Paris-Roubaix from the Zeeland region – gravel route in Zeeland-Vlaanderen

Extensive fields. Sometimes slightly hilly. Farmhouse lanes, dotted with children’s swings, if you will. Paris-Roubaix speaks to the imagination of many cycling fans. The ‘hell of the north’, as this race is affectionately called, is not for everyone. Yet people still like to refer to this race. The common denominator in these references? Gravel roads. Because that’s what the 260-kilometer route from the capital Paris to the ruined industrial town of Roubaix is all about. The same goes for Zeeland and, in particular, West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, where you can get to know those ‘annoying’ gravel roads from close up. During our adventure in West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, we were able to put together a beautiful route with 4.9 kilometers of gravel roads! The title? Paris-Roubaix of the Zeeland region. Would you like to join us?

Weather and wind

Although the real hell of the north is not comparable to our friendly gravel route in the Zeeland countryside, it is a real ordeal on the day we drive it. The wind is blowing freely and the looming, ominous clouds promise not much good. When we gather in IJzendijke, where we on our ‘groundbreaking Zeeuws-Vlaanderen route’‘Even through it, the mill stops turning. For with this wind, it cannot turn. Few people, like us, have put on the brave bike shoes and braved over 80 kilometers of natural elements. Well, maybe that fits perfectly with this route too. After all, hell is nothing without hellish conditions.

First to the east

The route starts towards Biervliet and the Braakman. At the Braakman, where we a few days earlier Although we have already driven through the mud, it is even more muddy than the day before. It is quite a slog through the mud, but that makes it an epic ride. We have already driven through Biervliet, where the former town hall is a lovely place to take a photo. From the Braakman we immediately take the first gravel track. In my opinion, these are not 5-star tracks like those of Mons-en-Pévèle, where the children's seats really seem to be thrown randomly from a plane. These gravel tracks are relatively tight. The tractor drivers who drive over them have not yet created deep potholes. With the right tire pressure (on a gravel bike, no problem like ours), you only have a little bit of the stones bouncing on them. This promises a lot of fun!

More gravel

After the first gravel section, there is immediately a very long stretch of unpaved road. Beautifully embedded against a dike. Here, the gravel is actually a kind of black stone. It rolls nicely over the beautiful track. The wind blows quite strongly in the face here, but who cares? After this long gravel section, we have the second gravel section of the day. This one is also beautifully laid out and gives that Paris-Roubaix vibe that many are looking for. With a good gravel bike, that is also no problem.

Checking out the southern neighbors

Just like our route Boundary-breaking graveling This takes us a little bit into Belgium. We take a variation on the turns and also get a nice and long dirt track here. While cycling, the wind blows nicely through. The overhead power lines in Belgium sway with the wind. Note to ourselves: next time we come back with less wind. But that’s part of it, of course. Just as the slightly less beautifully paved dirt tracks of our southern neighbors we encounter on our second dirt track along the Boerenkreek. Roll on the bumps and this would definitely be 3 stars in Paris-Roubaix. That’s something to get used to. But as previously mentioned: our bikes can handle that just fine.

Aardenburg back again

At the border post with Sint-Laureins, the border is crossed again and we are guided through Eede via back roads. Of course, we were already there Restaurant de Grens, But here you can also find delicious wine and asparagus. In our tips you’ll find the specific addresses you shouldn’t miss. From here, head towards Aardenburg and back to IJzendijke is a beautiful, rough stretch. You’ll go through the fields, where long country roads call out to be ridden. Here you’ll find what you’re looking for in a cool gravel route. We’re up against the wind. It’s howling. But that’s what you want, right? Paris-Roubaix in the sun, that’s for everyone. Rain and wind, that’s for the real gravel lovers.

Hiding

Although we are not averse to rain, it gets really intense at some point. We decide to take shelter in the van that we brought along for this trip. That is really necessary. It comes pouring down from the sky. Checking the weather radar and waiting is the motto for the moment. After all, driving through the puddles is just not worth it. But we are lucky. The rain stops and eventually we can continue for a while. That way we can complete the final stretch too. After 80 kilometers of driving, we are ready for a good meal.

Tips along the route:

• Aardenburg and the St. Baafs Church They are worth a mention. This town and the building are the oldest in Zeeland.
• Spitsbroek is the asparagus farmer par excellence From West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Known and praised in Eede (and surroundings). When the season is in full swing, you really have to stop here for the white gold.
• Do you want more information about this region? For more information, please see the Website of Gastvrij Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.

The Paris-Roubaix route from the Zeeland region