Deinze 

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Belgium

Home to the iconic city of Ghent and so much more. Famous for its cycling events, beautiful sights, and medieval cities.  

East Flanders

Stroll the grounds of the moated castle just a short drive away from Ghent. Ooidonk Castle (Dutch: “Kasteel van Ooidonk”) has a long history to discover and rich views to see. Destroyed in the 1500s, then rebuilt by Antwerp merchant Martin della Faille (one of the richest men of Europe back then). Rebuilt in the style of the Renaissance, Ooidonk Castle itself is open for visitors in the summer. The castle grounds (and French garden) are always open for visitors. 

Home to Count and Countess t’Kint de Roodenbeke and their family. Sometimes visiting a castle can feel like seeing a historical showroom, but Ooidonk is unique in still being a lived-in noble home. 

**Events**

Ooidonk Castle is a bustling centre of cultural events. From Garden Fairs to fantasy-style festival Elftopia, there’s sure to be something on for you to enjoy. Check their website for [updates](http://ooidonk.be/en/public-events)!


Enter the Renaissance-style Ooidonk Castle to see a lived-in home of Belgian nobility. Elegant, stylish and unique, Ooidonk Castle and gardens are a sight to see. 


Visit Ooidonk Castle 

Castle gardens and palm trees at Ooidonk Castle in the summer, Deinze, Belgium

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Renaissance-style moated castle in Deinze, Ooidonk Castle, Belgium

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Side view of the bridge and moat at Ooidonk Castle, Deinze, Belgium

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Lake and castle garden at Ooidonk Castle, Deinze, Belgium

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Bridge across the castle moat to Ooidonk Castle, Deinze, Belgium

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Ooidonk Castle Party festival on a sunny day in Deinze, Belgium

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Entrance gate Bachte Maria Leerne to Ooidonk Castle, Deinze, Belgium

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Woodland landscape; river, trees, and grass on a sunny day at Ooidonk Castle, Deinze

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Sights & Landmarks

Kid Friendly

Photography 

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Garden

Castle

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

The Grass is Always Greener 

Explore the outdoors in and around {{area}}

Nature

Of course it's still possible to explore and have fun while taking precautions! There's so much to do, even during these COVID times. These fun activities are all safe since they're outdoors or with the organizers taking protocols into consideration.

Stay Healthy

Explore COVID-proof activities in {{area}}

COVID Proof

Ooidonk Castle

Walk, cycle, play or relax at this newly constructed park with a beach area.

People sitting along the docks at Captain Zeppos Park as the sun sets in Ghent.

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The sandy beach area in Captain Zeppos Park with the old harbour crane in the background and boats on the water.

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The old harbour crane painted green and yellow at Captain Zeppos Park, Ghent.

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A group of people sitting on the sandy beach area by the water at Captain Zeppos Park, Ghent.

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Captain Zeppos Park

Wander the unique winter wonderland of Ghent. If you want Christmas lights, wintery shop windows, and… dragons. Because Ghent. Wanna know why? 


Christmas tree light art installation in the market square by Piazza Castello, Turin (IT), Gent, Belgium

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St. Nicholas Church and Gent ferris wheel covered by fog in the evening in Gent, Belgium

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Ferris Wheel in Christmas lights at the Christmas nighttime market in Gent, Belgium

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Christmas lights, trees and festive decorations by the river Lys in Gent, Belgium

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Ghent Christmas Lights

Sink into the pillows with a drink in hand at this summer pop-up bar in beautiful gardens of an ice rink.

People sitting with friends and enjoying food and drinks at Gazon, Ghent.

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A busy terrace with tables and chairs filled with people at Gazon summer bar in Ghent.

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People sitting under the large canopy at Gazon, lit by lights in large wooden cage lampshades.

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Three miniature tacos on a table at Gazon, Ghent.

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People sitting at tables and chairs on the terrace at Gazon, lit by fairylights.

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People sat at tables and chairs in the trees at Gazon, Ghent.

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A water feature with an artificial greenery background at Gazon, Ghent.

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Two chefs cooking on the large barbecue in the outdoor kitchen amongst the trees at Gazon, Ghent.

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Gazon Ghent

A beach near Antwerp. Get ready for the ultimate outdoor day out with swimming, sports, mini golf and more.

People sitting on the beach and playing in the playground at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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An aerial view of the De Ster domain showing the lake, beach and activity areas.

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The lake at De Ster in Sint-Niklaas with yellow flowers in the foreground and beach on the other side of the water.

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A woman with a young boy walking along the path next to the lake at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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A woman and yound child walking along the path amongst the trees at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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People sitting on a bench amongst the trees at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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Empty swimming lanes in the lake at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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Two boats moored up on the lake at De Ster with paddle boarders in the background.

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Three goats, one of which is feeding a baby goat at the petting zoo at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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Two ducks on the lake at De Ster surrounded by grassy banks and trees.

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A woman and a boy walking along with old railway line amongst the trees at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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A group of people stand up paddle boarding on the lake at De Ster, Sint-Niklaas.

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De Ster

Discover a fairytale tower in the heart of the Muziekbos forest. Be inspired by the landmark and nature just like the writers and poets of Belgium’s past. 


19th century tower Geuzentoren in the snowy Muziekbos, Ronse, Belgium

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Medieval style tower in the Muziekbos, Ronse, Belgium

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Medieval styled tower from the 1800s in Muziekbos. Geuzentoren, Belgium

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A landmark tower from the 1800s, Geuzentoren in Muziekbos, Belgium

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Geuzentoren

Get lost in this 100 hectare forest. Walk, jog, cycle or mountain bike your way through the tall trees.


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Kloosterbos

Get lost in the rolling hills of the Flemish Ardennes and go for a stroll in Muziekbos. 


Narrow walking trail next to a field by the Muziekbos, Belgium

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Small, woodland mushrooms growing on moss on the forest floor in Muziekbos, Belgium

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Hiker walking a uphill trekking path in a forest in Muziekbos, Belgium

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Trees behind fencing lining a walking path in a forest. Muziekbos, Belgium

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Natural Belgian forest small, bumpy ground and tall, thin trees from a panoramic view. Muziekbos, Belgium

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Muziekbos

A fun, unique way to get to know Gent - paddling through the canals and seeing the medieval buildings up close really makes you appreciate the charm of this city. Also, a good way to get some exercise. Your arms will for sure be tired!

Grab a kayak paddle and take to the canals of Ghent through the canals in the city's historic centre on a kayaking trip.

Two women in a red kayak paddle through a canal in Ghent, Belgium.

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A group of kayakers sit on the water in front of Gravensteen castle in Ghent, Belgium.

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A group of kayakers sit on the water holding their paddles in the air in front of Gravensteen castle in Ghent, Belgium.

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A group of kayakers sit in a canal in the middle of Ghent's old town.

Two women sit in green kayaks with Ghent's old town in the background.

Two women sit a green kayak with Ghent's old town castle in the background.

City Kayaking Ghent

A 13th century castle with a moat, Laarne Castle is a historic sight to see near Ghent. Pay a visit in the summer to see the inside. But just the outside is worth dropping by to capture it on camera. 

Walking path to front entrance of Laarne Castle in Belgium

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Moasted castle with a bridge on a cloudy day at Laarne Castle, Belgium

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Moated castle with a bridge across the lake at Laarne Castle, Belgium

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Front garden entrance to Laarne Castle, Belgium

Laarne Castle

The Castle of Gerald the Devil is one landmark you should photo while walking around Ghent’s city centre. It’s got a whole lot of range. The castle has been a monastery, an asylum, and more.


13th century Gothic castle by the canal river in Ghent. Castle of Gerald the Devil, Ghent, Belgium

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Gothic castle from the 13th century, Ghent, Belgium

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13th century Gothic castle with two towers visible. Castle of Gerald the Devil, Ghent, Belgium

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Front side of 13th century Gothic castle in the city centre of Ghent. Castle of Gerald the Devil, Ghent, Belgium

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Castle of Gerald the Devil

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Freedom, romance and the open road - to cruise on a Vespa through the fragrant and sun-drenched region of Provence is to flirt with adventure and the seductive allure that is the South of France. The humming sound of your Vespa is like a melody - paired with a visual feast of olive groves, and pit-stops in between centuries-old French country houses... Driving through Provence on a Vespa is a journey for the senses.

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Roadtrip adventure

Cultural journey

Solo traveller / Family fun / Couples / Group of Friends

Food and drinks enthusiast

Fancy a true French getaway in the South of France? Imagine yourself cruising through the charming countryside of Provence on a Vespa, the warm sun on your face and the smell of lavender in the air. The winding roads take you past fields of vibrant purple, where the rolling hills are dotted with ancient stone villages, each with its own unique character.

Riding a Vespa through Provence is the perfect way to experience the romance, authenticity, and beauty of this enchanting region in the South of France. TravelBase’s Vespa Trip takes you on a leisurely ride through the world-renowned lavender fields as the roads stretch from the Provençai lands to the Côte d’Azur. You’ll get to make your own pit-stop in various spots, like the historic city of Aix-en-Provence, with its heritage-emblazoned streets and quaint cafes. As each day on your TravelBase Vespa trip draws to a close, you'll be mesmerized by the sunset glow that bathes the bucolic landscapes in warm hues.

The Vespa is more than just a mode of transportation, it's a symbol of freedom, adventure… and, most of all, romance. It's the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of Provence and to create memories that you'll cherish forever with your loved ones or for a solo two-wheel adventure. Riding a Vespa in Provence is not just a means of transportation, it's an experience in itself. And don’t worry, even if you are a beginner, with TravelBase Vespa Trip, a journey through Provence is easy, and they will provide helmets, hotel accommodations, a roadbook and GPS as part of the package. So all you’ll have to focus on is enjoying the moment through the winding Provencial roads! 

As TravelBase’s Provence VespaTrip has multiple routes for you to choose from, this itinerary is an amalgamation of the various stops that you can discover in Provence with your two-wheel ride. 

Ooidonk Castle

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