Flanders is the region located to the north of Belgium. Among other key aspects, the Flemish region is distinguished by iconic heritage cities, including Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen. A must visit is also the capital of the country: Brussels, one of the greenest cities in Europe.
Flanders is also known worldwide for its close relationship with bicycles, both from a sports perspective, as well as from daily mobility or cycling tourism. A paradise for cyclists, Flanders is an area that offers cycling routes through a wide variety of beautiful landscapes, from long sandy beaches to lush green forests, passing through the humid banks of the Scheldt River, through immense agricultural meadows or through the classic cobbled slopes. of the Tour of Flanders, for the most seasoned
But Flanders is much more than a cycling destination. Here we explain some of the curiosities of him:
There are varied and rich cheeses produced in rural Flemish areas. Some so special that they were eaten in space. The ’t Groendal cheese factory supplied the International Space Agency (ISS) by sending NASA astronaut and tourophile Shannon Walker.
In English, the term “french fries” is often used to refer to French fries, but the truth is that they come from Belgium. For them it is not fast food, it is a dish carefully prepared to satisfy the palate.
Some of the most relentless battles of World War I were fought on Flemish territory. Now, a century later, cemeteries and monuments in memory of the combatants of both fronts still stand, as well as museums that commemorate the Great War.
Precisely, this world-class war (1914-1918) has been the only reason capable of interrupting the celebration of the Tour of Flanders, specifically between 1915 and 1918. Despite the fact that the test was still very young, with only two editions, the suspension due to the Great War did not prevent him from making a name for himself among the most important races in the world, currently becoming one of the 5 monuments of cycling. A great example of the strong link between Flanders and the world of cycling.
In Flanders you will find an impressive selection of craft beers and historic breweries to explore. Some follow centuries-old recipes from the Middle Ages, while other more innovative ones are born breaking schemes in young microbreweries.
Throughout the year, various beer events and tastings are held in Flanders, perfect for discovering the different flavors, touches, and aromas that Belgian beers give off.
In Flanders, cycling and beer go inextricably hand in hand: there’s even a beer, Kwaremont, named after one of the walls of the Tour of Flanders!
Counts and dukes, walls and towers, gardens and legends… The more than 1,500 Flemish castles take us back in time and allow us to dream and imagine as creatures.
Some cycling routes, such as the iconic route along the Scheldt River, allow you to visit various castles scattered throughout the Flemish territory.
Flanders, home to some of the best chocolatiers in the world. Years and years of tradition have led them to create new derivatives of this sweet, such as filled chocolates with different ingredients. Savor its sweetness and its nuances, each one better!
These are just some of the singularities of Flanders, but there are many more traditions and places to discover. Do you want to meet them?
