The best cycling routes around Sint-Martens-Latem

The Bathioveer is a foot and cycle ferry that you operate entirely yourself and that connects the banks of the Leie. It offers a fun moment of diversion during your bike ride or walk.

Check the ferry schedule in advance: - During May, June, July, August, and September, and the Easter holidays: 7 days a week - from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or until sunset on shorter days of the year). - From October to April (excluding the Easter holidays) only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: same hours as above. The landing stage for one of these ferries is located along Dijkweg in Afsnee, near the St. John the Baptist Church on the right bank. A crossing is definitely worth the effort, as not only the Afsnee church but also the rectory and the village itself are protected gems. Further on, towards Sint-Denijs-Westrem and Sint-Martens-Latem, there are numerous hiking and cycling opportunities.

On the banks of the Leie River, in the heart of picturesque Afsnee, stands St. John the Baptist Church—a historic gem with roots dating back to the 10th century. The church has a Romanesque core dating from the 12th century and has been renovated and restored several times over the centuries, while preserving its character. Constructed of Tournai limestone, the building features a striking crossing tower and basilica-style nave, giving it a robust yet serene appearance. Inside, you'll find a baptismal font dating from 1601, a wooden statue of Christ from around 1700, and a beautiful stained-glass window depicting the baptism of Christ. The walled cemetery contains the gravestones of famous Ghent figures, including Count De Hemptinne and painter Karel De Bondt.

Ideal for cycling on this safe track, approximately 45 km between the two towns

The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).

Meersgat is one of four places in the valley area where you can cross the Oude Kale. You will also find a resting bench here.

One of the most beautiful nature walks in Meetjesland is just a stone's throw from Ghent.

The building was already mentioned in 939 but is probably even older. Afsnee is already mentioned around 850 in the goods of the St. Peter's Abbey at the time of King Lotharius. The church has undergone a number of renovations over the years. It shows a Romanesque core from the end of the 12th century, in the form of a Latin cross with a crossing tower. It was conceived as a three-aisled church (foundations were present) but it is suspected that only the central nave was built. Around 1767-68, L. De Villegas, master builder of the St. Peter's Abbey, restored the church and raised the gables and roofs. The wooden vault in the choir and nave was replaced by a plastered ceiling. In 1905-1906, thorough restorations took place under the direction of architect Auguste Van Assche, during which the side aisles were restored to their original state and other parts of the church were given a Romanesque appearance again. Quarry stone was used to rebuild the northern wall of the nave.