De Panne is a Belgian town on the North Sea, close to the French border.
The town is of great importance in Belgian history as it is here that King Leopold the
Ist, first set foot in the territory in 1831.
De Panne is known for its beach, which is the widest in the country and covered in white
sand and also for nature reserves like Westhoek, where dunes and grasslands shelter migratory
birds.
There are also many bike trails in the surrounding countryside as well as walking routes that
offer good day activities for visitors.
Before we get into the top 10 things to do in De Panne, we’ve included links in the
description to various discount codes and links to resources of things to do, so make
sure you check those out.
10) At number 10 are the Cabour Dunes
The oldest dune areas in all of Europe, the Cabour Dunes are a fascinating sight.
The 230-acre Dunes, straddling the French border, provide nature walks that can be walked
via a marked path, but you cannot walk on the dunes themselves, as they are a protected
natural area.
Look out for the dune’s inhabitants, ponies and horses, which help to keep the area clean
with their grazing.
9) Number 9 is the Plopsaqua Park
Plopsaqua Park is a Viking themed indoor and outdoor waterpark with plenty of attractions
including a play village, lots of slides, fountains and things to climb on.
The water is lovely and warm inside and out and there is plenty to keep everyone entertained
here.
Take a family bubbly bath with The Bubbletons, fire the water cannon from Halvar's Drakkar
or take the Disco Slide, this park has plenty of watery themed family-friendly fun!
8) At number 8 is Museum Paul Delvaux
The Paul Delvaux Museum can be found just outside of De Panne and was named after the
world famous painter Paul Delvaux.
The museum opened in 1982 and offers a look at the collection of the Paul Delvaux foundation.
The museum shows works from his very early period, also some of his later works, when
he was well into his 80's.
A visit to this museum is a unique experience as it immerses the viewer into the enthralling
atmosphere of the painter’s own artistic world.
7) Number 7 is De Scharbiellie culture house
De Scharbiellie culture house is a small museum that has a permanent collection of Oceanic
art from the collection of Paul Simparbiellie from De Panne.
The collection contains paintings, sculptures and other artwork relating to the ocean.
This exhibition, which is unique in Europe, is a one-of-a-kind collection of scientific,
cultural, historic, anthropological, as well as educational items.
6) At number 6 is the Nature Reserve of Westhoek
Westhoek Reserve, on the western edge of De Panne, is the largest dunes landscape on the
Belgian coast and a great place to walk and explore.
With 840 acres, vegetation varies from full-grown trees to scrubby shrubs.
In the springtime, wild flowers blossom among the sands and in winter, shallow rainwater
pools accumulate.
The dunes continually change both their shape and position as winds move the sand.
5) At number 5 see the first king of Belgium
The first king of Belgium, Leopold the Ist is honoured with a monument on Leopold Ist
Esplanade in De Panne.
The monument covers rather a large area, with the stunning statue of Leopold taking centre
stage.
The nearby Royal Chapel re-enforces the ties between De Panne and the Belgian Royal Family.
4) Number 4 is De Panne Beach
De Panne is known for having one of the widest stretches of beach in Belgium.
If you like to walk in a beautiful, calm and wide area you will really enjoy this beach.
Visitors can enjoy miles of firm golden sands with several beachfront cafes with sheltered
outside seating.
The sea is ideal for swimming and paddling due to the gradual slope and the beach is
entirely sand, making it great for sports or sandcastles.
3) At number 3 is the World War 2 Museum in Cabour
Just outside of De Panne this World War 2 Museum is worth a look.
The varieties of exhibits housed here were acquired in 2009 and consist of a large portion
of the Robert Moeyaert collection.
Artefacts, exhibits and information in the museum focus mainly on specific stories from
the war, including refugees, the air force and facts about the Somme.
Local events such as battles along the Belgian coast are also explored.
2) Number 2 is the Dumont Quarter
The Dumont Quarter is a gem of architectural heritage created between the late 19th and
early 20th century under the direction of architect Albert Dumont.
The architecturally interesting and classified Dumont Quarter invokes a typical cottage feel
but at the same time maintains a very regional character because of its brick architecture.
The entire quarter refers to a bygone age with visitors able to do a heritage walk through
the Quarter.
1) And at number 1 is Plopsaland De Panne
This indoor theme park, which gets its name from Belgian TV character plop the gnome,
is one of the main tourist attractions in De Panne.
With over 50 fun rides and unique shows, including a Balloon Race ride, fun with Maya the Bee
at the Flower Mill, and an animal farm with real animals to pet, there’s fun for all
the family.
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in De Panne, we hope you enjoyed, if you did
please leave a like and if you’re new here feel free to subscribe.
Until next video have a great day.