From Bruges to Damme by bike

The best way to discover Bruges and soak up its history and unique atmosphere is to get lost and wander through the maze of cobbled streets in its medieval setting. Don't hesitate to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Grand-Place, and you'll really discover the undeniable charm of this sleepy city, frozen in time a few hundred years ago. You'll come across some not-to-be-missed sights, such as the Saint-Anne district, the Saint-Gilles district and the peaceful beguinage. You can visit a number of museums, from the classic Groeninge to the bizarre Museum of Torture. But if you feel like leaving the city for a few hours and soaking up local Flemish life, why not hire a bike and take a ride along the canal to Damme, a small town adjacent to Bruges. Peace and quiet guaranteed, this quiet little town is well worth a visit.

And if you feel like it, why not stay close to Bruges. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the area around the Venice of the North is full of small, charming and peaceful B&Bs for a unique romantic getaway. Here is a selection of 3 places to stay not far from Bruges, where you can relax in family-run establishments that are more accessible and far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

In Flanders, and more widely in north-western Europe, the use of bicycles to get around is very widespread. Indeed, it's very common for children to cycle to school from an early age, and for parents to do the same for work. Belgium, nicknamed the flat country, is no exception. The average altitude in Belgium is just 200 metres. So Flanders is the perfect place to find beautiful, pleasant cycle paths. The city of Bruges is no exception, and this is your chance to hire a bike and explore the area around Bruges in complete peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Head for Damme, a small, historic and picturesque town very close to Bruges and the Belgian coast.

Damme came into its own in the Middle Ages thanks to its status as the outport of Bruges, then one of Europe's leading merchant cities. The two towns were linked by a channel to the North Sea, so Damme was home to hundreds of European ships. And it was from this small town that goods were transported to Bruges on flat-bottomed boats. Wine, cloth, animal skins, jewellery, etc. were all shipped from Damme. Over the years, however, the decline of the maritime trade made itself felt, and Damme was gradually transformed over the centuries into a picturesque little village where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll.

You'd think you'd passed the Dutch border, with its windmills, pretty houses, water everywhere and daffodils, but this charming little town of Damme is actually in Belgium. Hire a bike and set off from Bruges, just 20 minutes by bike along the canal to reach this quiet little town. Admire the bucolic scenery and, once you've arrived, take a stroll through the town. Take the old town fortifications as your starting point - there's a map to help you find your way around and visualise Damme. Here you'll find the imposing Church of Our Lady, built in 1230, which bears witness to the town's heyday as the outport of Bruges and one of the most important in Flanders. Take a look at the town hall, built in 1464 in the Brabant Gothic style. It stands on the former market square and served as a warehouse and town hall. But these days, you'll be a long, long way from the hustle and bustle of Bruges city centre. If you want to find out more about the city, head for De Grote Sterre, the former stately home to the right of the town hall. Here you'll find the tourist office and a small museum tracing the history of Damme.