Veurne – Abbey ‘Ten Duinen’

Two all too often overlooked gems of Belgium’s Westhoek

What better time than spring for a relaxing stroll through the historic city center of Veurne, the main city and pearl of the Belgian Westhoek, a region located between the Yser River and the border with France.

The origins of Veurne go back to the 9th century. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Veurne, as an important city in the historic county of Flanders, became very wealthy due to the flourishing trade with England. As an important city in the Spanish Netherlands, it was often besieged in the 17th century. During the First World War it was the center of that part of Belgium that was not occupied by the Germans.

Our tour, which starts at the Town and Country House on the Grote Markt and takes us along cozy, lively streets and alleys. We will have plenty of time to explore the main monuments of this beautiful and interesting city: the old mansions grouped around the Grote Markt, the old town hall, the St. Walburga and St. Nicholas Church, the latter with its massive tower, the Gothic belfry, the Spanish pavilion, the Meat Market and many other sites of interest.

In the afternoon we are welcomed in the museum of the Ten Duinen Abbey.

During the Middle Ages, the silhouette of the Cistercian abbey dominated the landscape of Koksijde and the surrounding area. The abbey was one of the wealthiest and most influential centers in the medieval county of Flanders.

During our visit to the museum we will have time to wander along the ancient wall remains, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the local nature.
We explore the treasures and unique collection items that archaeologists have found on site and learn about the history of the abbey, monastic life and the important role that the Dune Lords played in the region.

Planning of the day:

• 10:30-11:00: welcome coffee / tea in Hotel Amarylis  located in a beautiful 18^th century classical style mansion.
• 11:00-12:30 : guided walk in the historic centre of Veurne: starting  in front of the Veurne Tourist Office ( Visit Veurne), Grote Markt, 29
• 12:30-14:30 : lunch in Brasserie Excelsior Grote Markt 31 Veurne. Lunch will consist of 3 courses (soup, salmon with Hollandaise sauce served with season vegetables & chips)   including a glass of wine/beer/soft drink/water plus coffee or tea. Vegetarian or gluten free meals will be served to participants who indicated this at registration.
• 14:30: departure for the Ten Duinen Abbey in Koksijde :  A. Verbouwenlaan, 15  8670 Koksijde. A ride of 6 km ( 10 min’) along the N8.
• 15:00 – 17:00 : guided visit of the abbey and grounds.

How to get there:

• By car: from Brussels take the A40 until Jabbeke and continue on the A40 direction Calais.

Take exit 1a Veurne to N8 direction Veurne/Ieper N35 Koksijde/De Panne. Keep to the right and follow N39/N35 Nieuwpoort/N390 Diksmuide. A ride of 138km which takes about 1h30. As the centre of Veurne is a blue zone where you can only park for 2 hours, participants are advised to park their cars in a few streets – Daniel de Dehaenelaan/ Kaaiplaats/Oude Vestingstraat-  where you can park free for the day and from where you can reach the centre after a short walk .

• By public transport: although you can reach Veurne by train ( from Brussels it takes 2h30m) it will be difficult to get there on time.

Therefore, the organiser would greatly appreciate that members/participants offer car-pooling or communicate their willingness to pick up would-be participants who are less mobile.

Of course, you may prefer to arrive the day before and stay overnight.