TVT23_Bruges_roadbook_en

THEVESPATRIP

Bruges

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ROADS AND HIGHLIGHTS

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTAURANTS

Welcomein Bruges

Today celebrate the start of your fantastic micro-adventure along the most beautiful winding roads of the Polders, with the charming city of Bruges as your base

On your legendary two-wheeler, you will discover this region's beauty. Your base in Bruges connects all these places and completes your nearby excursion!

In this brochure, we will explain what your trip will look like and provide you with some tips and interesting facts.

Kind regards, Team Vespa Trip

ADAYIN BRUGES

The Vespa Trip Bruges takes you from the historic centre of Bruges along the most beautiful, expansive routes of the Polder region.

You will spend an entire day on your scooter exploring panoramic polder roads and enjoying this adventure!

Using this roadbook and GPS, you can independently follow the routes we have plotted out for you.

This brochure shows you how to find the best views and must-dos along the way. We highly recommend them, but they are certainly not mandatory. You decide for yourself what you want to do or not do during your adventure.

VESPA DIRECTIVES

Some already have some experience riding a two-wheeler, but it may be their first time for others Although it may seem simple, we still provide some rules that must be known.

Always wear a helmet, even on a sunny day.

Respect the recommended speed limit of 30 to 35 km/h.

The left brake is for the rear wheel, the right brake is for the front wheel. Try to brake evenly with both brakes to avoid braking on one wheel (slippery conditions).

On gravel roads, it is advisable to minimize braking. If you do need to brake, especially with the right brake lever, there is a risk of sliding

Rely on the scooter's rearview mirrors and avoid looking backwards

Limit the number of overtaking maneuvers Most accidents occur during overtaking

PRACTICAL

Breakfast, lunch and diner?

During a midday pit stop with your scooter, you can enjoy our delicious optional picnic basket. The beach of Cadzand is the perfect location to discover this basket full of surprises

Furthermore, in the roadbook, you will also find recommendations for restaurants we have found for you in Damme, Knokke-Heist, Cadzand, and Sluis

Spend the night in Bruges

The Black Swan Hotel is located a 6-minute walk from the Grand Place. This charming three-star hotel has around 20 rooms, a cosy outdoor terrace, and a wooden hot tub accessible until 10 PM

We highly recommend this hotel if you want to book a last-minute night!

In case of technical problems or breakdowns, you can always reach VAB at +32 78 222 222 from Belgium or +32 3 253 65 65 from the Netherlands You can call them for help at any time Of course, we are also available and will look for a solution as soon as possible.

Your micro adventure starts at Fort Lapin in Bruges. You will be given the keys to your scooter, helmet, lock, and GPS at the start. We ensure you can start your trip with a full gas tank.

In the evening, before 7 PM, you bring your scooter back to the same place The route takes you from Bruges to Cadzand, then in a beautiful loop via Sluis along the most minor roads back to the historic city.

Before saying goodbye to the Vespa, a gas station will be provided along the way, which will cost a maximum of €5 to refuel

TIPOF THE DAY

If you pass by the centre of Damme between 1 PM and 3 PM, you can climb the tower for only €2 50

Damme - Flemish Polder villages -

Knokke - Cadzand - Sluis - Bruges

This route takes you along the polder region's most beautiful roads and viewpoints. Your adventure starts right along the extensive path of the Damme canal. You can stop in the picturesque village of Damme before continuing your journey along the typically winding Flemish polder roads The route leads you to the coastal town of Cadzand and the old fortified city of Sluis, just across the border The beach of Cadzand is the perfect location to take a pit stop and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Damme

Located in the heart of the Flemish Polders is the village of Tijl Uilenspiegel Damme is known for its beautiful views and unspoiled nature: from vast polder landscapes to historic dikes and straight canals to nature reserves.

Walk through Kerkstraat, and you will find many cosy cafes and restaurants, such as De Smisse, Tante Marie, De Lamme Goedzak, and Restaurant De Uilenspiegel

De Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

Has a flat tower. Churches with flat towers are unique to the Bruges polder region Admission to the church is free, and for those who are up for a challenging climb, you can also climb the tower. You'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Damme and its surroundings from the top

Sint-Janshospital

is one of the oldest buildings in Damme and served as a shelter for the sick, the poor, and travellers in the past For a long time, until the 21st century, the hospital functioned as a nursing home.

Flemishpoldervillages

You ride all day along Polder villages with sounding names like Oostkerke, Ramskapelle, Moerkerke, and Vivenkapelle Often, the towns are built up from a collection of white houses that stand out beautifully in the endless greenery of the region. Here you will find the Flanders of our greatgrandparents, including village legends, small chapels for illnesses, and cosy cafes

Oostkerke Ramskapelle

Oostkerke was once voted one of the most beautiful villages in West Flanders The village has many whitewashed facades that make it very cosy Along your route in Oostkerke, you will find a unique grain mill. Further down the street, you can see the Sint-Kwintenskerk with a flat tower

The castle of Oostkerke is located on a lane where you, unfortunately, cannot drive through with a scooter Park in the village and walk to Spegelsweg 2 You can admire the castle standing here since the 13th century.

Ramskapelle is one of many polder villages. You'll find the For Freedom Museum at the village centre, a striking white house with red accents This museum takes you back to World War II through various collections. You can also enjoy a drink in the museum café while discovering an old collection of photos with music from the war years in the background. Visit at Ramskapellestraat 91/93.

Visit at: Ramskapellestraat 91/93, Knokke-Heist

Moerkerke-Vivenkapelle

Towards the end of the route, you will drive through villages such as Moerkerke and Vivenkapelle These villages are surrounded by nature, with old farmhouses and chapels along the road

Cadzand Knokke-Heist

Knokke-Heist is a bustling city with plenty to experience. You can park your Vespa to breathe fresh air on the beach or grab a bite to eat at one of the many brasseries along the promenade. Be mindful of where you park and which routes you take to avoid fines! The seaside resort is known for its luxurious neighbourhoods and cars If you enjoy these, you must figure out where to look first.

Sluis

Cadzand is located on the Netherlands side of the Zwin and is almost the opposite of its Belgian neighbour, Knokke-Heist You will find many restaurants, beaches, nature reserves, and fun things to do with the kids. Due to its peaceful atmosphere and less development, this is the ideal place to picnic on the beach

Discover Sluis, a charming fortified town in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen With its strategic location on the banks of the Zwin estuary, Sluis has been an important historical center since 1382. In addition to the well-known shops that are open seven days a week, Sluis offers some unique attractions:

The Belfort of Sluis, the only belfry in the Netherlands, was built in 1375 and features the typical style of Flemish belfries. Admire the clock figurine "Jantje van Sluis" that strikes the time on the bells with his hammer The Belfort is now an interactive museum and can be visited for €5 5 You can find it at Groote Markt 1, Sluis

Discover the only remaining windmill from the Middle Ages, 'De Brak'. Built in 1739, it was the first stone mill in the area. Climb the platform and enjoy a panoramic view of Sluis and the surroundings The current miller still grinds and mixes flour, which you can buy or taste in the brasserie, where delicious pancakes or apple pie are served A visit to the mill costs €2, and the address is Nieuwstraat 26, Sluis.

Damme

Siphon Markt12

The Siphon in Damme is one of the most charming and cosy restaurants in the enchanting Flemish polder region It's a delightful place to dine.

Damse Vaart-Oost 1, Damme

Knokke

IjsbarLiliane Lakeside paradise

Yum... ice cream! Nothing beats a delicious ice cream during a walk along the dike

Zeedijk-Albertstrand 539, Knokke-Heist

Here, you can enjoy a drink or a snack with a beautiful view of the lake.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Markt 12. This is the place to be for classic dishes with a contemporary twist! You can enjoy a drink or snack with a beautiful lake view here.

Kerkstraat 12, Damme

CADZAND

Cadzand is known for the famous star chef Sergio Herman. On sunny days, you can enjoy a drink at one of the various beach bars

Duinenwater 41, Knokke-Heist

If you take a scooter trip on Friday, you can also browse around the market in Sluis.

TIPOF THE DAY

Sluis

TearoomLindenhoeve Foodcafekaai10

Prefer a sweet dessert? For a large assortment of pancakes, waffles, pastries, and ice cream sundaes, you can visit the rustic Tearoom Lindenhoeve

Beestenmarkt 4, Sluis.

At the eatery Kaai 10, you will find delicious tapas It's the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink with a small snack outside when the weather is good.

Kaai 10, Sluis

Vivenkapelle

The icefarm

Here too, you have a choice of different delicious flavors

Oude Damse Weg 2A, Vivenkapelle.

Bruges

Want to stay a little longer in Bruges? Be sure to try one of the following restaurants!

OURTIPSDURING YOURDAYTRIP

Damme

The Smisse, summer bar, lunch, restaurant: Kerkstraat 6, 8340 Damme De Lamme

Goedzak: Kerkstraat 13, 8340, Damme

Restaurant de Uilenspiegel: Kerkstraat 29, 8340 Damme

Tante Marie: Kerkstraat 38, 8340 Damme

Cadzand

Brasserie Loulou: Boulevard de Wielingen 2G

Caricole: Boulevard de Wielingen 1A

Bistro Beaufort: Bistro Beaufort

Strand Ruig Paviljoen: Zwarte

Polderweg 49

Zwarte Polderweg 49: Noordzeestraat 11

Dok 14: Zwartepolderweg 16, 4506 HV Cadzand, Nederland

Knokke Sluis

TIP: You can park your Vespa and grab something to eat at the many brasseries along the dike Be careful of where you park and the routes you take to avoid fines

De Rubens: Zeedijk-Albertstrand 589, 8300

Knokke-Heist

Lakeside Paradise: Duinenwater 41, 8300

Knokke-Heist

Le petit Bidon: Dumortierlaan 75, 8300

Knokke-Heist

Café de Paris: Van Bunnenplein 29, 8300

Knokke-Heist

Beachbars that we recommend

Lichttorenstrand

Knokkestrand

Mood beach

The Famouz

The Collins…

Lunch & tearoom Petrus & Paulus

Lunchroom My Way

Le Poisson D’or

kNOKKE

OUR TIPS IN BRUGGE - PLACES TO EAT

Vlissinghe Houseofwaffles

Since 1515, Café Vlissinghe has been a fixed value in the SintAnnakwartier district in Bruges The oldest café in Bruges is anything but dormant The unique and warm atmosphere makes Vlissinghe a magnet for both locals and tourists Discover the rich history of this special place with a delicious snack and drink in the beautiful courtyard. In summer, you can even play a game of pétanque in the garden.

Blekerstraat 2, 8000 Brugge

A trip to Bruges cannot go without tasting a delicious Belgian waffle. The House of Waffles is a cosy family-owned business known as the best waffle house in Bruges and its surroundings. The house's speciality is savoury waffles Definitely worth a try!

Wollestraat 31, 8000 Brugge

DID YOU KNOW?

Café Vlissinghe was one of the regular hangouts of Pieter Aspe, a well-known Belgian writer.