De Panne Beach

Belgium's westernmost beach, De Panne Beach, is located between the towns Saint-Idesbald and De Panne, close to the border with France and just a short drive from Dunkirk. With a diverse landscape, some sections of the beach are surrounded by tall grass dunes, while others run straight from the water to the door of the resort hotels. Several areas on the beach regularly host children's activities, making this a top choice for families. At the east end of the beach, a yacht club offers boat and watercraft rentals.

The history of the town is the same as its famous neighbor, both of whom were involved in "Operation Dynamo" during the Second World War. In town, visitors will find an excellent museum dedicated to the war about its impact on the region. At the southern end of the beach, there is a monument of King Leopold I, who first set foot in Belgium on these shores in 1831.

Just south of Westhoek Nature Reserve, a beautiful wetland area includes kilometers of trails through dunes and grasslands. Visitors will see a wide variety of migratory birds, as well as upland cattle.

Location: North Sea coast of the Belgian province of West Flanders