Lys Region

In the Lys Region (Leiestreek) water is never far away. Biking, hiking, boating, ... the Lys makes it all possible with its inviting sailing routes and hiking trails along the winding banks between Wervik and Ghent. More than 30 museums, culinary delights and a new cycling network complete the picture. Visit, too, the picturesque village of Deurle en Sint-Martens-Latem, the principal artists' village on the romantic Lys.

Eating and drinking in the Lys Region

Luscious Lys is a gastronomic top region. The rich traditions of the region, such as its red-brown beers, combined with a delicious meal ... just turn to its many atmospheric and stylish restaurants or to its young master-chefs. Unique to the Lys Region are the many wonderful cafés on the waterfront. Banquet in the sun, or enjoy a fresh local beer with a view of the water: that's what we call 'living like God in the Lys region.'

Zulte, Deinze and Sint-Martens-Latem

These three municipalities along the Lys constitute one of the finest pieces of East Flanders. The beautiful meanders in the river and the accompanying shore landscapes attracted numerous artists to settle in the region at the beginning of the 20th century. Many impressionist and expressionist masterpieces are now on display in its museums and galleries.

On the website http://www.langsdeleie.be you can find more places worth visiting: château Ooidonk, the Brielmeersen nature reserve with its marina, and the beautiful nature along the Maaigemdijk.

The Lys Region Greeters await you!

You can also visit the region with one of the 22 Lys Region Greeters. This is a group of enthusiastic locals who take small groups of tourists in tow on a voluntary basis to visit their town, village or district. The Greeters are true ambassadors who guide visitors while speaking from their own experience of their knowledge and passions. This participatory tourism is a popular initiative borrowed from New York, where experience is central. You can discover the profile of each Greeter and, alongside them, try out the region on foot, by bicycle or even by cargo bike!

Kortrijk

And if you'd prefer a nice day's shopping, then try strolling through Kortrijk's pedestrianized centre and checking out some of what's on offer. Kortrijk has a large indoor shopping mall called K, and many high-quality and innovative businesses. The town also has a historic centre with the Broel Towers, remains of the medieval ramparts with a bridge over the Lys, and has in recent years undergone a real transformation with the construction of Buda island and the renovation of the banks of the Lys. Old and new, discover it on a nice walking route with audio available for your smartphone.

More tourist information at http://www.westtoer.be/nl and at http://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/nl.

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi ©westtoer