Ploegsteert: leaning over the handlebars in anger

This is West and French Flanders at its best: a landscape steeped in history and cozy cafes that come alive with local colors. The route takes you over the Kemmelberg, so yes: the e-bike immediately makes it much more enjoyable.

White crosses, fog on the fields and a lonely silence. It's early when I lift the e-bikes from my bike rack in Ploegsteert. It's even a little scary and cold. All that reading about the Great War didn't help, of course. You'll never forget that there was a lot of fighting here on this road: cemetery after cemetery. Thousands of Britons, but also Canadians, Australians and Indians were killed. But that was a long time ago. Today, this region is a tourist gem: well-marked walking and cycling trails, traditional Flemish views, vineyards and breweries. We pedal in the direction of the Kemmelberg, which is not so difficult with an electric motor.

Be sure to stop by:

• Memorial to the Disappeared in Ploegsteert
• Plugstreet Experience 14-18
• Venus Hill Artwork
• Kemmel Command Bunker
• Belfry of Belle
• 1914 Christmas Peace Monument

To refuel:

• Restaurant: Basseville
• The Barber
• Café Bellenaert

You can read the full description of this route in the magazine Pasar Fietsen (February '24).
Itinerary of Maarten Van Caesbroeck commissioned by Maarten Van Caesbroeck Pasar asbl