The best traffic-free bike rides around Poperinge

After the poet Emile Verhaeren died in November 1916 in the French town of Rouen, he was initially buried in the military cemetery of Adinkerke (De Panne). Due to the advancing German troops, his remains were secretly transferred at the end of 1917 to a second temporary resting place in the cemetery of Wulveringem (Alveringem). It was not until 1927 that he was finally laid to rest in his monumental tomb on the Scheldt in Sint-Amands. You can find more details about his life and the various locations on the biography page of the Emile Verhaeren Museum.

In the churchyard lie 15 British casualties (including 3 unidentified) from the Second World War. They were members of the British Expeditionary Force who fought against the advancing German troops. They died between 30 May and 1 June 1940. Their graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and are registered there as Wulveringem Churchyard. Source: Wikipedia

Nice dirt path parallel to the road.

The castle isn't open to the public except for specific events, so check the calendar. It's located just across from Beauvoorde's beautiful church and cemetery. A little further down the street, you'll also find the old pancake bakery and pancake house. You used to be able to visit both, but now there's a vending machine selling the famous Beauvoorde pancakes.

The town of Poperinge (now Poperinge) was of great importance during the First World War because, although occasionally bombed or bombed from a distance, it was the closest town to Ypres (now Ypres), which was both substantial and reasonably safe. It initially served as a center for wounded units, but by 1916 it became necessary to move these units further back, and their places were taken by field ambulances. The earliest Commonwealth graves in the town are in the municipal cemetery. The Old Military Cemetery was established during the First Battle of Ypres and, as far as Commonwealth graves are concerned, was closed in early May 1915. The New Military Cemetery was established in June 1915. The New Military Cemetery contains 677 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and 271 French war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. Source: https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/14500/poperinghe-new-military-cemetery/

Poperinge town was in British hands for almost the entire war. It was an important location because it was the closest town to Ypres, relatively safe from bombardment, and of considerable size. Initially, it served as a center for Casualty Clearing Stations, but in 1916 these were withdrawn and replaced by Field Ambulances. The first Commonwealth burials were in the town cemetery (Poperinge Communal Cemetery). The Old Military Cemetery was used during the First Battle of Ypres and closed, at least for Commonwealth burials, in early May 1915. The New Military Cemetery opened in June 1915. This cemetery contains 677 Commonwealth graves and 274 graves of other nationalities, including 271 French. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. Burials (Commonwealth War Graves Commission): United Kingdom: 597 Canada: 55 Australia: 20 New Zealand: 3 Other Commonwealth: 2 Total Commonwealth: 677 Other nationalities: 274

St. John's Church was founded in the 13th century and is primarily known as a place of pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of St. John. In 1479, through her intercession, a miracle occurred, which led to the annual Marian Procession. The white stone Calvary is a replica of the original wooden statues, which can now be seen in the winter chapel.

Poperinge is known for its hop cultivation, and this is clearly visible in the surrounding countryside. Cycling through the area, you'll come across these hop fields, where the hop plant is cultivated. Curious about the harvest? Then settle down on one of Poperinge's terraces and sample the local beers. Cheers!