Along farmyards and castles, on the edge between sand and clay

Varsenare has a unique location, on the border between poor sandy soil and rich clay polders. Until the middle of the 20th century, this agricultural village was an important food supplier for Bruges. Today, Varsenare is primarily a 'sleeping place' for people who work in the Bruges region.

Agriculture still plays a prominent role in Varsenare and the neighboring municipalities; it is the main source of income for the few (noble) landowners who live scattered among the fields and pastures. As you walk, you will notice that the available land is used partly for livestock farming and partly for arable farming.

Finally, today's walk will help you get an idea of how society was organized at the time of De Ferraris (and how this can be read from the landscape and buildings): what role did the nobility, the Church, and the farmers play in this? Surprisingly, you will also notice that much has changed, but also little compared to the 18th century. This walking experience makes it clear that the map of De Ferraris not only depicted the landscape but also mapped the society.