The best gravel rides around Nieuwpoort

You even think of a palm tree...

A modernist religious building, original in its form, the materials used, and its very simple interior: constructed of concrete, glass concrete, and steel, the color of its walls evokes that of dunes, its shape that of a hull. Its steel roof, covered with blue tiles, is shaped like two waves breaking into one another; it is surmounted by a copper sphere 1.20 meters in diameter and a cross 5.5 meters high. The light that enters through contemporary stained-glass windows, the work of the Chartres master glassmaker Gabriel Loire, has given rise to its other name, the "cathedral of lights." When the sun's rays pass through them, the effect is magnificent. A protected monument since 2005, it is well worth a visit.

The old railway bed between Langgeleedstraat and Duinhoekstraat has been repurposed. Many recreational cyclists and hikers can now take a gravel path that provides a direct connection to the French border at Bray-Dune.

A beautiful church where the many stained-glass windows playfully play with the daylight. History and architectural style: The parish was founded in 1955. The St. Anthony Chapel was used until 1965. Construction of the current church began in 1959 and was completed in 1964. The architectural style was inspired by the flowing movements of the dune sand and the waves of the sea. Because of its modern architecture and the spectacular incidence of light, the church is called the "cathedral of light." It is therefore a unique church building in Flanders that continues to inspire churchgoers and tourists to a serene visit. More information is available on-site.

A beautiful church where the many stained-glass windows playfully play with the daylight. History and architectural style: The parish was founded in 1955. The St. Anthony Chapel was used until 1965. Construction of the current church began in 1959 and was completed in 1964. The architectural style was inspired by the flowing movements of the dune sand and the waves of the sea. Because of its modern architecture and the spectacular light, the church is called the "cathedral of light." It is therefore a unique church building in Flanders that continues to inspire churchgoers and tourists to a serene visit. More information is available on-site.

Much more pleasant and safer than the parallel street, especially for families with children.

The Maerebrug in De Panne is an elegant steel bridge spanning the Nieuwpoort–Dunkirk Canal and playing a vital role in the Westhoek recreational network. Designed with gentle slopes on both sides, it is easily accessible for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. With a width of four meters and a span of 33 meters, the bridge offers safe and comfortable passage over the water and forms a link between Belgian and French nature reserves.

Centuries ago, one of the two mills of Ten Duinen Abbey stood here, and today stands the South Abbey Mill. The current South Abbey Mill of Koksijde dates from 1773 and originally stood in Houtem near Veurne (the Lootvoet mill). It was demolished there in 1951-1952 and rebuilt in Koksijde in 1953. Miller Patrick Geryl remains the only remaining full-time miller in Belgium. Anyone who visits the mill will be captivated by his every word: he'll happily give you a tour of his habitat: the South Abbey Mill. Feel the wind play with the mill, see how the grain is ground into flour, and smell the history. Highly recommended! Practical information: Individuals can visit the South Abbey Mill during regular opening hours from April to September. €2 for an adult, €1 for minors. Mill address: Jaak Van Buggenhoutlaan 120 (near the Abbey Museum). Intrigued? Click through to https://www.tenduinen.be/nl/beklim-de-zuid-abdijmolen