The Treasures of Flanders, between France and Belgium

Heading North: 7 Days Cycling the Flemish Beer Route

From Lille to Dunkirk, via Belgium, here is a unique cycling tour to discover the treasures of Flanders. A peaceful journey to the sea through exceptional landscapes and Flemish villages that invites you to discover a rich historical heritage and its famous brewing culture.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Flanders on a cycling trip where every pedal stroke tells a story, and every stop awakens the senses. From Lille to Dunkirk, this 7-day itinerary takes you through a mosaic of landscapes, traditions, and culinary delights, spanning France and Belgium.

Lille welcomes you as you set off on your ride. It exudes a warm energy through its colorful Flemish facades and unique way of life. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening in its lively streets and a delicious dinner on the eve of your adventure!

First pedal strokes, first kilometers, and soon the city gives way to peaceful, green roads. Everywhere here, brick envelops the houses. Beautiful and often imposing, the buildings offer different shades of red that color the landscape and contribute to the region’s identity and charm. Small roads and greenways guide you by bike to Kortrijk, elegant and creative, then to Ypres, deeply marked by history. Here, the large squares and majestic market halls bear witness to an intense past, offering an atmosphere that is both solemn and fascinating.

The journey continues to Poperinge, the hop capital, where the landscape is adorned with rolling fields stretching as far as the eye can see. A visit to the hop museum immerses you in the secrets of this iconic crop, before a well-deserved break at a local brewery. On the sun-drenched rooftop terrace, glass in hand, let yourself be captivated by the subtle aromas of Flemish beers while taking in the surrounding countryside.

As you hit the road again, the atmosphere shifts gently. You ride to Bailleul, a charming town with a rich heritage, soon to be known for its future Cité de la Bière beer museum. Then, a gentle climb leads you to the Mont des Cats Abbey. Up there, the panorama opens up generously onto the Flanders hills. The silence of the place, the monastic simplicity, and the authentic flavors, notably the famous cheese produced on-site, offer a moment suspended in time. The effort is well worth it.

A little further on, perched on its hill, Cassel appears like a postcard scene. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, it immediately charms with its cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and friendly atmosphere. The local taverns along your route invite you to stop for refreshments, offering plenty of opportunities to sample hearty local cuisine and share simple, unhurried moments. For the more curious, the Flanders Departmental Museum completes this immersion by revealing the region’s rich cultural heritage.

As you cycle through the scenic routes, you pedal through villages with unspoiled charm, such as Godewaersvelde or Wormhout. Here, life moves at a peaceful pace, blending deep-rooted traditions with a warm welcome. The roads wind through fields, mills, and small chapels, offering, just like cycling, a sense of total freedom. Beer lovers aren’t left out either. In fact, several craft breweries dot the route, offering tastings of local brews such as the famous 3 Monts, Reuze, or Thiriez, true expressions of the Flemish terroir.

The arrival in Bergues marks another highlight of the journey. Surrounded by Vauban fortifications, the town reveals a remarkable heritage. Its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly watches over the canals and bustling alleyways. The atmosphere here is fboth lively and steeped in history. Finally, the last few kilometers lead you to Dunkirk, where the horizon opens up to the North Sea. The air takes on a salty scent, the landscapes widen, and the dunes signal your arrival. With its vast beaches, bustling port, and maritime heritage, the city offers the perfect conclusion to this adventure. A stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the Dunkirk Port Museum lets you extend the escape.

This cycling trip is an immersion in an authentic region, where every encounter, every flavor, and every landscape captures the soul of Flanders. Amid bountiful nature, living heritage, and culinary delights, you enjoy a rich, accessible, and deeply immersive experience. An adventure where time slows down, where you take pleasure in discovering, feeling… and returning.