WNW I R - Bergues (FR) - R

With this route, I am happy to take you in a west-northwest direction, starting from Roeselare to the beautiful French Bergues, which was the setting for the French film "Bienvenue Chez les Ch'tis" from 2008, with the Café de la Poste as the starting point 😂, of course, you can start wherever you like.

Starting point: Roeselare (Stro Route)

You begin your tour in Roeselare, a lively town in West Flanders. From the town center, you ride along the Stro Route, a popular bike path that takes you immediately out of the urban landscape.

The first part of the route takes you through Ruiter and Most. These villages give you a good impression of the typical West Flemish landscapes with their vast fields and farms. Soon you will encounter the first hill of the day: the Stadenberg. This is a relatively short but steep climb that will raise your pulse immediately. After the Stadenberg, you continue towards Klerken, a small village known for its quiet streets. From here, the route goes on to Diksmuide, a historic town by the IJzer. This is a good moment to take a break and enjoy the tranquility along the riverbanks. You continue your route towards Lampernisse and Steenkerke. This region is known for its open fields and small rural roads. Here you cycle through the typical Flemish polder landscape, which is mostly flat and therefore ideal for a brisk pace. From Steenkerke, you head to De Moeren, a polder area that extends all the way to France. The roads here are flat and straight, allowing you to maintain a steady pace. You cross the border into French Flanders, where the charm of the small French villages welcomes you. In Uksem and Koudekerke, you ride along picturesque roads lined with trees. The landscape is varied, offering a beautiful mix of fields and forests. Bergues, a medieval town, is an absolute hidden gem for a quick stop to admire the old fortifications. Your route continues through Bambeke and Oostkappel, two quiet French villages. You return to Belgium via Pollinkhove, a charming village in the Westhoek known for its rural atmosphere and friendly residents. From Pollinkhove, you head to Lo-Reninge, a small town with a rich history. After Lo-Reninge, you follow the roads toward Knokkebrug, a narrow bridge over the Ieperlee. Here you can stop briefly to enjoy the view of the canal. After the Knokkebrug, you cycle towards Bikschote and then pass the Houthulstbos. This forest provides a pleasant shady environment, ideal for a short break or a quiet stretch of the tour. Your last part takes you through Westrozebeke, a village known for its gentle hills. After Westrozebeke, you head back to Roeselare via the Stro Route. Here you can look back on a beautiful tour full of variety, with both challenging climbs and relaxed flat stretches. You return to Roeselare after an exciting bike ride. This is a varied tour that offers both physical challenges and beautiful views, ideal for any cycling enthusiast!

Route features:

Distance: Approximately 159 km

Terrain: Varied, from flat polders to gentle hills

Elevation changes: Moderate, with some short climbs such as the Stadenberg

Difficulty: Medium to advanced, depending on your pace and experience

Have fun cycling and enjoy the beautiful Flemish and French landscapes!