Cycling holiday in Belgium in Flanders, around Romantic Bruges
Flanders is home to some of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, including Bruges, nicknamed the "Venice of the North" ("Brugge die Scone" in Flemish) for its countless canals. Belgium, like its Dutch neighbor, has a highly developed cycling network, allowing you to fully enjoy these four days around Bruges by bike. Set off on a loop from your hotel in the city center to explore the poplar-lined canals, the North Sea beaches, the sleepy villages, or the medieval city of Ghent. Cycling Bruges is a program that leaves every traveler amazed.
Highlights of the trip:
- Bruges, the Venice of the North
- The castles of Flanders
- Ghent, a medieval city
- The polders and canals
- Coastal villages and seaside resorts of the North Sea
Day 1: North Sea Loop (36 to 58 km)
This first loop takes you along the North Sea coast. With its vast sandy beaches, typical villages, seaside resorts, and nature reserves, the North Sea is a great source of inspiration. From Bruges, you'll mainly travel along canals and in the shade of poplar trees. You'll cross the polders, lands located below sea level, gradually reclaimed from the sea during the Middle Ages. They were flooded during the First World War to halt the German advance and freeze the front. Along the way, visit the picturesque villages of Damme, Oostkerke, and Sluis. The Zwin Nature Park welcomes you to the coast. This charming bird sanctuary. The route continues to Knokke-Le-Zoute, a pretty seaside resort. Before returning to Bruges, don't hesitate to take a dip or enjoy a delicious ice cream.
If you prefer to take your time, you can take a train with your bikes back to Bruges (approximately 20 minutes).
Day 2: Castle Loop (62 km)
On the outskirts of Bruges, you'll discover a surprising collection of castles spanning different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Neo-Gothic era. Along your ride, you'll pass Tilleghem, Tudor, Aertrycke, Wynendaele, and Loppem before returning to Bruges. Although they're not open to visitors, they're still visible from their parks and gardens, revealing their unique architecture and history.
Day 3: Ghent Loop (49 km)
Trade one gem for another by heading from Bruges to Ghent. The route takes you through rural landscapes, forests, and even a towpath along a canal. Along the way, don't miss Ryckevelde Castle, which looms large in this bucolic setting. You then reach Ghent, a former medieval cloth-making city, often considered as charming as Bruges, even though its historic center is more restricted. The city is crisscrossed by canals, which lend it a certain calm, despite its dynamic economy. Less crowded than its famous neighbor, it is anything but a "museum city" and offers many curiosities: the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, Saint Bavo Cathedral and its Mystic Lamb, the Belfry, not to mention the Graslei and Korenlei quays, adorned with medieval facades.
If you want to enjoy Ghent for longer, a train ride of approximately 30 minutes takes you back to Bruges, with no need to book in advance.
Day 4: Loop to De Haan and Ostend (41 or 66 km)
To round off your stay, why not return to stroll along the vast North Sea beaches, stopping off at the seaside resorts of De Haan (Le Coq in French) and Ostend?
- De Haan charms with its peaceful and slightly retro atmosphere, far from the crowds of seaside resorts like Knokke. Its traditional buildings and seaside-style hotels bear witness to its past tourist boom.
- Ostend, often nicknamed the "Queen of the Coasts", has long been the most popular resort in Flanders. The city brilliantly combines a rich maritime history, Belle Époque architecture, and vast sandy beaches. It is also the birthplace of James Ensor, a Belgian painter, engraver, and anarchist who was deeply attached to his city.
You can reach Bruges by train. The complete loop is approximately 66 km, but if you choose the train, you'll only cover 41 km.
Day 5: Bruges
End of your stay after breakfast. You can extend your stay with one or more additional nights.
