One week in De Panne, west end of the Belgian coast

Who would think about spending a week on the Belgian coast, when local climate gets so often associated with rain, clouds, and winds ? Well, think twice. Very popular among the French living beyond the border (5 minutes away) as well as Belgians, De Panne is known for being one of the sunniest locations in the country, thanks to the wind that pushes the clouds away. Many tourists have decided to go there on a regular basis, even own a small apartment; they see the town as a privileged spot for breathing fresh air and relaxing. De Panne is an ideal place to stay, especially as a family with young kids, as you will have the opportunity to spend a day in Plopsaland, famous theme Park, to go to educational farms, or to walk on the seaside promenade. If you want to take your car, note that Bruges and the Zwin reserve are within one-hour reach. You may also decide to go to nearby England (why not?), as the terminal to get on the Euroshuttle is 40 minutes away, in Calais (France), and crossing the Channel requires no more than half-an-our.

The Westhoek natural reserve

Dynastielaan, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Plopsaland

De Pannelaan 68, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Hoeve Paepehof, farm for kids and place to eat

Veldstraat, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Take an afternoon shopping on the Zeelaan in De Panne

Zeelaan, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Plopsaqua

Dorpsplein, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Zwin Nature Reserve, Knokke-Heist

The Zwin, 8300 Knokke-Heist, Belgium