This loop-shaped bike ride in the heart of French Flanders takes us through no less than 11 villages in the hilly region north of Cassel.

We start in Noordpeene at the parking lot by the Town Hall and the House of the Battle, a combination of visitor center and museum. There, you will learn all about the Battle of the Peenebeek in 1677. The victory of the French troops had significant consequences for the entire region. The French Westhoek officially became part of France a year later!
We first cycle to Buysscheure (where the official source of the IJzer is located) and continue via Lederzeele to Volckerinckhove. Here resides the organization Yser Houck, which studies and restores traditional Flemish heritage. Then we climb to the plateau of Merckeghem and ride along the ridge to Bollezeele. Next is the charming village of Rubrouck, the birthplace of Willem van Rubrouck, a sort of Flemish Marco Polo. Esquelbecq (Ekelsbeke) won the title 'Village préféré des Français' in 2023. In the village center, we admire a beautiful church and castle. In the vicinity lies a special memorial site, La Plaine au Bois. Via Ledringhem, we head to Arnèke, once a famous pilgrimage site. Finally, we cycle to the tiny Ochtezeele and Noordpeene.

Cycling Route - junctions