De Panne 

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

Welcome to the rolling dunes and open beaches of Belgium’s coastline. West Flanders is, you guessed it, Belgium’s most western province. It’s most popular in the summer when everyone is looking for a coastal escape. 

West Flanders

Wander the streets of the Dumont Quarter to see stylish cottages and villas. Built between the late 19th and early 20th century, this gem of architecture was designed and named after the famous architect Albert Dumont. 

Together with his son, Alexis, Dumont designed grand villas that would sit atop of high dunes. One of these dunes, Kykhill, was once a popular destination for fishermen’s wives, who would climb to the top and be on the lookout for their husband’s boats. The word ‘kyk’ actually means ‘to look’ in the local dialect! This quarter was heavily inspired by the 1920s Art Deco craze. 


**Get those feet moving**   
The De Panne Tourism Office has two [leaflets](http://tourism.depanne.be/product/1201/dumont-walking-tour) available, Architecture Guide and De Panne Walking Tour, that gives you all the info you need for a detailed walk around the quarter. Available in Dutch. 



Check out the beach where time stopped in the 1900s with this breathtaking walk through the Dumont quarter. 


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Beaches

Walking

Local 

Outdoor Activities

Architecture

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All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

See it to Believe it

Find the best viewpoints, monuments, and hidden gems in {{area}}

Sightseeing

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

Dumont Quarter

Cablecar Cordoba in Heuvelland gives you views of a vineyard from above on a relaxing cable car ride - the only one in Flanders! 


Vintage cable car ride attraction by a vineyard in Heuvelland, Belgium

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Wine grape vineyard in Heuvelland, Belgium 

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Loker village, church and surrounding nature at sunset, Heuvelland, Belgium

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Church and village at the distance over countryside fields, Nieuwkerke, Heuvelland, Belgium

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Cottages by a vineyard in Heuvelland, Belgium

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Cablecar Cordoba

Don’t miss this super fun park. Lots to do for everyone in every season, but you can’t miss the skatepark and boat rental. Want a relaxing walk or great family day out? Put this park on your list 

Park in the autumn. A large lake surrounded by orange leaf trees in Maria Hendrikapark, Ostend 

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Trees around a large lake on a winter morning in Maria Hendrikapark, Ostend

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The water tower along the grassy walking path in Maria Hendrikapark, Ostend 

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Maria Hendrikapark

Nieuwpoort’s local fish market on Mondays and Saturdays by the docks. Yummy fresh fish! 

Couple window shopping at the fish market in Nieuwpoort, Belgium

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Yellow boxes filled with fresh fish in the fish market of Nieuwpoort, Belgium

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Walking path next to parking space for boats in the sea, Nieuwpoort, Belgium

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Two fishing nets hanging above Nieuwpoort's pier, Belgium

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Fish Market

What did Bruges used to look like? Some parts of its history are still standing, including this medieval city gate with its squat towers that make for a picturesque view. 


Cyclist approaching one of the original gates of Bruges on a cobbled road in Bruges, Belgium

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15th century gate with two towers either side and drawbridge entrance in Bruges, Belgium

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Kruispoort Gate in the distance down a grassy lane and local road in Bruges, Belgium

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Kruispoort Gate

Take a walk through WWI trenches and learn all about the war to end all wars at the Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62


Memorial cross tree in historic WWI trench grounds, Ypres, Belgium

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Entrance to WWI trenches at the Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Museum, Ypres, Belgium

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Inside Allied WWI trenches at Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Museum, Ypres, Belgium

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Entrance to historic tourist attraction WWI trenches at the Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Museum, Ypres, Belgium

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Open trenches held with metal walls at Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Museum, Ypres, Belgium

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Sanctuary Wood Museum

Do you love street art? Street artists from all over come to Ostend for The Crystal Ship festival. Walk or cycle the open-air seaside town’s art gallery. 

Man on a motorbike driving by colorful flowers street art at The Crystal Ship, Ostend, Belgium

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Street art on a closed shop wall of a woman in pop art style by The Crystal Ship, Ostend, Belgium

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Street art on a wall of a lifejacket floating above the ocean water with flowers in its pocket, Ostend, Belgium

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Street of musicians in black and white. White text in the middle reads “Ostend is music”, Belgium

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Black and white street art of a woman and child on a white wall during The Crystal Ship festival, Ostend, Belgium

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Cat street art on a blue background on a bus stop by The Crystal Ship, Ostend, Belgium

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Blue and yellow floral graffiti street art on a building wall at The Crystal Ship, Ostend, Belgium

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Ostend Street Art

Built in the 20th century with all the charm of history built in, Bonifacius Bridge is a romantic hotspot and photo point. 

Couple walking to Bonifacius Bridge, Bruges, Belgium

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View of the canal from Bonifacius Bridge, Bruges, Belgium

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Cobblestone bridge across the canal in Bruges at Bonifacius Bridge, Belgium

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Bonifacius Bridge, a bridge of romantic legend, over a canal in Bruges, Belgium

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A romantic 20th century bridge and canal at Bonifacius Bridge, Bruges, Belgium

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The lovers bridge,a  2oth century structure in Bruges. Bonifacius Bridge, Belgium

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Bonifacius Bridge

One of the best preserved remains of the German defensive line from WWI and WWII. Crawl  through history!

Woman walking through a world war bunker tunnel at Atlantikwall, Ostend, Belgium

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German WWII PAK 40 anti-tank gun pointed out to sea at Atlantikwall, Ostend, Belgium

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Mannequins of WWII German soldiers in an authentic bunker in Ostend, Belgium

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German soldiers bunker bed room in Atlantikwall, Ostend, Belgium

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Museum display Enigma Machine at Atlantikwall of a soldier's hat and typewriter, Ostend

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Anti-aircraft gun 2 cm Oerlikon FALk 28 pointed out to sea at Atlantikwall, Ostend

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Atlantikwall

Hey you romantics, if you cross the bridge with your SO, according to local legend, you two will be together forever. Or, just go for a stroll around this beautiful park

Castle beside the lake of love, trees and nature in Minnewaterpark, Bruges

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Tracy Chapman and piano player performing at the Cactus Festival in Minnewaterpark, Bruges 2009

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Former castle now a restaurant with outdoor seating by the lake of love in Minnewaterpark, Bruges

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Bruges Belfry in the distance from the Minnewaterpark Bridge, Bruges, Belgium

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Minnewaterpark lake of love bridge in winter, Bruges, Belgium

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Snowy walking path by the Minnewaterpark lake, Bruges, Belgium

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Minnewaterpark restaraunt across the lake of love, Bruges, Belgium

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Minnewaterpark watch tower by the lake of love and bridge, Bruges, Belgium

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Minnewaterpark bridge and park in winter, Bruges, Belgium

Lake of Love

Tucked away in the centre of Bruges, this 12 century basilica is famous for its supposed Holy Blood of Christ. See the holy relic for yourself 

Gold religious statues on the front of the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Catholic priest holding the vial of holy blood at the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Outside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Upper chapel tapestries in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Upper chapel tapestries and rows of chairs in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Entrance doors to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Indoor seating and tapestries in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

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Open entrance doorway to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

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Worhsip area and benches in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium

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Basilica of the Holy Blood

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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. 

Take a stroll down this medieval bridge across the shimmer Rhône river. 

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Bridge of Avignon

Explore one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic architectural grounds in all of Europe! 

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Palace of the Popes

Oh, the South of France - even uttering those words in a string together sounds beautiful rolling off the tongue. What is it about this region that had drawn legendary artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne over the decades to it?  Or why the villages (ever so tiny, yet ever filled with its own gems) have made a lasting impression? On your first day of the Vespa trip, you’ll start to unravel the mysteries and find out your own answer to what makes Provence just such an enchanting region. To start it all off, no matter which route you choose - you’ll begin in Avignon, a historic city that dates back over 5,000 years ago!

As a city that has stood through the ages, Avignon is filled with ancient landmarks for you to explore, One of the main sights is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a 14th-century palace that was once the residence of the popes during the 14th century. The palace is a great example of Gothic architecture and makes for a great museum to wander through. You’ll definitely stumble upon the Pont d'Avignon (the Bridge of Avignon), a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 12th century. The stone bridge spans the Rhône River and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. While you roam Avignon’s back streets, take in its unique architecture like the Gothic-style Avignon Cathedral, the medieval ramparts and the lovely Place de l'Horloge square.

Since this is your first stop as you embark on the Vespa Tour, it’ll also be your first taste of the local Provencal cuisine if you head to Les Halles d'Avignon, the city’s big market. Also, Avignon is dotted with many local restaurants run by families for generations - so you’ll have your pick of delicious bites. On your first day, you’ll also receive your GPS, roadbook, and check into your hotel - gearing you up for the exciting Vespa journey ahead of you! 

Dumont Quarter

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