Flemish Ardennes

Wide valleys, steep slopes and the green banks of the Scheldt and the Zwalmbeek constitute not only the backdrop for the Tour of Flanders, but also offer all the ingredients for a varied weekend away. Walk through the countryside and observe the sails of numerous windmills. Or accept the challenge and follow one of the many mountain bike trails.

Tour of Flanders Centre

This interactive experience centre is built around the Flemish cycling classic. Experience the atmosphere and history of Flanders' Most Beautiful Race. You can also go there for something wet and something dry in the cycling brasserie De Flandrien. At the counter they've got tourist info, and you'll find an original cycling gadget or a retro outfit in the Tour shop. Here you can also get your free chip, so that afterwards you can jump on your own bike and have your performance measured on the best-known of the course's climbs.

12 heritage walks guided by your smartphone

With your smartphone as a guide, you can discover remarkable places in hiking paradise the Flemish Ardennes along twelve heritage routes. Along the way by means of short texts, pictures and audio clips you'll get to know the stories, both big and small.

Oudenaarde, Zottegem, Geraardsbergen and Ronse each have three town walks for you. Sometimes the trail is fixed, sometimes you can decide where to go using the map on the screen and you'll receive a signal if you are near a point of interest.

3 natural beauty spots you mustn't miss:

• Provincial estate De Gavers in Geraardsbergen: beautiful recreation area around a large lake with plenty of leisure options.
• Kluisbos at Kluisbergen: the largest forest in the Flemish Ardennes, located on the language border.
• De Kaaihoeve in Zwalm: nature lovers should all visit this provincial nature education centre.

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi