Belgium by bike, from Brussels to Bruges through the cities of Art and History

Belgium by bike, from Brussels to Bruges

A bike tour steeped in history awaits. Departing from Brussels, you head towards Flanders to visit authentic villages and magnificent towns with remarkable and well-preserved heritage.

You cycle on country cycle paths in the heart of green nature. A bucolic journey rich in culture.

Points of interest of the stay:

• Brussels
• Brugge
• Ghent
• Heritage and culture
• Bucolic countryside

Day 1: Brussels

The capital of Belgium is much smaller in scale than Paris, London or Rome. But its charm is just as great. Its city center with its small streets, its Grand Place, the Atomium, the Manneke Pis, its beer bars, its “Art Nouveau” (Jugendstil) architecture are worth the detour. It's a friendly city where people live pretty well.

Night in Brussels.

Day 2: from Brussels to Mechelen - 65 km

During this first stage by bike, your first stop will certainly be Leuven. This college town is known for its beer. It is here that Stella Artois was created and in the 18th century, no less than 42 breweries operated there. Even today, we study brewing at university!

You continue towards Mechelen, along the Dyle river. Once you arrive, take the time to visit Saint-Rombout Cathedral, the palaces of Margaret of York and Margaret of Austria or the Toy Museum.

Night in Mechelen.

Day 3: Mechelen to Bornem/Puurs - 32 to 38 km

Today, the Rupel and Escaut rivers accompany you throughout the route. If you wish, you can take the train from Mechelen to Antwerp to discover the city (we recommend it). The city's architecture is a must-see in Flanders.

Night in Bornem or Purrs.

Day 4: from Bornem/Puurs to Ghent/Melle - 58 to 64 km

Ghent is the historic center of Flanders. Tower of Saint-Bavo Cathedral, historic heart, old port, medieval castle of the Dukes of Ghent (“Gravensteen”): here is a quick overview of things to visit as a priority.

Night in Ghent or Melle.

Day 5: from Ghent/Melle to Bruges - 52 to 58 km

The route takes you to Bruges, nicknamed “the Venice of the North”. With its numerous canals, a UNESCO-listed historic center, its magnificent architecture and its cultural treasures, Bruges has nothing to envy of the major tourist cities of Europe! Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the old markets, taste the famous Belgian chocolate, taste a good local beer, or eat mussels and fries, an emblematic local dish... live the Belgian way!

Night in Bruges.

Day 6: loop to De Haan - 55 km

Your bike will just have to follow the canals to the picturesque village of Lissewege. Located by the sea, it is nicknamed the white village (in reference to the color of its houses) and is a haunt of artists. Its imposing church can be seen from afar and dates from the Middle Ages.

Your route continues to De Haan, another pretty seaside resort, where you can swim. If you feel in good shape, you can sing along to Ostend (return by train to Bruges - 15 minutes).

Day 7: Bruges

End of the tour after breakfast. Additional night(s) in Bruges or Brussels possible.

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Comfort level of accommodation: 3* and 4* (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

• Departures every Saturday from 04/27 to 09/07/2024
• Departures also on Sundays from 07/07 to 08/18/2024
• High season: 08/06 to 18/08

Included :

• Breakfast stay
• 6 nights in hotels
• 6 breakfasts
• Access to our Respire Voyages hiking application with day-by-day itineraries
• Tourist tax
• Unguided loop tour
• Transportation of luggage from accommodation to accommodation

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits
• Anything not specified in “included”

Options:

• VTC or VAE rental
• Additional night(s) in Bruges or Brussels
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Level :
1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :
Flat terrain. Cycle paths and small roads.

Climate :
Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• 32 to 65 km per day, or 3 to 5 hours of cycling.
• Flat and easy to follow route. Accessible to everyone.

Bibliography:

• All maps and bicycle guides for Belgium on cartovelo.fr

Meal :

• Breakfasts: hearty (coffee, tea, chocolate, bread, milk, butter, jam, orange juice)
• Lunches: not included
• Dinner: not included

The bike :

• Rental bike: 7-speed bike (21 speeds on request), equipped with a computer (for two bikes), a bag, a card reader and a repair kit. The rented bike will be given to you upon your arrival. A security deposit will be required. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the hotel in Bruges and notify reception.
• Personal bicycle: we do not recommend bicycles with small tires (28 minimum). VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bicycle before leaving. At the end of the circuit, you will have to take care of your bike.

Support:
Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Luggage:
They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent, and limited to one piece of luggage per person (maximum 20 kg).

Transportation:

• By train: Brussels is 1h30 from Paris.
• By car: Brussels is 330 km from Paris
• By plane: Brussels Airport

Your vehicle:
No parking possible at the Brussels hotel. Numerous paid but expensive secure parking spaces are possible. Paid (but cheaper) secure parking possibilities in Bruges.

Cancellation insurance :
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.