Burgundian Round

The Bourgondisch Rondje introduces you to beautiful nature reserves and the six cozy village centers of the municipality of Hilvarenbeek. You cycle on quiet roads, through forest areas and past meadows. The starting point of the route is the Vrijthof in Hilvarenbeek. Hilvarenbeek is a beautiful village with a unique Burgundian atmosphere. In the heart of the municipality lies the authentic Frankish market field the Vrijthof. This field is surrounded by village houses, many cozy terraces and old lime trees; the gigantic"boden-linde\\\", under which justice was once administered, is more than three hundred years old. Next to the Vrijthof is a 75-meter-high monumental tower of the Kempen brick Gothic style from 1450. The church is even older than this tower and has a surprising interior. From Hilvarenbeek you cycle to Esbeek. This old village is located east of the Rovertsche Heide and Gorp en Roovert estate. This nature reserve runs south into the beautiful estate of Utrecht. The descendants of the people who cultivated the heath a century ago live in this cosy, historic village. Esbeek offers several terraces where you can relax while enjoying a drink during the bike ride. From Esbeek the journey continues to Baarschot. The rural core of Baarschot is a close-knit community with its own social culture. Agriculture used to be the main source of livelihood for the inhabitants. In addition to the monumental old brewery, there are a few eighteenth-century long-gabled farms and a Mariagrot, a war memorial from 1945. After Baarschot, the core of Diessen follows, a village with an ancient history. It was already inhabited before the era. Since the eighth century, the village center has had a special relationship with St. Willibrord. The fifteenth-century church in the village is dedicated to him. From Diessen the route goes towards Haghorst, a picturesque mining village with great nature. With its Wilhelmina Canal, the town is ideal for cycling trips and picnics at the lock. In the summer months, dozens of boats pass through this lock, where you can also enjoy the passage of the boats and yachts; a real sight! The last core is Biest-Houtakker. In the middle of the village is a colostrum; a triangular grassy square, surrounded by a group of long-gabled farmhouses. The edge of the village offers a view of the surrounding fields and farmlands for miles. From Biest-Houtakker the route goes via Landgoed Gorp and Roovert back to Hilvarenbeek. The estate consists of ± 800 hectares of forest and 370 hectares of agricultural land and is owned by the Van Puijenbroek family. The core of the estate is formed by the two very old hamlets"Gorp\\\" and"Roovert\\\". Back in Hilvarenbeek you can settle down on one of the cozy terraces and listen to the beautiful sounds of the Beekse Carillon while enjoying a local beer. You can also enjoy delicious regional dishes at the various catering establishments. In short: Burgundian enjoyment in a beautiful and cozy environment.