Deinze
The cycling route begins in the centre of Deinze, next to the Provinciaal Domein De Brielmeersen. On reaching the Kromme Brug, you will find the first node for cyclists on your route: Node 3.
Cycling route from Deinze to Sint-Martens-Latem
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Cycling route from Deinze to Sint-Martens-Latem
- Length
- 27,9 km
- Time
- 2u
- Terrain
- 92% Verhard
Kromme Brug, 9800 Deinze
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Extended route description
The Lys charms, the Lys inspires. For numerous artists, the river, and the wide valley around it, was and still is a great seductress. On this ride between Deinze and Sint-Martens-Latem, you will find out exactly what it was that appealed to them. You can take in the views over the lakes, the tranquillity of green spaces, unspoiled nooks and crannies, authentic villages, lush forest pathways and, of course, the famous collections in the museums located along the way.
THE BAARLE FERRY
Baarle
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
In Baarle, the motorised ferry will be waiting to carry you safely to the other side of the Lys (without getting wet!). Here, you can take a moment to enjoy the beautiful view across the water and of Sint-Martens-latem, where the next step of your route will await you.
Latemse Meersen
Latemse meersen
David Samyn
Although the painter Albijn Van den Abeele was only too happy to paint ’his’ Latem, he also frequently set up his easel in this nature reserve on the right bank of the river Lys. More than a century later, the wet hay meadows and pastures here are still a sight to behold, particularly in spring, when the wetlands are in bloom. At Node 74, you can walk or cycle your way into the heart of this stunning natural environment.
Torenhof
Once you leave the green surroundings of the Latemse Meersen, you will be able to see the Torenhof from a long way off. This imposing former home and studio of the artist and illustrator Albert Servaes was inspired by the typical Romanesque monastic architecture and is used today as a charming family-run hotel. In good weather, you can take an idyllic break under the trees with a drink.
THE VILLAGE OF DEURLE
Deurle
Greetje Van Buggenhout
Museum Gust De Smet
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Feast your eyes on this oasis of green avenues – and well-to-do detached homes. In the churchyard in Deurle, a number of well-known artists lie at rest. There, you will find the graves of Gust De Smet, who often painted 'his' Deurle, Xavier De Cock, Jenny Montigny, Albert Claeys and Gaston Martens, among others.
Museums
Still in Deurle, just past Node 86, two museums are located along your route. The Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens offers a forward-looking interpretation of the vision of its founders, Jules and Irma Dhondt-Dhaenens, by bringing together art from the 20th and 21st centuries in high-profile exhibitions. In Museum Gust De Smet, you can stroll through the artist's former residence and discover a blend of expressionism and cubism.
OOIDONK CASTLE AND VILLA ZONNESCHIJN
Ooidonk
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Deinze
Jens Mollenvanger
Maaigemdijk Deinze
Toerisme Leiestreek vzw
The linden tree-lined lane to Ooidonk Castle was a favourite painting spot for numerous artists from the Lys region. In the early 1920s, the studios of Frits Van den Berghe and the brothers Gust and Léon De Smet could be found at house number 6. On the nearby Maaigemdijk, you can see Emile Claus' Villa Zonneschijn on the other side of the Lys. A little further on is the spot where he painted 'De Bietenoogst' (The Beet Harvest), his most famous painting which is displayed at the mudel in Deinze.
Grand Café Het Koetshuis
Next to the entrance gate to the castle, the former coach house now houses the eatery Het Koetshuis. Its menu includes hot and cold drinks, sweets, snacks and classic dishes. Open Fridays to Tuesdays from 10.30 a.m onwards.
Astene Sas
Astene sas
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
On entering the small village of Astene you pass a location that is a must-see photo opportunity: Astene Lock This historic drawbridge over the Lys dates from the year 1861. Together with the two lockkeeper's cottages alongside, it forms an idyllic spot along the route. Here, you can make a passing visit to the Oud Sashuis and its proprietor/lockkeeper Wim for a drink and a pleasant conversation.
Brasserie BrunO
Before setting off back to the centre of Deinze, you can make a quick stop at Brasserie BrunO. This former warehouse has a splendid terrace on the banks of the Lys and a nice collection of artworks by local artists on its walls.