Lys region route

In the wonderfully green Leie region, the river of the same name meanders charmingly through the landscape. This picturesque cycling adventure leads you through delightfully green Sint-Martens-Latem and Deinze. We follow the banks of the Leie River, crossing through beautiful panoramas and discovering art, culture and idyllic villages.

Starting in Ghent, we immediately head out into the green countryside. The F4 bicycle highway brings us to the vast Parkbos in no time. This nature reserve is one of the youngest green lungs around Ghent. The 1,200-hectare region stretches across four (sub)municipalities brimming with beautiful nature and fascinating heritage. It's home to no fewer than nine castles, including the neoclassical Grand Noble in De Pinte. With its tree-lined approach, the castle is a beautiful sight. We dismount for a short walk to admire the lovely castle park with its coach houses and gardener's cottage. After enjoying the view from a picnic bench, we set off again.

The smooth, flat cycle path leads us along the railway line towards Deinze. Are you a nature lover? Then take a small detour towards Hospicebossen park and garden, a beacon of biodiversity. Once we arrive in Deinze, we follow the Leie again. The traffic-free path along the river's banks brings us to a special heritage highlight: Astene Sas. This historic drawbridge is still manually operated. Next to it is a well-preserved lock and a cosy cafe full of nautical items and curiosities.

After another stretch along the Leie, stately avenues lead us onward with tall trees forming a guard of honour. This brings us to Ooidonk Castle, a magnificent Renaissance castle. Its impressive towers and stepped gables exude stately allure. You can also enjoy this elegant castle up close. The beautifully maintained gardens are accessible to the public at a reasonable price. Want to visit the castle? Then please check the opening hours on the castle's website.

We cycle away from Ooidonk via the so-called Blauwe Poort (Blue Gate), the historic, fortified entrance to the estate. We then arrive in Deurle, once voted the most beautiful village in Flanders. Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens is one of the highlights of this artists' village. It is built around the impressive private collection of the eponymous couple. Along with the Gust De Smet and Gevaert-Minne museums, Dhondt-Dhaenens forms an artistic triumvirate in Deurle.
In Deurle, we're well past our route's halfway point. So, we can enjoy a well-earned cultural stop. After this artistic interlude, we continue our journey. A wonderfully meandering asphalt road takes us through the Latemse Meersen nature reserve towards Sint-Martens-Latem. The village itself is like a painting. This is where the Leie makes a recognisable double bend that has been captured on canvas by numerous artists over the centuries. We get to see that beauty in real life. Winding through the pretty village, the kilometres glide by.

We now gradually make our way back to Ghent. In the town of Afsnee, we take a short break and then prepare to cross the Leie to continue our route. A charming little ferry brings us safely to the other side (for free!). We follow a winding gravel path, between the Leie and De Assels Nature Park, that brings us to the old Drongen Abbey. This Norbertine abbey is open to visitors (groups only). The neo-Gothic chapel, cloisters and many works of art are definitely worth seeing.

The abbey marks the last of our stops. The final kilometres of our adventure are at hand. But the adventure is not over. The ride ends where it began: in Ghent. This city is a veritable treasure trove of art, heritage, festivities and entertainment. If you have a bit of extra time, be sure to explore the city. It never disappoints.

Download the free GPX file at https://www.visitflanders.com/en/flandersfinestcycleroutes