Bruges by bike

Biking Bruges, BelgiumMy younger son and I enjoyed a long weekend in Brussels earlier this month, and while there we had a great time visiting the medieval city of Bruges.

A Belgian colleague had told me about a bike trail leading from Gent/Gand to Bruges – a 45-kilometer bike towpath trail along a canal.

With the benefit of hindsight, I made the mistake of telling my son about this and he did nothing but talk about this bike trip we would be taking.

Biking Bruges, BelgiumSadly, when we arrived in Gent, no one seemed to have heard of this illusive trail. In the tourist office, they looked at me strangely. Ditto for the bike rental shop.

I know it does exist, since I found references to it online, but with no clear idea where it started, we decided to give up on our impossible quest.

One day we’ll go back and I will find this trail…

Biking Bruges, BelgiumSo when we arrived not by pedal-power but by train, how could we miss out on the chance to discover Bruges by bike?

We rented bikes for the day and took the scenic canal route around the city – a pleasant, scenic route taking in all the city’s pictureque windmills.

Once the tourist crowds thinned in late afternoon/early evening, we could also start criss-crossing the historic center, with its lovely squares and canals.

Biking in Bruges, BelgiumI hadn’t been back to Bruges in years – ahem – decades, but it was just as gorgeous as I remember it. And what a great way to explore the beautiful medieval city – by bike.

We’ll definitely be back – and next time we’ll get there by the well-hidden towpath from Gent.

Nevertheless, a great day exploring beautiful Bruges by bike! Don’t miss out the next time you’re in this picturesque corner of Belgium.

Biking in Bruges, Belgium

Biking in Bruges, Belgium

6 Comments

  1. ledrakenoir on April 17, 2018 at 9:50 am

    Excellent way to show our children the ‘urban world’. The areas become more detailed, they come closer to the experiences – I have also used to show places using cycling. 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on April 20, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      True! But I wouldn’t want to try it in Rome – too dangerous! Of course Belgium (like your country) has the benefit for bikers of being rather flat.I’m often biking out in the (exhausting) mountains, so fully appreciated the more tranquil Pays bas.

      • ledrakenoir on April 21, 2018 at 10:05 pm

        Sure Denmark is more than rather flat. 😀
        I live in Alsace with the Vosges next door.
        My bike and I really enjoy the Alps too.
        But Rome, no no no. 😀 😀 😀

        • kimberlysullivan on April 22, 2018 at 10:59 pm

          Ah, now I discover why you have all those gorgeous Alsace photos! Haven’t been back to Alasce in years, but it’s a beautiful region. The Giro d’Italia is coming through Rome for the first time in a few years. Will look for you then. : )

  2. evelyneholingue on April 18, 2018 at 12:04 am

    I went to Bruges a few times when I lived in Paris. Even for Parisians Bruges had (and still has, I think) a romantic feel. Back then it was quiet and perfect indeed for two people willing to step away from the business of Paris. Looks like it’s also perfect for a mom/son duo 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on April 20, 2018 at 10:03 pm

      Yes, an easy trip from Paris, Evelyne. I was also here years ago when it was quieter. It’s definitely experiencing a much bigger tourist boom now, but it’s still a special place. And yes, it was the perfect mom/son get-away.

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