Flanders most beautiful cycling holiday

Organize your own journey to Ghent. Try to arrive early to make the must of your time in this wonderful city.

Head west and discover the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields. It is easy-pedalling through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures. Then cycle through the Het Leen and Drongengoed woods. If you still have the energy, Maldegemveld nature reserve has a 3.5-km signposted walk past patches of heather. In the evening, put your feet up in Maldegem.

Yet another lovely route through the flat Flemish countryside. After Maldegem you will pass some quiet villages such as Knesselare, Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. On the last stretch, follow the Ghent-Bruges canal. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the country. Together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that is important for biodiversity. Your destination Bruges is a true gem for Belgium. The charming town has cobbled roads, medieval-looking buildings and a fairytale ambiance. 

On your extra day in Bruges, opt to spend the entire day in this beautifully-preserved, medieval wonderland and you won't regret it. Cobbled streets, and historical buildings.

The alternative would be to return to your bike to cycle a round tour through a panoramic meadow landscape north of Bruges, on country lanes laned with majestic trees, to the village of Hoeke. Later, follow the Damse Vaart canal into the Netherlands to visit the fortified town of Sluis. Get into the town for a lunch break in the main square. Then, return to the road, through Zelandic Flanders back into Belgium. Your next stop is charming Damme, another fortified town. At the end of the day, follow the Damse Vaart back to Bruges.

Leaving Bruges behind you, enter the provincial parks of Beisbroek and Tudor. Next up is Loppem Castle, the only totally authentic castle remaining in Belgium - original, inside and out. Via Oostkamp and Hertsberge, reach Bulskampveld landscape park. Kilometer after kilometer of woody surroundings without encountering one single car. Via Maria-Aalter and Blekkerbos woods, you will arrive in Aalter.

From Aalter, set course for the final destination of your journey. On narrow, flat and low-traffic roads, cycle firstly to Deinze on the Leie, with a characteristic church by the river. The pastoral idyll of this area has traditionally drawn many artists to your next stop, the town of Sint-Martens-Latem. Opt to visit Dhondt Dhaenens Flemish art museum. Many of the artists were inspired by the river Leie, which will regulary come back into view, during your last kilometers back to Ghent. As the sun sets over Ghent, drink in the magical scenery one last time before you return home the next morning.

After breakfast, your holiday will come to an end. It’s time to return home.