The best city hikes and walks in Westhoekduinen, Duinen Van Cabour, De Moeren En Plateau Van Izenberge

Starting point of our bike tour along the Belgian coast...

This group of sculptures by De Loose illustrates the timeless, universal qualities of humanity and emphasizes the importance of the group. Source: strandverblijf&wandelingen-de-panne

The spider often has negative connotations: it's a dirty little creature, it can be dangerous, etc. But Monique Mol uses the spider as a symbol of (feminine) creative power: the spider weaves a web of connection and solidarity. Source: https://www.strandverblijf.be/nl/wandelingen/beeldenroute-de-panne

In contrast to the picturesque center of the neighborhood, the dune relief was largely excavated for the construction of the sea wall. At the western end, the "white mountain" (the name refers to a dune) was preserved, on which eight eclectic villas were built around 1900, largely designed by Albert and Alexis Dumont. Various solutions were devised for the narrow houses to maximize natural light. This group of houses is the largest preserved complex of villas with a sea view on our coast. Villa Anita (Geitenweg 5) has a brick facade with a cornice, plastered and painted. The facade consists of a semicircular bay window crowned by a central dormer window, with an adjoining balcony with a wooden balustrade, under a cantilevered gable roof and resting on wooden columns. Corner villa Coup de Vent (Geitenweg 9) is the most impressive. The facade is an interesting blend of cottage style (the use of wood) with neoclassical elements (a basket-arched entrance portal with a keystone and a cartouche on the parapet). But the most striking feature is undoubtedly the openwork, rounded corner tower with a spire, which serves as a mini-belvedere. Source: Walking Guide Heritage Walk De Panne

In contrast to the picturesque center of the neighborhood, the dune relief was largely excavated for the construction of the sea wall. At the western end, the "white mountain" (the name refers to a dune) was preserved, on which eight eclectic villas were built around 1900, largely designed by Albert and Alexis Dumont. Various solutions were devised for the narrow houses to maximize natural light. This group of houses is the largest preserved complex of villas with a sea view on our coast. Villa Anita (Geitenweg 5) has a brick facade with a cornice, plastered and painted. The facade consists of a semicircular bay window crowned by a central dormer window, with an adjoining balcony with a wooden balustrade, under a cantilevered gable roof and resting on wooden columns. Corner villa Coup de Vent (Geitenweg 9) is the most impressive. The facade is an interesting blend of cottage style (the use of wood) with neoclassical elements (a basket-arched entrance portal with a keystone and a cartouche on the parapet). But the most striking feature is undoubtedly the openwork, rounded corner tower topped with a spire, which serves as a mini-belvedere. Source: Walking Guide Heritage Walk De Panne

This semi-detached cottage-style house, designed by architect Georges Hobé, dates from around 1900. The entrance to villa Les Eglantines (French for honey briar) is shared with that of villa Les Argousiers (French for sea buckthorn) and is situated beneath a projecting gable roof of slate. The bricks are painted, and the windows are strongly divided. The pseudo-half-timbering is reminiscent of Normandy architecture. However, on our coast, we rarely encounter true half-timbering; the beam structure is not made of wood and is not part of the load-bearing elements of the facade. What we see is imitation or pseudo-half-timbering, a stucco grid with a thin wooden cladding that is, as it were, glued to the facade. Therefore, we cannot speak of a structural function. Another typical feature of the Belle Époque period found in the facade of the semi-detached house is the separate cellar entrance for the staff. It reflects the "upstairs, downstairs" principle and allows the staff to work quietly yet efficiently. The basement houses the kitchen, laundry room, ironing room, and storage and pantry spaces, among other things. The "monte-plats," a small elevator, brings prepared dishes close to the dining room, where a servant can serve them quickly and discreetly. Source: Walking Guide Heritage Walk De Panne

For the affluent middle class, the sea wall served as a kind of urban boulevard at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, perfect for strolling. Not only the sea wall, but also the buildings along it reflect this urban living culture. The villas form a continuous development and are situated on narrow plots. Furthermore, the facades always face the sea, ensuring optimal views of the beach and the water. All these characteristics are still evident in Villa Doudou. This cottage-style house from 1901 was designed by Albert and Alexis Dumont and was originally called "Titikot." It is a narrow, deep house with three stories under a mansard roof. The sea view clearly takes precedence here, as the front door is located on the first floor (half a floor above street level) and opens directly onto the living room, making the living space the width of the building plot. The use of beveled windows also contributes to this effect. The house has a separate service entrance that leads directly into the basement and is intended for staff. The villa is a protected monument, but today it sits wedged between two tall apartment buildings, a typical image of current coastal development. Source: Walking Guide Heritage Walk De Panne

De Panne's beach is the widest in Belgium and lies near the French border at the western tip of the Flemish coast. This makes De Panne the westernmost coastal municipality before you set foot in France. A mix of this French flair, nature, sports, and the wide beach await you.