LF 1 North Sea Route - Flanders Cycle Route

The LF 1 North Sea Route connects Boulogne-sur-Mer (F) with Den Helder (NL), over a distance of approximately 470 km. The route is part of the international North Sea Cycle Route and is the first of the LF routes to be signposted in two directions since 1989. In Flanders, the LF 1 North Sea Route between Diksmuide and Damme forms the western arm of the Flanders Cycle Route. The Flemish section of the LF 1 North Sea Route is 150 km long and runs from the French-Belgian border in Oost-Cappel to the Belgian-Dutch transition at Sluis. The route flirts with the coast and leads you through a network of extensive polders and typical West Flemish villages. Let yourself be carried away by the North Sea wind and discover this flat, quiet landscape while cycling. From south to north: After the white chalk cliffs of Boulonnais, the hills of Artesie and the French woodland, you cycle parallel to the Yser into rural Flanders. The river appears to be a reliable guide through the Westhoek. The route passes Diksmuide with its Yser Tower. In addition to a museum about War, Peace and Flemish emancipation, this 84m high peace monument also offers a beautiful view of the Westhoek. Just past the butter city, the route takes a turn towards the coast straight through the area west of the Yser, called'Bachten de Kupe\\\'. The route leads you through the open agricultural landscape via the provincial town of Veurne and the dune area of Koksijde towards the seaside town of Nieuwpoort. The equestrian statue of King Albert I serves as a reminder of the victims of the First World War. The North Sea Route also comes close to Ostend,'city by the sea\\\'. After a trip through the vast nature in the polders and the Zwin region, you reach the medieval town of Damme. This little book town is sure to charm and perhaps even inspire you. With the Damse Vaart as your guide, you will eventually reach the border with the Netherlands. From here, the LF1 continues north over miles of dams, past elongated dune strips and charming fishing villages. In Den Helder the route connects to the LF 10 Wadden Sea Route, the next section of the international North Sea Cycle Route.