The best traffic-free bike rides around Zottegem

The Saint-Géry Church of Sint-Goriks-Oudenhove is located on a slight elevation with a small churchyard and brick enclosure with fencing. As early as 1172, a church was first mentioned here, when the bishop of Cambrai donated the church to the Mont-Saint-Martin abbey. Perhaps the church was founded much earlier. What is striking about the church - at least, when you step inside - is that it is asymmetrical: on the left (to the north) there is a side aisle (small); on the right (to the south) there isn't... although on that side too, almost diagonally next to the choir, there is also a side altar. That northern side aisle is probably an early Gothic expansion. Like many churches, this one was also damaged by the Gueux during the religious wars at the end of the 16th century, after which, of course, repair work was carried out. In the 18th and 19th centuries, interventions were also carried out several times, both due to necessary repairs and due to expansion and renovation. The beautiful organ from 1870 clearly also needs restoration. source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

The Sint-Gorikskerk (St. Gaugericus Church) in Sint-Goriks-Oudenhove is located on a slight elevation with a small churchyard and brick enclosure with fencing. As early as 1172, a church was first mentioned here, when the Bishop of Cambrai donated the church to the Mont-Saint-Martin abbey. Perhaps the church was founded much earlier. What is striking about the church - at least, when you step inside - is that it is asymmetrical: on the left (to the north) there is a side aisle (a small one); on the right (to the south) there isn't... although on that side too, planted somewhat diagonally next to the choir, there is a side altar. That northern side aisle is presumably an early Gothic expansion. Like many churches, this one was also damaged during the religious wars at the end of the 16th century by the Gueux (Beggars), after which, of course, repair work was carried out. In the 18th and 19th centuries, interventions were also carried out several times, both due to necessary repairs and due to expansion and renovation. The beautiful organ from 1870 is currently clearly in need of restoration too. source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

The Bostmolen, also known as the Machelgemmolen, is a watermill on the Zwalm. A first watermill was already mentioned in 1040. In 1571, there was a double mill, set up as a grain and oil mill. The oil mill was on the other side of the stream. The building was dated "1630" by means of anchor bolts in the gable (which indicates a reconstruction) and was demolished shortly after 1933. At the sluice beams by the stream, the year 1782 is on a brick stone. The mill was closed down in 1966 and converted into a café. Because of the jazz performances that were organized there for a time, the mill also became known as the Tootsmolen, after the world-famous jazz musician (harmonica) Toots Tielemans. In 1979, Paul-Joseph Maryns, a teacher in Zottegem, bought the mill. The mill building was restored from 2005 onwards according to a design by architect Sabine Okkerse from Horebeke. This was done in anticipation of a functional restoration. However, the latter has not (yet) been realized. Today, the mill is owned by Olav Maryns, the son of Paul-Joseph, and his wife Kim Lybaert, who run a restaurant there together. source: Molenecho's

Cozy small village square with picnic table and a few benches

The Myriapode is an important land art piece near Ellezelles in Walloon Picard. It is a structure 4.5 meters high and 11.6 meters long, made of woven wood. Inspired by the shape of a centipede, it fits perfectly into the forest landscape. The artwork serves as a place of rest and reflection for walkers and cyclists on the RAVeL and offers elevated seating and shelter. The artwork is part of a series of six landscape artworks installed in the Pays des Collines in June 2023. The ensemble was realized by the collective Bowerbird (Wolfgang Bregentzer & Bram Vanhoff) in collaboration with JNC International, as part of European INTERREG projects.

Yes and no. If you cycle the Watermill Route, you do have to stop for a while, but we can't speak of any "industrial" beauty here.

Here you approach De Gavers and you can expect more holidaymakers here.

Velzeke Archeology Centre takes you through archaeology to the daily lives of our ancestors in prehistoric and Roman times. The informative exhibition, permanently open to the public, presents numerous archaeological finds. They illustrate the region's history of settlement and material culture from the arrival of the first humans to the early Middle Ages. There are regularly wonderful temporary exhibitions on a specific theme. Velzeke Archeology Centre also has a well-stocked events calendar, and during school holidays, there are extra activities for children. (Velzeke Archeology Centre)