, from fields to forests, and occasionally along a towpath following a canal. Along the way, you have the chance to admire the Ryckevelde Castle.

Then, suddenly, you arrive in Bruges! This iconic medieval city is today one of the best-preserved and most beautiful in the world. Not only does it seem frozen in time since the Middle Ages, but it also impresses with the size of its historic center, which stretches for several kilometers. Its many canals, which run through the city, give it a special charm, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.” While this makes it a very popular tourist destination, the vast expanse of its old center allows you to immerse yourself in its medieval atmosphere in complete tranquility.

BRUGES 36km 20m

A trip to Flanders would not be complete without a visit to the vast sandy beaches of the North Sea, which stretch along the entire Belgian coast.
You mainly access them by navigating the canals, lined with elegant poplars. You are in the famous polders, lands once reclaimed from the sea during the Middle Ages. Located below sea level, they were flooded during World War I, creating a vast expanse of mud that halted the German advance, thus freezing the front for the rest of the conflict. Today, the polders are a true maze of small canals, lined with cycle paths, perfect for your journeys.

Along the way, you pass through several picturesque villages, such as Damme, Oostkerke, and Sluis. The latter, located in the Netherlands, is easily recognizable thanks to its large iconic windmill. Once you reach the coastline, you first pass through the Zwin nature reserve, a mini Baie de Somme, where you can observe many species of birds in season. You then reach the seaside resort of Knokke Le Zoute, the true Belgian Saint-Tropez, where you can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, or savoring an ice cream on the promenade.

You continue your journey along the coast via the seawall, before heading south to Bruges via a network of canals.

• For a few more km 58km 20m

  Instead of continuing the loop and cycling back to Bruges, you can easily spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sea and then take the train back to Bruges (around 21 minutes of travel time).

From BRUGES to YPRES 66km 70m

Leaving Bruges, you enter a region rich in castles, where you’ll pass by those of Tilleghem, Tudor, Aertrycke, and Wynendaele. While they are not open to visitors, you’ll be able to admire them up close during your ride.

Further on, you reach the charming historic town of Dixmude. Like Ypres, it was almost entirely destroyed by German forces during World War I, before being rebuilt to its original form.

From Dixmude, you follow a picturesque canal that leads you back to Ypres… And so, the loop is complete!

YPRES

End of your stay after breakfast. Enjoy the rest of your holiday in Belgium or have a safe journey home!