County of Flanders tour
Sail with Johanna on the rives and canals of the old County of Flanders (863-1794). Discover it’s early origin in Doornik (Tournay), the city in the Northern part of of West Francia where king Clovis I (466-511) was the first babtised king of what later became France.
Flanders was one of the most powerful political entities in the medieval Low Countries, located on the North Sea coast of modern-day Belgium and the northern part of France.
Visit Ghent and Bruges, the 2 most important cities of the county of Flanders. There was always some rivaly between these 2 cities. Bruges lost its commercial power in the late Middle Ages when the sea retreated. Ghent flourished thanks to the industrialization of the wool trade.
Land gained on the retreating sea brought very fertile soil. New villages and cities arose along the coastline, whith Ostend becoming the Queen of Seaside Resorts.
Doornik, city of Clovis I
Doornik (Tournai) was the capital of the Frankish Empire under Clovis I until 507, the beginning of what would later become France. Afterwards, it became the seat of the first Bishopric of Flanders. Like Oudenaarde, it was a center for cloth and tapestries in the 15th century. Today, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Scheldt to the medieval Bridge of Holes. A signposted route starts at the market square and takes you to all the interesting places in the city, with the fully restored Notre-Dame Cathedral as the highlight.
Oudenaarde with its turbulent past
We sail on the Scheldt, once the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire, towards Oudenaarde. We moor in the city centre. The Beguinage invites you to a moment of rest. Cycling enthusiasts will undoubtedly visit the Tour of Flanders visitor centre here. In Ename, we find the archaeological museum and archaeopark with remains of a castle and abbey.
Ghent, cloth trade on the Scheldt
Find entertainment at the Vrijdagmarkt and the Graslei. Sample the “Gentse neuzen” or visit the Dreupelkotje for a tasty drink. Perhaps the Gravensteen (Count’s Castle) will charm you with its medieval secrets? Or would you rather visit one of the charming restaurants in the Patershol? Ghent also offers a rich selection of art: from the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers in St Bavo’s Cathedral to contemporary art in the SMAK museum.
Bruges, Venice of the North
Visit historic Bruges with its rich past. A boat trip on the canals is a great start and gives you a different perspective on the city. From the top of the Belfry, you can overlook the old city gates and ramparts, the market and the Burg with the Gothic town hall, and so much more. Discover the local beer Brugse Zot during a tour of brewery De Halve Maan. Or visit the lace museum and the beautiful Jerusalem Church.
Oudenburg and Ostend: Romans and seaside resort
Passing through the Plassendale lock, classified as a historical monument, we reach the canal to Nieuwpoort. We dock in Oudenburg. Here, Saint Arnold, patron saint of brewers, founded the Saint Peter’s Abbey in 1184. Today, it is also home to the Roman Archaeological Museum and the St. Arnoldus Visitor Centre.
An excursion to nearby Ostend is a must: the lively coaastal city with the James Ensor house, Mu.ZEE with Belgian artists, the Atlantikwall in Raversyde and the Napoleontic Fortress.
Nieuwpoort and the coast
After a few hours of sailing on the Plassendale – Nieuwpoort canal, we moor near the De Ganzepoot lock complex. Here, in 1914, the Yser Plain was flooded to halt the advance of the German armies. From the top of the Albert I Monument, you have a beautiful view of the five locks. Fresh fish and shrimp are delivered daily to the fish market, which is certainly worth a visit. Or perhaps you’re more in the mood for a walk in the dunes, a visit to the remains of the Ter Duinen abbye in Koksijde, or enjoying contemporary art walk… it is all possible here in the Nieuwpoort area.
Depending on the schedule, the journey can also proceed in the reverse direction.
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