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flemish coast

Make the most of the Flemish Coast...

The Flemish Coast is something of a secret: along 67km of pristine coastline stand 13 resorts, each with its own distinct style and character. Stay in any of these resorts and take the tram that runs the length of the coast for a change of scene, should the mood take you. The tram runs along the whole distance between the French and Dutch borders, sometimes right along the promenade or inland through fields and market gardens. The full journey takes approx. 2 hours 20 minutes and even in winter it runs every 20 minutes.

What activities are there?
There are several cycling and walking routes along the coast including the Coast Cycling route from De Panne (just 30 minutes drive from Calais) to Knokke Heist on the Dutch border.
Every resort along the Coast has walking and cycling routes. Explore the glorious sandy beaches and coastal hinterland with picturesque villages. Other activities you can try are sand yatching, kiting, wind surfing and horse riding.

Where can I find the best food and drink?
Many rank Belgian food amongst the best in the world and there are plenty of places to sample excellent cuisine. Choose to dine alfresco, in intimate bistros or Michelin starred restaurants.
Zeebrugge is known to be Flanders fish capital but anywhere along the Coast you will find exquisite fish dishes from 'cod a la Flamande’ or shrimp croquettes to mussels cooked in white wine with frites. Of course, no trip to Belgium is complete without sampling their delightful chocolates or large choice of fine beers.

Where can I shop 'til I drop?
The Coast is a real shopping paradise, even on a Sunday. For fashion, head to the swish resort of Knokke-Heist for designer clothes and boutiques. Many of the coastal resorts are open Sundays and boast excellent value for money. You can also find markets throughout the Coast brimming with seasonal food, flowers and local products. Popular too is the freshly caught seafood from stalls along the quayside in the resort of Ostend.

Nightlife?
Head to Ostend for the best nightlife, with its live music clubs, discos and bars. Or pay a visit to the stylish casinos in Ostend, Blankenberge, Middlekerke or Knokke-Heist.

Events

There are many events taking place on the Coast in the Autumn and Winter.

Halloween – Oostende
Oostende welcomes its annual Halloween festivities, opening up tourism to ghosts, spiders, pumpkins and vampires and the like for 10 days of the year. Whether you come in costume or enjoy the dressed window displays, the city has something for everyone. The celebrations are held from 24th October to 2nd November. The resort will be transformed into one big Halloween party, with lots of ghostly and ghoulist events.

Art on a Plate - Oostende:
Enjoy a delicious 4 course dinner and receive an exclusive artwork designed by one of the 12 participating international artists.
From the 21st of March 2008 till the 22nd of March 2009, the third edition of the event by which gastronomy in Oostende will be the centre of interest during a whole year. When booking a ‘Dinner with Art Menu”, the guests can take home the plate after dinner. Prices range from 80 – 90 Euros depending on the restaurant.

Christmas Markets
Oostende holds a Christmas market and also has an ice skating rink from 28th November to 4th January. There is also a Christmas market in Knokke-Heist.

Beaufort03 Art Exhibition
This big event will take place from 28th March to 4th October 09. Artists will be attending from all over the world intent on finding the perfect place to show their work. Their works will be exhibited in De Panne, Koksijde-Oostduinkerke, Nieuwpoort, Middelkerke-Westende, Ostend, Bredene, De Haan-Wenduine, Blankenberge, Zeebrugge and Knokke-Heist. Current works from previous exhibitions are still on show.

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