Maritime Flanders by bike

After a brief visit to the town of Armentières, you continue your idyllic journey along the banks of the Lys, this Franco-Belgian river, mostly canalized, which rises in the Pas-de-Calais. You follow part of the Lys Cycle Route and enjoy the northern countryside in complete safety. After passing through Merville, you enter the Nieppe State Forest. At 2,600 hectares, it is the largest forest in French Flanders.

You finish your day's journey by arriving at the pretty marina of Haverskerque. Your bed and breakfast awaits you, and it is here that you will have dinner this evening, welcomed by your hosts.

You begin this third day by following the winding path along the banks of the Lys River to Aire-sur-la-Lys. Near the Town Hall, you can admire the belfry of Aire-sur-la-Lys, whose construction began in 1355! You then head north and cross the peaceful ponds of the Ballastières Natural Park. After passing near the famous Arques Crystal Factory, you leave the Neufossé Canal and head towards Renescure and then the Rihoult Clairmarais State Forest.

You then enter Saint-Omer, where you can first admire the ruins of Saint Bertin Abbey, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the old Town Hall. You also pass by the magnificent public garden, created on the site of former fortifications, before reaching your bed and breakfast.

North of Saint-Omer, you first cross part of the peaceful Audomarois marshes, marshes shaped by man since the Middle Ages! You follow the canals and sluices which give this territory such a particular topography and charm.

You then continue your journey north, where a bit of a climb awaits you near Mont de Watten. Don't worry, we're not even 100 meters above sea level! Next, you'll find yourself back in the Flemish countryside before arriving in Esquelbecq, a charming little village well worth a visit and now officially designated a "book village." In 2023, the village was even voted "France's Favorite Village."

A few kilometers further on, you enter the town of Bergues, which needs no introduction, having become famous in 2008 thanks to the filming of Dany Boon's film, “Welcome to the Sticks”.

For this day of cycling, the program is lighter so you can enjoy the afternoon at the beach! You leave Bergues, admiring the ramparts of the fortified town one last time or climbing the belfry, then you enter the Bois des Forts forest. After passing through the Fort Louis park, you enter Dunkirk.

You pass by the Bassin du Commerce and Place Jean Bart. You finally arrive at the Malo seawall, where you can enjoy a lovely walk along the seawall, or perhaps even a quick swim if the weather permits!

You head south again for two final, slightly more challenging stages. Leaving Dunkirk, you make your way into the heart of the Flemish countryside. You'll pass through several small villages with architecture typical of the region, before tackling the small hill of Mont Cassel, the highest of the Flemish hills (176m). From the summit, the view over Flanders is breathtaking, and the setting is magnificent, with the historic village, cobbled streets, and windmill. On your descent, you might even have time to visit the remarkable garden of Mont des Récollets.

After a short stretch along a farm track, you'll arrive in Steenvoorde, where you'll undoubtedly be impressed by the imposing windmill at the village entrance. This is where you'll find your final bed and breakfast of the trip. Fancy a last dinner out before the end of your journey? You'll find just a stone's throw from your accommodation!

That's it, it's the last day of your great escape through Flanders: and there's another beautiful stage ahead of you.

Today, your calves will be put to the test early in the day: right from the first few kilometers, the climb up Mont des Cats is on the agenda! But what a pleasure it is to be up there: yet another incredible panoramic view awaits you at the foot of the Abbey! You might even take the opportunity to visit the Church of Saint Bernard, or the Abbey shop, to sample the cheese made by the monks for decades.

You then descend onto more winding country roads to reach Bailleul, a town built on a small hill. It's here that you might decide to have your last meal in one of the typical chip shops of Northern France! The final stretch of the route takes you along the towpath of the Lys River. The arrival in Lille is via the residential neighborhoods of the Lille suburbs and the Parc de la Citadelle: this last stop, like the first day, will complete the loop of an unforgettable journey through French Flanders.