Kanne, Eijsden and Maastricht

Cycling through the heart of Maastricht, along the river bank and along the Maasboulevard, is a great experience. Here you can taste the atmosphere of the Limburg capital and it becomes clear why Maastricht is known as one of the nicest cities in the Netherlands. Various companies and shops are located on the Maasboulevard, where people come in and out. This forms a nice contrast with the tranquility that the wide Maas radiates. The boulevard is gradually becoming less busy and business is making way for a greener appearance. There are also many vineyards in this area, where different types of grapes are grown. With Maastricht's Burgundian reputation, it is not difficult to imagine that various wines originate here. From the parking lot on the edge of Maastricht you cycle to the border with Belgium. Just on Dutch territory you will come across Château Neercanne, which was built just outside the Belgian village of Kanne. The special thing about this building is that it is the only terraced castle in the Netherlands. The castle was built on Roman defenses. The caves of those works are included in the castle and are used as a wine cellar. The current building was first mentioned in 1353, but after the building was destroyed, the outbuildings and the striking southern corner tower were rebuilt in 1611. The building houses a restaurant with a Michelin star. The well-known tunnel systems of the marl caves are located behind the castle. The Meschermolen is an overcast water mill from 1699. It was used as a flour mill and it is the first water mill on the Voer stream. The mill served for centuries and was only closed down in the early 1950s. The mill was no longer needed, because an electric hammer mill was installed in the village. The mill was restored between 1996 and 1998 and made suitable for grinding again. The mill can be visited by appointment. Another mill that you will encounter during your bike ride is a grain mill. This water mill was built in 1857. This mill, which was used as a flour mill, replaces its predecessor that was built in 1788. One of the three couples present can be driven electrically so that the mill could also run at low tide. The mill was in use until the early 1950s and then fell into disrepair. The mill was last restored in 1975 but is no longer used.

Eijsden Castle