Bredene

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Belgium

Welcome to the rolling dunes and open beaches of Belgium’s coastline. West Flanders is, you guessed it, Belgium’s most western province. It’s most popular in the summer when everyone is looking for a coastal escape. 

West Flanders

At this sports club, water sports led by an instructor or not means you can enjoy the beach to the fullest without just lazing around on the beach, at least not the entire time! Afterward, you can relax in the club lounge or stay on the sand.
- If you’re coming for a day, become a day member and have access to entry-level surf materials so you can wave surf, sup, and kayak with a wetsuit. You can rent this gear or bring your own.
- Sign up for one hour of lessons in surfing, sup or power kite lessons, or 2 hours of lessons in windsurfing, patin, or land yacht. 
- There are plenty of events and group activities happening here so no matter who accompanies you, there is something to do together. This includes your own events if you want to bring along work for team building, family get together barbecues, or other parties.
- At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a fresh beer in the surfer's bar with the perfect view of the sunset over the water.


Get active at the beach. Pick up a surfboard, play volleyball, and much more at Twins Club in Bredene. 

Restaurant on beach with terrace and ocean view

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2 People running on beach with surfboards 

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2 people drinking on terrace in beachwear 

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Watersports

Beaches

Outdoor Activities

Good for Kids

Ocean & Sea

Summer Hotspots

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

Best places for all ages

Bring the whole family to kid friendly spots in {{area}}

Family Fun

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

Taste This 

Eat & drink your way through {{area}}

Food & Drinks

Of course it's still possible to explore and have fun while taking precautions! There's so much to do, even during these COVID times. These fun activities are all safe since they're outdoors or with the organizers taking protocols into consideration.

Stay Healthy

Explore COVID-proof activities in {{area}}

COVID Proof

Twins Club

Nieuwpoort’s pretty nature reserve out in the dunes. Discover wildlife and get a breath of fresh air on the coast.

Small boat going out into the water by the ocean at nature reserve IJzermonding, Belgium

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Nieuwpoort lighthouse in the distance over the sandy dunes at nature reserve Ijzermonding

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Information board showing walking path and nature info in Ijzermonding, Belgium

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Water at Nieuwpoort with monument in the distance on the nature reserve Ijzermonding, Belgium

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Nature reserve De IJzermonding

Bathe in the sunshine and sea on the most natural part of Belgium’s coastline. 


Beach goers sunbathing on Bredene Beach in West Flanders, Belgium

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Hiker carrying a backpack walking down to Bredene Beach from the dunes in West Flanders, Belgium

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Man and woman couple in surf equipment, carrying surfboards, running back to the shore away from the sea at Bredene Beach

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Two children, a boy and girl, playing in the fountain by Bredene Beach, West Flanders, Belgium

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Beach goers viewing the sea from a hut in Bredene Beach, Belgium

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A row of beach huts on Bredene Beach in Belgium

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Bredene Beach

Get inspired on this short, relaxing poetry inside the small forest of Lappersfortbos featuring 21 poems by Herman J. Claeys, Marc de Bel, Melanie Vanbrughe and more. 


“Which hand has planted me”, a line from a poem by Hedwig Speliers on tree in the Hugo Claus pad, Bruges, Lappersfortbos

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Treehouse in an endangered forest made by eco-activists, Lappersfortbos, Bruges

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White banner with green text says “Keep your hands off our forest” by environmental activists, Lappersfortbos, Bruges

Poetry Walk in Lappersfortbos

Chill on the dock with a cocktail and look out over the water at this summer pop-up bar.

Empty tables, chairs and sofas on the wooden terrace at DOK Brugge before opening.

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Empty seating on the wooden decking at DOK Brugge in the sunshine.

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A man DJing at DOK with people sitting at chairs and tables on the terrace in the background.

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Chairs, tables and sofas on the wooden deck at DOK Brugge in the sunshine.

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People sitting at tables and chairs under red umbrellas on the decking at DOK Brugge. 

The raised seating area at DOK Brugge with tables, chairs and a large red umbrella.

A group of people clinking their drinks glasses as they sit at a table at DOK Brugge.

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A view of DOK Brugge from above, with empty seating and two large red umbrellas branded with Martini.

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A view of DOK Brugge from above at twilight, with people sitting under red umbrellas. Fairy lights are lit and hang above the terrace.

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DOK Brugge

See how they lived in the 17th century at this eccentric castle just outside of Veurne. Lots of kid-friendly things to do plus tons of history for adults. The park is cute too!

17th century style castle with a bridge in a green park in Wulveringem, West Flanders, Belgium

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Family of four checking the activity guide and map outside Castle Beauvoorde in Wulveringem, West Flanders, Belgium

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Parents and two kids, family of four, looking over the castle wall to the park in Wulveringem, Belgium

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Family of four walking in the park next to the river by the 17th century Castle Beauvoorde in Wulveringem, Belgium

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Castle Beauvoorde

1,900+ WWI soldiers lie peacefully in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery. History hits home when you really see its impact. Take a moment to remember the soldiers at this moving cemetery. 

WWI gravestones in multiple rows on a grassy bank at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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Grassy field and purple flowers on the centre walking path at WWI Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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WWI Allied soldier gravestones in long rows in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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WWI gravestone with purple flowers next to it at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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WWI white stone grave with a cross engraved on the grave in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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WWI military cemetery dedicated to fallen soldiers who served in Ypres. Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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Memorial entrance gate to WWI cemetery. Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

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Sanctuary Wood Cemetery

Don’t miss the WWI memorial gate in the city. Every night since 1928, a live band plays music to remember the soldiers lost. Make sure you look over the panels to see the 50,000+ names on the gate 

Menin Gate memorial front entrance at Ypres, Belgium 

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Menin Gate front entrance of memorial lit up in the evening during Last Post in Ypres, Belgium

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Menin Gate memorial of WWII soldiers lit up at night time in Ypres, Belgium

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The Last Post ceremony to remember the Allied soldiers of WW2 at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium

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Child looking up at the names on the wall of WW2 Allied soldiers at Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium

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Inside the Menin Gate by the entrance and memorial wall of names of fallen Allied soldiers of WWII in Ypres, Belgium

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Menin Gate

We can’t think of many better ways to spend 3 hours than out in the water, sipping champagne and watching cute seals. Go for a chill boat tour of the Scheldt river or speed up for the boat for an adrenaline rush. 


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People on a boat rented by Knokke Boat going on a seal discovery

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Boat sailing along the ocean for seal watching near a sandy beach, Belgium

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Seals along the ocean on the beach, Belgium

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Turbine and harbour in Zeebrugge at sunset, Belgium

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Seal Watching Boat Tour plus Champagne

Say goodbye to drab, minimalistic galleries. Fall down the rabbit hole at this museum and gallery of Salvador Dali’s artwork in Bruges.

Surrealist art gallery expo of Salvador Dali in Brugge, Belgium

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Surreal black marble statue in the Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí, Bruges, Belgium

Ceiling lights hanging in the Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí, Bruges, Belgium

Elephant art sculptures in the Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí, Bruges, Belgium

Indoor art museum with surrealist displays at Xpo Salvador Dalí, Bruges, Belgium

Print by artist Salvador Dalí in a gallery in Bruges, Belgium

Bust in the Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí, Bruges, Belgium

Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí

Bruges has been around for hundreds of years and it’s got a story to tell. See the city’s rise, decline, and rebirth at this museum in a 15th century palace 


Gruuthusemuseum tower and balcony, Bruges, Belgium

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Intricate ceiling and coat of arms in the Gruuthusemuseum, Bruges, Belgium 

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Outside the museum in the square, Gruuthusemuseum, Bruges, Belgium

Inside art museum Gruuthusemuseum, Bruges, Belgium

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Outside the Gruuthusemuseum near the Belfry of Bruges, Belgium

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Brick buildings at night with light snow by the Gruuthusemuseum, Belgium

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Gruuthusemuseum

A true culinary journey that is a delight for anyone to embark on in this corner of the French Alps. Here, farm-to-table and local seasonal cooking reign, whether it's served up in a cosy alpine chalet or a lakeside terrace.

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Food and drinks enthusiast

Cultural trip

If there’s one country that’s absolutely unmatched in craftsmanship and traditions used to create artfully mouth-watering dishes - that’s France. From haute cuisine to fine dining, country fare to alpine heartiness, the world of French gastronomy has influenced other countries and recipes that are as old as time are still being whipped up in kitchens today. 

While many may know of classic French pastries like macarons and dishes like coq au vin, what some may have yet to experience for themselves is authentic Savoyard cuisine. 

Originating from the Savoie Mont Blanc of southeastern France, this cuisine emphasises cooking with quality ingredients and produce that is locally grown in the Annecy Mountains. In an essence, food from the French Alps is undeniably authentic and a true taste of homegrown, sustainable cooking that changes with the seasons. Are you drooling yet? If you’re thinking - say no more, I’m ready to eat - then head to the heart (or the stomach?) of it all, Annecy.

Annecy is a cobbled city amongst pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains that offers contemporary renditions of classic French dishes (and amazing alpine ice cream too). From Annecy, you can easily explore its surroundings - Lake Annecy, the alpine pastures, mountainous abode and surrounding valleys to give you more tasty local bites. In this itinerary, you’ll discover how unique the cuisine is in and around Annecy. What you may think of alpine food like heavy cheese and meats is true - but there’s so much more because of the fine fish. So get hungry, stay curious - and on y va!  



With a stunning location in the soulful heart of Annecy, Auberge du Lyonnais Annecy is as romantic as it is delicious. 


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Arctic char fish and French desserts at Auberge du Lyonnais Annecy 

Generous scoops freshly made served up in a waffle cone? Oui oui! 

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Artesanal alpine ice cream from Glacier des Alpes

Get truly into the wild at this makeshift, fairytale grounds in the middle of the alpine forest.

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Dinner and bonfire at Eco Bivouac Igloo Village Annecy - Semnoz

Do you have a sweet tooth? Pastries aren't just for desserts - have them any time of the day at Philippe Rigollot Pâtissier Chocolatier.

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Pastries at Philippe Rigollot Pâtissier Chocolatier

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Annecy

France

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Time has a different meaning when it comes to Annecy. With cobblestone pathways, canals winding throughout the city and a Medieval hill-top castle, Annecy may seem like it has been left untouched for centuries. As you explore Annecy, you’ll discover its exuberant youthful population as a vibrant contrast to its well-preserved historical architecture. With this fresh-faced energy comes reimagination and delightful spins on traditional French cuisine that is served across the city. 

Take the restaurant Auberge du Lyonnais Annecy, which sits by the water in the heart of Annecy’s old town in a historical heritage building. But the dishes themselves are a contemporary take on French cuisine while still being rooted in Savoyard’s signature of seasonal produce, and fish that comes right by the nearby Lake Annecy. A walk away is La Glacier des Alpes, a very much beloved ice creamery that serves scoops that have been made right in the surrounding mountains. And highly guaranteed for a culinary experience like nowhere else is Eco Bivouac Igloo Village Annecy - Semnoz. The abode transforms itself  year-round and gives you a humble rustic escape into the alps - with traditional homemade mulled wine no less. 

A trip to Annecy is a trip to tasting the best of Savoie Mont Blanc, no matter if it’s during the quieter pleasures of Autumn or the peak seasons of winter and summer. For a food fanatic or a regular on the hunt for tasty bites, Annecy is a gateway to the splendour of Savoyard cuisine. 


 Les Rochers Blancs

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Eco Bivouac Igloo Village Annecy - Semnoz

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Hôtel du Château

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Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle

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Sightseeing

Being lakeside, this restaurant doesn't even have a freezer, that's how fresh their catch of the day is!

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Crayfish bisque at La Cuillère à Omble Café Restaurant

Splendid views of Lake Annecy - no matter where you look, it's like you're having a dinner and a show (of the lake that is!)

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Fish of the day at Les Terrasses Du Lac

With your drink you can pair it with renting a kayak or Stand-up paddle board, have an adventure both ways on the lake!

Coffee on the lake at Le Cadre lac d'Annecy

Annecy has the privilege of boasting the cleanest lake on the whole continent - Lake Annecy. One look and you’ll be mesmerized by the emerald-like shimmer of its calm surface and craggy mountain tops reflected onto its waters. Because of its stellar reputation as well as just how beautiful it is, a huge part of experiencing this region revolves around Lake Annecy. 

Now that also includes the local gastronomy. Compared to other mountainous regions in Europe, Lake Annecy gives a welcoming balance of delicacies and fresh fish to the area’s offerings. For hotspots like La Cuillère à Omble Café Restaurant, they don’t even have a freezer - proudly serving whatever fish they manage to catch that morning from the lake. It really doesn’t get fresher than this! Now for a postcard view of Lake Annecy with your meal, head to Les Terrasses Du Lac. The local fish is beautifully presented as the panoramic sights of the lake! 



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