WEST FLANDERS HOLIDAYS   >   BELGIUM 


Arrondissementen in West Flanders : Brugge, Diksmuide, Ieper, Kortrijk, Oostende, Roeselare, Tielt en Veurne.

Hoofdstad van West-Vlaanderen : Bruges.


car hire, holiday homes, hotels, tour operators, travel guides, travel  to west flanders

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Holiday Homes

Belvilla  

Belvilla  
A chalet, a villa, a castle or a mill? A country estate, a farmhouse, a gîte or a cottage? All have been carefully selected for quality, location, friendly welcome and attractive atmosphere. They are all ideal for a special holiday and good value for money.

 
Discover West Flanders from the comfort of your own holiday park, apartment or villa

  Bungalow.net   -   Holiday homes Belgium 

Hotels West Flanders

  Hotels in West Flanders   -   Hotel Guide West Flanders
Hotels in Bruges, Oostende, Knokke-Heist, Kortrijk, Blankenberge, Nieuwpoort-Bad, De Panne, Ieper, De Haan, Damme, Middelkerke, Veurne, and more ... 

 
Search at ebookers.com by city, point of interest, region or airport.

National Parks / Nature Parks

  Het Zwin   -   Bird Park, Butterfly Garden and Nature in Knokke-Heist
  Natuurpunt   -   Association for Nature and Landscape in Flanders
Overview of nature in Flanders.

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

   -   Create your perfect trip to Flanders
Flight, Hotel and Car

Thomas Cook



  Anglia Tours
  Bartletts   -   Battlefield Tours
  Buzzlines Travel   -   Group travel
High-quality European coach trips, holidays and bus travel. Based close to the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover.
  destinations 
  Great Escapes
  Halsbury Travel    -   educational travel
A tour to Ypres with your English group is a great opportunity to bring them closer to the literature and where it was written.
John McCrae's In Flanders Fields remains to this day one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in the Ypres Salient in the spring of 1915.
  NST Travel group    -   school tours
  The Battlefields Experience
Specialises in organising scheduled and bespoke tours covering the period from 1914 to 1945.
  Travelsphere   -   escorted tours

Travel Guides West Flanders

  Bruges and West Flanders (Illustrated Edition)
George W. T. Omond (Author), Amedee Forestier (Illustrator)
Beautifully illustrated study of Bruges and West Flanders. "There is no part of Europe more wanting in what is known as 'scenery' than Flanders; and those who journey there must spend most of their time in the old towns which are still so strangely mediæval in their aspect, or in country places which are worth seeing only because of their connection with some event in history-Nature has done so little for them. Thus the interest and the attraction of Flanders and the Flemish towns are chiefly historical. But it would be impossible to compress the history of such places as Bruges, Ypres, Furnes, or Nieuport within the limits of a few pages, except at the cost of loading them with a mass of dry facts. Accordingly the plan adopted in preparing the letterpress which accompanies Mr. Forestier's drawings has been to select a few leading incidents, and give these at some length."
Paperback: 124 pages; Publisher: Dodo Press; Ill edition (24 Aug 2007); ISBN-10: 1406532029. See Amazon.

Transport / How do I travel to Flanders

  Antwerp International Airport

  Brussels Airport [ Zaventem Airport ]

 

  Airline Tickets Flanders / Bargain Flights  
Flight tickets West Flanders [ Brussels ]

     -   Eurostar, TGV and high speed-rail travel across Europe
Rail Europe is the UK's leading supplier of European Rail tickets. Whether you want to take a short break or a fortnight, your train journey by Eurostar, and connection to Europe with the SNCF range of products, are available to book online.

  -   Hull to Zeebrugge
P&O Ferries is one of the most well known and trusted brands. Wherever you are travelling to, on holiday or on business, P&O Ferries offers a wide range of routes.

Norfolk Line  
Ferries to France from Dover ( cross-channel ferry ).


Links 

  Province West Flanders   -   Government West Flanders
Administrative districts: Bruges Diksmuide, Ypres, Kortrijk, Oostende, Roeselare, Tielt, Furnes

  Bruges   -   City of Bruges   -   capital city West Flanders 
Europe's most medieval city is Bruges, whose ancient ramparts have survived sieges, sackings, occupations and burnings. In the 14th century it was the country's principal port. At that timeit was, with Venice, the most important economic and cultural center of the Western world. More than 80 bridges span the maze of canals.

  Tourist Board West Flanders   -   Toerisme Vlaanderen

  The Bruges Ommeland   -   Het Brugse Ommeland
Regions Bruges Ommeland : Houtland [ Beernem, Jabbeke, Oostkamp, Zedelgem ], Molenland [ Ardooie, Lichtervelde, Pittem, Ruiselede, Tielt and Wingene ], Oudland Polders [ Zuienkerke ], Zwinstreek [ Damme ]
  The Flemish Coast 
  Leie Region   -   Tourist Board Leiestreek
  Meetjesland   -   rural area between the cities of Ghent and Bruges
Flemish regional landscape. In the North polders with various watercourses and woodland in the South.
Communities in Meetjesland: Aalter, Assenede, Eeklo, Kaprijke, Knesselare, Lovendegem, Maldegem, Nevele, Sint-Laureins, Waarschoot and Zomergem
  West corner / Flanders Fields Corner   -   see Westhoek.be and click 'Toerisme'
The Westhoek is a varied area, where among forested hills, also polders, coastal communities, fertile fields, historic towns and friendly villages are located. Moreover, there are extensive dune areas between De Panne and Dunkirk, including in the French Brayduinen.
Westhoek was once the tragic backdrop of the First World War. Numerous museums, military cemeteries and sites that recall disastrous times.
  Westvlaamse Scheldestreek
Located in the southeastern corner of West Flanders, the green Scheldestreek a subregion of the Leie.
Communities Scheldestreek : gemeenten Avelgem, Anzegem, Deerlijk, Spiere-Helkijn and Zwevegem.

  Alveringem   -   Community Alveringem   -   Butterblomme van de Westhoek
Gemeente ligt in een rustige plattelandsomgeving, tussen Veurne en Poperinge. In het dorp verschillende musea en prachtige fietsroutes.
  Anzegem   -   Community Anzegem
Anzegem lies in the sandy loam area on the line between the basin of the Leie and the Scheldt. These predominantly rural villages are worth exploring. Many cyclists and walkers will have their hearts content. The region has a lot more to offer than one might initially imagine.
Other cores of Anzegem : Gijzelbrechtegem, Ingooigem, Kaster, Tiegem and Vichte.
  Ardooie
  Avelgem
  Beernem
  Blankenberge   -   North Sea Coast
  Bredene   -   Municipality Bredene
  Damme   -   Tourist Board Damme   -   Flanders in a nutshell / Book Village
Damme is a picturesque medieval town in the polders, a stone's throw from the historic Bruges and the Belgian coast. See also Dammeboekendorp.be.
  De Haan   -   De Haan Online
De Haan-Centrum, Wenduine, Harendijke, Vosseslag, Klemskerke, Vlissegem
  De Panne   -   Municipality De Panne
De Panne is mostly known for its vast dune reserves, its wide beaches and the always interesting crowd. De Panne is the birthplace of landsailing [ sand yachting or land yachting ].
On this website all types of accommodation and ready-made packages of De Panne, the attractions, sports and leisure facilities and many other facts about the green pearl of the Flemish coast.
  Deerlijk   -   Municipality Deerlijk
In Deerlijk there is something for everyone. Walkers and cyclists will certainly suit their taste. Two paths lead you through the charming countryside of Deerlijk: the Jan Lodewijk Trail, about 9 km. and the René de Clercq Trail, about 8 km.
The Textile Cycle Trail from Deerlijk to Anzegem brings the cyclist along the beautiful scenic spots and places of this bustling textile town.
  Dentergem   -   see Municipality Detergem Online   -   Mandeldal
Mid-summer "Tourism Leiestreek" and "Lys sans Frontières" summer boat trips on the Leie, the Scheldt and the channels.
Other cores : Markegem, Oeselgem and Wakken.
  Diksmuide   -   City of Diksmuide   -   on the IJzer River in Westhoek
The City of Diksmuide is the largest municipality in West Flanders. Because of its location in the northwest province it is surrounded by the municipalities Nieuwpoort, Middelkerke, Gistel Koekelare, Kortemark, Houthulst , Lo, Alveringem and Furnes. As for nature, Diksmuide offers a lot of variation. The Blankaart Nature Preserve gives us the natural environment of swamps or brooks in the IJzervallei [ Iron Valley ]. The clay pits Viconia, though artificially created, possess a great variety of plants. The forest areas Bekelare and Praetbos are a remnant of the great forest in Houtland [ Woodland ].
The polders and Houtland offer a curious but remarkable contrast. A city park provides an urban green lung in the immediate vicinity. Diksmuide exists since 1977, a combination of 15 villages namely: Beerst, Diksmuide, Esen, Kaaskerke, Keiem, Lampernisse, Leke, Nieuwkapelle, Oostkerke, Oudekapelle, Pervijze, Sint-Jacobskapelle, Stuivekenskerke, Vladslo, Woumen.
  Gistel   -   City of Gistel
  Harelbeke   -   City of Harelbeke
Harelbeke originated in the dry, sandy bank of the river Leie, near the mouth of the river Arendsbeek [ Eagle Brook ]. Walking and cycling environment Harelbeke: Peter Benoitwandeling, Mauruspad Bavikhove, Muizelmolenpad Hulste, Peter Benoitfietsroute, Goedendagroute, Weverijroute, Leie-Schelde bike route, Fietsnetwerk Leiestreek, Mountainbike route Burensportdienst, Stijn Streuvelsautoroute.
Overige kernen van Harelbeke : Bavikhove, Hulste and Stasegem.
  Heuvelland   -   Municipality Heuvelland
Hills on the territory of the Municipality Heuvelland: Mount Kemmel [highest with 156 m]. Next: the Vidaigneberg [136 m], the Rodeberg [129 m], the Scherpeberg [125 m] and a hill somewhat smaller [82 m] in which Wijtschate is located. These hills are part of a larger Woodland hills that also includes the French Flanders Fields.
Boroughs : Nieuwkerke, Dranouter, Wulvergem, Wijtschate, Westouter, Kemmel and Loker.
  Hooglede
  Houthulst
  Ichtegem
  Ingelmunster
  Izegem   -   City of Izegem   -   diverse wandelpaden in omgeving
Other names for Izegem: Pekkerstad, Brush city or Shoe city. Footpaths : Gerard De Keyserpad (Emelgem, 7 of 7,6 km), Hoevenpad (zuidoost-Izegem, 8 km), Kachtemse wandeling (Kachtem, 10 km), Kastelenwandeling (zuidwest-Izegem, 9 km), Kerelspad (Emelgem, 8,3 of 9,8 km), Pekkerspad (Izegem-centrum, 8 km), Roger Clauspad (Emelgem, 11 km) and between Mandel and Oosthoek (Kachtem, 8,7 km)
Boroughs : Emelgem and Kachtem.
  Jabbeke
  Knokke-Heist   -   City Knokke-Heist  
One of the most famous seaside resorts in Belgium [with nearby Nature Reserve the Zwin] and located on the border with Zeeland [ The Netherlands. Localities Knokke, Heist, and Westkapelle Ramskapelle.
Stroll on the 8 km long promenade, sunbathe on the wide sandy beach, wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards, discover the polders along peaceful cycling and hiking routes, enjoy a gourmet meal with view on sea, be surprised by peculiar exhibitions and be carried away by the stimulating atmosphere.
  Koekelare   -   Municipality Koekelare
Boroughs Koekelare, Bovekerke and Zande.
  Koksijde
  Kortemark
  Kortrijk   -   Tourist Board Kortrijk
Located on the River Lys. The city was, economically, for centuries connected with this river. Up to half of the 20th century, the Kortrijk economy was closely linked to the flax industry (as exhibited in the National Flax Museum). The Kortrijk region still plays an important role in the textile industry. The city itself presents itself as Spurs City, because of the Battle of the Golden Spurs [ also known as the Battle of Courtrai ], which took place on the Groeningheslagveld in Kortrijk on July 11, 1302.
  Kuurne
  Langemark-Poelkapelle
  Ledegem
  Lendelede
  Lichtervelde
  Lo-Reninge   -   City Lo-Reninge   -   after Mesen the smallest town in Belgium
 Lo-Reninge is a peaceful town located in the "flat land" of "Bachten de Kupe" and the Westhoek. It is an oasis of peace in the middle of a beautiful nature. Lo-Reninge, where silence is heard, is like a flower in the wide landscape.
Lo-Reninge, 'Land of Plenty' city Flanders, boasts a rich history. The gastronomy of the 'Land of Plenty' city is very famous. The quietness in the vast Polder, is assured.
Cores: Lo, Noordschote Pollinkhove and Reninge. See Lo Reninge Tourist Board.
  Menen   -   City of Menen
The city was created on the Lys River, the trade route between Bruges-Lille. As a border town Menin was early strengthened. The first city walls date from 1578.
 The Lys played an important role in the development of a major textile center. In the 16th century the city was famous for its beer and then counted 104 master brewers. In 1548 a large part of the city was destroyed by fire.
Other cores in Menen: Lauwe and Rekkem.
  Mesen / Messines   -   City of Mesen
  Meulebeke
  Middelkerke   -   Municipality Middelkerke   -  Along the Flemish coast and in the polders
Other nuclei of Middelkerke: Leffinge, Lombartzyde, Mannekensvere, Schore, Sint-Pieters-Kapelle, Slijpe, Westende and Wilskerke. Middelkerke itself, Lombardsijde and Westende are coastal, Leffinge, Mannekensvere, Schore, Sint-Pieters-Kapelle, Slijpe and Wilskerke are typical Flemish polder villages.
  Moorslede
  Nieuwpoort   -   City of Nieuwpoort
This is where the IJzer River flows into the North Sea via Ganzepoot.
Newport is best known for the Battle of Newport in 1600. In 1717 Peter the Great came to visit. Newport was in the late 17th century and first half of the 18th century one of the fortified towns that were part of the Dutch fortress barrier in the southern Netherlands.
The city consists of two parts: Newport City and Newport-at Sea.
  Ostend   -   City by the Sea Ostend   -    Ostend Tourist Board
Ostend is centrally located along the Belgian coast, is the largest city along the coast and an important tourist and economic center. Ostend has eight districts: Vuurtoren, Zandvoorde, Stene, Konterdam, Mariakerke, Raversijde, Westerkwartier and City Centre.
  Oostkamp
  Oostrozebeke
  Oudenburg   -   City of Oudenburg
In the middle of the West Flemish polder landscape, on the border between the polders and the sandy loam region, lies Oudenburg, an oasis of tranquility just a few miles from the busy North Sea and the historic Bruges.
Oudenburg is one of the oldest cities of Belgium. As early as the fourth century the Romans built a castellum as defense against the invading Saxon pirates.
Other nuclei: Ettelgem, Roksem and Westkerke.
  Pittem
  Poperinge   -   City of Poperinge
During the First World War was Poperinge, with Furnes, the only Belgian city not occupied by the Germans.
Other cores: Krombeke, Proven, Reningelst, Roesbrugge-Haringe and Watou.
  Roeselare   -   City of Roeselare   -   shopping city
Roeselare is in the heart of West Flanders. The Belfry Tower and its famous landmark Minor Seminary, where the priest Hugo Verriest, the poets Guido Gezelle and Albrecht Rodenbach and many others wrote a piece of Flemish history.
 Other cores: Beveren, Oekene and Rumbeke.
  Ruiselede
  Spiere-Helkijn
  Staden
  Tielt   -   City of Tielt
Tielt is a pleasant town in central West Flanders, located in a quiet, verdant countryside. In Tielt and surroundings are a lot of trails. Both for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and tourists there are several track. Especially the Molenland route is recommended.
In the city center stands the Belfry, remainder of the cloth hall and / or ships house, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.
  Torhout   -   City of Torhout   -   Torhout, green lung of West Flanders
Outside the center of Torhout: unspoilt nature. Torhout is the capital of Houtland [ Woodland ]. Rural roads and alleys, woods, some open to the public. In short, Torhout is an oasis of peace and natural beauty.
Between the city of Oostende and Torhout lies "Groene 62", a former railway line and now a nature, walking and cycling area. Every year many celebrations like the horse market, the 100 km international race walking and jogging [Night of Flanders], carnival, castle parties, etc..
Between the town hall and the church there is a busy weekly Wednesday market.
  Veurne   -   City of Veurne
The historic town of Veurne is the heart of "Veurne-Craft". The city has traditionally been the center of this region. Veurne is best known for the "Procession of Penance", consisting of groups that represent the Passion of Jesus Christ, and penitents. The procession through the city attracts each year on the last Sunday of July. Speaking about de Community Veurne is not limited to the Town Veurne, but extends also the villages Avekapelle, Booitshoeke, Bulskamp, De Moeren, Eggewaartskapelle, Houtem, Steenkerke, Vinkem, Wulveringem en Zoutenaaie.
Much of the territory is rural and therefore sparsely populated. To a large extent, the sub-municipalities have their appeal due to their often valuable agricultural landscape.
  Vleteren   -   Municipality Vleteren
The municipality Vleteren is a combination of three rural centers: Oostvleteren, Westvleteren and Woesten.
  Waregem   -   Municipality Waregem   -   near the border with the province of East Flanders
The Lys valley is the northwestern edge of the town. Boroughs: Waregem Beveren, Desselgem and Saint-Eloois Vijve.
  Wervik   -   City of Wervik
Wervik lies along the Leie which forms the border with France. On the other side of the Lys, the French town Wervicq-Sud. Wervik is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, already known to the Romans as a staging post.
Other core of Wervik : Geluwe.
  Wevelgem   -   Municipality Wevelgem
Wevelgem has three boroughs: Wevelgem-centrum, Gullegem and Moorsele.
  Wielsbeke   -   Municipality Wielsbeke
Other cores : Ooigem and Sint-Baafs-Vijve.
  Wingene   -   Municipality Wingene  
  Ypres   -   City of Yper   -   largest city in the Westhoek
Dustrict capital Ypres consistis of Heuvelland, Ypres, Langemark-Poelkapelle, Messines, Poperinge, Vleteren, and Wervik Zonnebeke. Ypres has the second largest market in Belgium.
For many, especially the British, Ypres was the centerpiece of the commemoration of the First World War. The fields surrounding the town are dotted with more than 170, well maintained cemeteries.
On the battlefields of Ypres, on April 22, 1915, the Germans used poison gas for the first time.
Boroughs of Ypres : Boezinge, Brielen, Dikkebus, Elverdinge, Hollebeke, Sint-Jan, Vlamertinge, Voormezele, Zillebeke and Zuidschote
  Zedelgem   -   Municipality Zedelgem   -   popularly 'Zillegem'
Zedelgem consists of the boroughs Aartrijke, Loppem Veldegem and Zedelgem itself.
  Zonnebeke / Zunnebeke   -   Municipality Zonnebeke
Other cores : Beselare, Geluveld, Passendale and Zandvoorde.
  Zuienkerke   -   Municipality Zuienkerke
The municipality Zuienkerke owns as a main asset his unique polder, situated just after the dunes of De Haan to the outskirts of Bruges.
Great Zuienkerke was created by a merger of the municipalities Zuienkerke, Houtave, Meetkerke and New Munster in the year 1977.
  Zwevegem   -   Municipality Zwevegem
In the town three protected mills : the 'Stenen Molen', 'Mortiers Molen' and the 'Molen ter Claere'.
Other cores : Heestert, Moen, Otegem and Sint-Denijs.

  Mandel / Mandelvalle
The Mandel River rises in the region of Passchendaele and leads at Vijve into the Lys. In this polluted small stream people used to sail with flat-bottomed boats. In 1576 is written, "two large ships, loaded with white ashes, came from the unrestricted Lije down to the shore of Iseghemsch, where they were unload." The river in those times called "De Mandere'. Now 'De Mandel' is only a drainage stream.

  Plopsaland   -   de Panne
Plopsa Land is a theme park in Adinkerke-De Panne, built around the successful TV characters of Studio 100: Samson & Gert, Goblin Plop, Wizzy & Woppy, Big & Betsy and Pete Pirat [ Piet Piraat ].
  Cycling   -   Fietsvlaanderen.be   -   important cycling events
  Tobacco Museum   -   Nationaal Tabaksmuseum
The National Tobacco Museum Wervik shows the history of smoking, chewing and sniffing with strange objects and many special graphics. An introduction to the magical and bizarre world of tobacco phenomenon. Wervik is near the French border.

  News from West Flanders   -   De Standaard   -   daily in Flanders
  News   -   Het Nieuwsblad
  News   -   Krant van West-Vlaanderen
  News   -   Revue de Presse   -   Press overview
  Radio & Television   -   Vlaamse Radio / Vlaamse televisie   -   pubic broadcast

Cuisine  -  Flemish Recipes

  Poperinge gastronomy   -   Poperingse gastronomie 
Hennepot, Hoppe shoots, Popering Kruydekoecke, Poperinges keikopjes, Mastellen, etc.

History of West Flanders

  Battle of the Golden Spurs [ July 11, 1302 ]
The reason for the battle was a French attempt to subdue the County of Flanders.
  Cemeteries West Flanders   -   WW1 Cemeteries
  Wereldoorlog I in de Westhoek   -   The Great War in Flanders Fields
  Ieper 14-18   -   with extensive photo gallery
  Hooge Crater Museum
Through its unique and valuable collections and fully restored chapel, the "Hooge Crater Museum 1914-1918" is one of the best private museums about the first World War and is a must-see attraction in the Ypres Salient.
  Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum is unique in its coverage of conflicts, especially those involving Britain and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present day. It seeks to provide for, and to encourage, the study and understanding of the history of modern war and 'war-time experience'. It is proud to be regarded as one of the essential sights of London.
  In Flanders Fields Museum   -   Ieper
  Friends of In Flanders Field   -   Vrienden van In Flanders Fields
For "In Flanders Fields" is more than a museum, more than a tourist attraction. It is a message of peace and tolerance.
  Last Post
The Last Post was a bugle call played in the British Army (and in the armies of many other lands) to mark the end of the day's labours and the onset of the night's rest. In the context of the Last Post ceremony (and in the broader context of remembrance), it has come to represent a final farewell to the fallen at the end of their earthly labours and at the onset of their eternal rest.
  The Great War [ 1914 - 1918 ]

  AMVC Letterenhuis
The AMVC-Letterenhuis is primarily the central archive and documentation center for the arts, the performing arts, music, visual arts in Flanders and the Flemish Movement in general. The initial boundary of the collections is at the end of the 18th century, when the first protests against the neglect of Dutch in Flanders rose to the surface.

Music Art & Culture, Events in West Flanders

  mu.ZEE   -   art museum

  Concert Hall Bruges
  Theatre of Bruges   -    Stadsschouwburg van Brugge 
The Bruges City Theatre was founded in 1869 and is one of the best preserved theaters in Europe. Behind the austere, neo-Renaissance facade there is a majestic auditorium and a palatial lobby in an eclectic style.

  Flemish architectur [ Dutch language ]
All about architecture in Flanders. Nothing more and nothing less. www.architectura.be wants to be the most complete and relevant as possible architectural portal in Flanders.

  Bruges Festival

  Christmas Market Ypres
A Christmas market on the Market Square, ice rink and many Christmas arrangements make the City of Ypres a winter destination. 

  Festival van Vlaanderen
The magnificent architectural heritage of Flanders represents great potential as an infrastructure for musical events. Countless cathedrals, abbeys and belfries provide a unique setting for these musical events.
By supporting young Flemish artists and to be at the forefront of innovative trends, the organization contributes to the cultural influence of Flanders.

  Folkfestival Dranouter The New Tradition [ Heuvelland ]
The Dranouter Festival originated in 1975 from the then leading folk club "The Sun". The first festival was a one-day happening on the playground of the former boys' school.


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