Gravel biking in West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: bouncing over cobblestones with the wind blowing through your hair

Lovers of cobbled lanes and gravel beware; your heart might just start beating faster with it West Zeeland Flanders. When you think of Zeeland, you probably think of sea, beach, Concert at SEA and Bløf. But did you also know that here you can bounce along cobbled lanes for kilometres, hear the gravel splashing under your tyres and hardly ever encounter a traffic light? Although the wind has free rein here, it is a beautiful cycling province. In this blog, we take you to the southernmost part of Zeeland.

West Zeeland Flanders Gravel

If you say West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, you also say the cosiness of the coast in villages like Cadzand and Breskens and the peace and space of the hinterland. West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has three MTB routes; IJzendijke, Lock and Frontier. These routes take you to the quietest spots of the vast polder landscape, through picturesque villages and along historic fortified dykes. Although they are designed for mountain bikers, it is the gravel riders who are in for a treat. You cycle along country roads, cobbled lanes and gravel paths, a kind of Paris-Roubaix and Strade Bianche experience in one! You almost have the roads to yourself and there is plenty of room to clear your head. So gravel in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is closer than you think.

We are staying at the Flamingo Studios in Schoondijke during our trip to West Zeeland Flanders. A good tip if you want to explore the region again. Want to know more about this overnight location? Then be sure to check it out here: Flamingo Studios Schoondijke

Hospitable and convivial

We cycle along roads that wind past the most beautiful houses and where newborn lambs are mewling on the dyke. A farmer is busy tending them. When we stop to admire the lambs, he immediately makes small talk with us. With his strong Zeeland accent, he proudly tells us that a quadruplet has been born. "The one with the green stripe on his back, I've already had him on the bottle", he says pointing to a lamb. We chat some more about life as a farmer and our bike ride. When we get back on the bike, he says "day ee". With a smile on our faces, we cycle on. 

A journey into the Middle Ages: Vanished Zwinhavens cycle route

If you are looking for culture or want to go shopping, lively Bruges and Knokke are nearby. Cities such as Antwerp and Ghent are not far away either. Or go on an adventure at 'opposite' and visit Middelburg.

READ ALSO: Tips for your first time graveling

The taste of Zeeland Flanders

Whether you want to have a nice lunch during your bike ride or reflect on the day over dinner, there is something for everyone in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Burgundian life and good food are part of the culture. Did you know that Zeeland has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant? But you will also find trendy beach clubs and cosy brasseries where you can taste the flavour of Zeeland on your plate. And with the most hours of sunshine in the Netherlands, with a bit of luck you'll be sitting on the terrace with a beer. These were our favourites:

1. 1. Salty & Salt (Retranchement)

Small-scale, personal and going the extra mile here. At Zilt & Zout you will find the tastiest fish dishes with local produce. 

 

1. 1. Love Lies (Breskens)

Pastel pink chairs, gold cutlery and coffee-printed cappuccinos. Liefs Lies makes many a woman's heart beat faster. Not only is it mega hip, the food looks fantastic and is different from what you are used to from a breakfast/lunch room.

 

1. 1. Moio Beach (Cadzand)

Delicious food overlooking the sea. That makes everyone happy!

 

Gravel in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen routes