Among the countries that have a great place on the edge of the North Sea are the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Denmark and also… Belgium! In fact, the Plat Pays has a beautiful coastline, characterized by large dunes, sandy beaches and sophisticated and welcoming dikes. From La Panne to the west, to Knokke-le-Zoute to the east, seaside resorts are succeeding for the pleasure of Belgian holidaymakers. Easily accessible from Brussels, the small seaside towns with their distinctive identities make it possible to dodge according to its soothing desires, active holidays, natural sites, shopping or heritage.
Wild Enclaves
In order to best appreciate the joys of Belgische Kust, a few typical North Sea activities are essential. Of course, in the heart of summer, bathing is one of the most popular, even though it sometimes refringes on the less courageous ones that do not get wet under the 18 ° C. However, it remains extremely pleasant to stroll through the water by enjoying the good marine air and the benefits of its iodine. of. Regardless of the seaside resort chosen, the beaches are suitable for relaxation, for a small nap in the hollow of a sea color or to build an empire of sand. It is not necessary to confine ourselves to a single castle, especially if it has been decided to stop at La Panne and more specifically in the Westhoek nature reserve, where the dunes extend to a loss of sight. Also named «Le Petit Sahara», this part of the kingdom gives the walkers a beautiful share with its marked paths and wild space. In the same way, the Zwin reserve, a former arm of the North Sea on the other extreme of the Belgian coastline (near Knokke), which is now burdened, is an exceptional biotope for many birds.
Cycling is also very popular on this side of the country, where only foam-lined waves are an exception to the flat terrain of the region. The various cycling paths spread over the entire length of the coast so that it is possible to walk it entirely on two wheels. And if you want to experience the experience of the Belgian coast fully, choose the kitchen! The kitchen is the vehicle that you will see on the dikes and whose name-suitcase is formed by the fusion of "legs" (not only because the velocity is favorable to the unveiling of the legs but also because the thighs embody the engine engine) with the word "taxi", paid carriage. In Belgium, you should know that the kitchen is at the dam, which mayonnaise is at the fridge so don't hesitate anymore, rent this friendly carriaging and walk your family or friends to the Blankenberge Pier. Finally, for the most sporty, this is an opportunity to try the sport of the region, the sailing tank.
Discovery of Heritage
At the end of the nineteenth century, Leopold II, the second Belgian sovereign, owned a secondary residence in Ostend. The king took love for this place that he covered from luxurious buildings and in the end, the aristocracy and the Belgian bourgeoisie built rich pavilions in the Art Nouveau and Art Decco style, very fashionable in Belgium in the Belle Époque. These buildings can be found in the resorts of La Panne, Le Coq or in Blankenberge, where the Belle Époque Center is also located (from 1870 to 1914).
Frequented by the elite, the coastline has seen great names and famous artists today. The port city of Ostend, for example, «Queen of the beaches» and the flagship of the Belgian Coast, is the birthplace of James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert. If the first one represented the North Sea in texture and without forgetting its turbulent clouds, the second one made it one of the main themes of its work with its nuanced seawater and tempered bathers. In Koksijde, Paul Delvaux left his letters of nobility in memory of a coastline that inspired her so much. Its museum, housed in an old fishing house, exhibits numerous original works that are breathtaking.
Summer Art Meeting
Art is not only a vestige of the past on the Belgian coast, thanks to the initiative of the Province of West Flanders, which shows the contemporary art exhibition Beaufort.
The reputation of a Belgian coast at the top of beauty and as a source of inspiration is confirmed! With the name of Beaufort Ladder measuring wind in the maritime environment, this event will leave more than one amazed by the modernity of works and the diversity of talents. Moreover, for the summer of 2015, which will host the 5 th edition of the name «Beaufort Buiten de Grenzen» (Beaufort beyond its borders) from June 21 to September 21 this year, an intense program is announced. Three natural and heritage sites will be hosted and involved in the dialog: it is the Zwin nature reserve on the east coast, the area of Raversyde in the center with its bunkers of the Atlantic wall, and the visitor center De Nachtegaal with the Oosthoekduinen on the west coast.
Shrimp or mussels?
In order to enjoy the best of the seafront and the events that animate it, it will be imperative to decide between shrimp and mussels! The Belgians will advise you of the first served in a tomato while they will propose the seconds accompanied by the national fries. In the same acabit, shrimp croquettes are not to be refused with a glass of white wine. So this is another characteristic of the Belgian coast: You can discover traditional dishes, tasty and sometimes amazing. In this range and for the most greedy, we will mention for example… the babelutts! From the Flemish "babbelen" talk a lot, and "uit", finished, these caramels have the ability to silence the most chatter.
In any case, gastronomy, seafood remains the stars of Belgian coastal towns, like in Zeebruges, the place of rendez-vous of gourmets. This seaside resort, connected to the Venice of the North by a canal of ten kilometers, has a beautiful reputation. Zeebruges, a first fishing port in Belgium, has acquired its title as a 'fish capital' thanks to the quality of its products. In short, in this small corner of Belgium, where the sun fills itself with dunes, where the sea is a work of art and where marine dishes make the papillae freak, it is question of doing good… quite simply!
Smart News
When is it? The Belgian coast wakes up in summer! Ice and waffles, mussels, fries, and especially degrees Celsius… all point their nose to enjoy the annual sunrays paid on the sunniest part of Belgium. Bathing and small tanning sessions can start as early as May.
Go there. By car, via the «sea highway» which leaves Brussels or by train. From one of the resorts of the seaside resorts, you have to catch a tram that drops you off the beach. The Belgian coast has the longest tram line in the world (67 km). The Kusttram takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to cross the sea coast, from La Panne (near the French border) in Knokke. In Ostend, just walk a few minutes to reach the dam.
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Useful. To prepare his getaway best. Housing, restaurants, events, activities… The French coast of the Belgian coast is a wealth of information.
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