Ostend – an autumn break on the Belgian Atlantic coast
... with a detour to Boulogne-sur-Mer
- 4 nights bed and breakfast at the Ibis Hotel De Panne or Mercure Hotel Oostende
- 3-course dinner at the hotel on day of arrival
- City walk in Bruges
- Entrance to the Nausicaá aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Entrance to and guided tour of the Permeke Museum
NOTE
Surcharge for the Mercure Hotel Oostende from € 35 pp/night
YOUR HOTEL
Mercure Hotel Oostende: Centrally located in Oostende, and just a five-minute walk from the beach and Leopold Park, the hotel offers 95 comfortably furnished rooms, some with balcony. All rooms have a bathroom with bath or shower, WC and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi and satellite reception are also available. The hotel has a restaurant, an intimate bar-lounge and an elevator.
ibis Hotel De Panne: The hotel has 79 rooms in the latest ibis design. It is located two kilometres from Plopsaland, the largest amusement park in Belgium, and is close to the beach of De Panne, as well as the coastal streetcar that connects De Panne with Knokke. The city centre is a three-minute walk away.
This great combination tour offers a new and exciting approach to travel. Expect a balanced mix of culture, history, relaxation and nature. Experience both the Belgian and French Atlantic coasts, with enough time to explore and enjoy everything at leisure – because enjoyment in all its forms is paramount in this region, on both sides of the border.
Arrive in Ostend, a lively coastal town known for its beaches and charming atmosphere. After checking into the hotel, we recommend a walk along the beach promenade. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and expansive views of the endless sea.
A half-day excursion to Bruges is recommended for today. Bruges is one of the most beautiful and best-known cities in Flanders. A walk through Bruges is like a journey through the Middle Ages – there is a good reason that the entire old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years. On the way from Bruges to Ostend, visit the Permeke Museum in Jabbeke. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the Belgian painter Constant Permeke. Permeke is considered one of the most important Flemish expressionists of the 20th century and is known for his powerful depictions of landscapes and working-class motifs. The museum displays an extensive collection of his works, including paintings, drawings and sculptures, and offers a deep insight into the artistic development and life of the artist. The exhibitions are housed in a modern building that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding nature and creates a peaceful atmosphere for viewing his works. An alternative excursion is to the Atlantic Wall. Explore part of the historic Atlantic Wall, which was built by the Germans during the Second World War. A visit to one of the bunkers or fortifications provides an interesting insight into the history of the region. Once the evening draws to a leisurely close, experience the lively nightlife of Ostend, and enjoy a drink in one of the bars in the old town or along the promenade.
Today, head towards France, passing Dunkirk and Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a historic port city with a rich maritime history. A visit to Nausicaá is a highlight. Nausicaá houses the national centre for marine sciences in Boulogne-sur-Mer and its impressive aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. Immerse yourself in the world of the oceans and discover fascinating marine life from all over the world. Afterwards, take a stroll through the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer and admire the medieval alleyways, the imposing Basilica of Notre-Dame and the castle. Enjoy lunch in one of the cozy French-cuisine restaurants on the harbour or in the old town. Try the regional specialties like moules-frites (mussels with fries). Return to Ostend for a relaxing evening – sunset on the beach in Ostend or a fish dish in one of the local restaurants.
A hidden gem is the area around Ostend. Discover the countryside of West Flanders and visit charming villages, including Nieuwpoort or Veurne, with their historic buildings and quiet alleyways. Alternatively, plan a trip to Ypres. Here, the impressive ›In Flanders Fields‹ war museum in the city centre of Ypres was redesigned in 1998. The museum is housed in the town’s reconstructed Cloth Hall and Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 2012 it has been home to a reopened permanent exhibition on the First World War in Belgium. The name of the museum was chosen in reference to the war poem ›In Flanders Fields‹ by the Canadian John McCrae. Dinner in one of the upscale restaurants in Ostend with a sea view rounds off the trip in style.
After breakfast say goodbye to West Flanders and start on the return journey.