The world-famous Belgian artist Paul Delvaux (1897-1994) lived respectively in Sint-Idesbald (Koksijde) and Veurne. The Paul Delvaux route (48.7 kilometers) gives you an idea of the beautiful surroundings that the versatile talent was associated with.

The official starting point of this tourist route is the parking lot of the Paul Delvaux Museum, Paul Delvauxlaan 42, in Sint-Idesbald. However, we departed from Wulpen (Koksijde) from the spacious free parking at the Sint-Willibrordus Church.

From Wulpen we go through the grounds of Golf Ter Hille to the NAVIGO - National Fisheries Museum in Oostduinkerke village. Through a rolling dune landscape, we reach the educational Visitor Center Doornpanne, after which we admire the highest dune on the Flemish coast: the Hoge Blekker (33 meters).

We head to the seawall and thus arrive in Koksijde and Sint-Idesbald. We then reach the Paul Delvaux Museum, rich in works by the artist. Through the hinterland of Koksijde, De Panne, and Veurne, we roll into the latter town via Vaubanpark and Sint-Walburgapark. In the latter park, there is a bust that represents Paul Delvaux.

In the vicinity of the Grote Markt, there are many historic buildings, including: City and Land House, Sint-Walburgakerk, Sint-Niklaaskerk, etc. The junctions then lead to Bulskamp, Houtem, Wulveringem, Vinkem, Steenkerke, Avekapelle, and Booitshoeke. After that, we hit the brakes to take a look at Kasteel Beauvoorde.

Steenkerke, the village of singer-sculptor Willem Vermandere, is our next destination. We enjoy the rural beauty in Steenkerke, Avekapelle, and Booitshoeke to ultimately reach Wulpen again. End of a pleasant and beautiful ride with a touch of culture.

Signposting: cycle from the parking at the church in Wulpen to the junctions 6-98-66-58-62-65-74-76-59-84-9-83-10-12-85-25-26-27-97-29-14-72-60-73-19-20-6 (up to the church in Wulpen).

Read the extensive report in 'Fietsen Moet Kunnen' issue 148 (September 2024). Info: www.fietsenmoetkunnen.be