De Panne is located in the far corner of the Belgian coast, just next to France. We consider it a privilege to live in De Panne or to come here on holiday. Why? When you smell the salty sea air and feel the fresh breeze in your hair, you will know it immediately: the sea calms our minds.
Here, you can go for a brisk walk along the beach 365 days a year: barefoot, with sturdy walking shoes or waterproof boots. With your loved ones, your spouse, your children, your parents or your four-legged friend. Or just by yourself. A feast for the senses and a balm for the soul ...
Going ‘overboard’ is a positive thing here, so why not take a walk in the direction of France? After a 5 km walk, you will arrive in Bray-Dunes, a picturesque seaside resort on the French opal coast. Along the way, you may come across a blokart car at full speed, galloping horses, running dogs ... or just no one at all. The stretch of beach between the Leopold I Esplanade and the border with France is one of the quietest on our coast. Ideal for spotting sea and shore birds, or collecting beautiful shells! On your left, you will see the foreshore dunes of the Westhoek Reserve, on your right the endless sea.
The sea is always different, sometimes near, sometimes far. At low tide, small saltwater rivers flow back to the sea; these 'kelletjes’ or 'zwemtjes' are real works of art, and ideal for jumping over. If you miscalculate, it will only leave you with wet feet! The ‘zwemtjes’ are also teeming with sea creatures: maybe you'll spot a shrimp or a small crab?
If you look closely on a clear day you can spot the English coast, so in fact you are standing on a kind of unspoken three-country point: Belgium, France and Great Britain.
Once arrived in Bray-Dunes, you can taste a Picon, the typical aperitif of the schreve, the border region between Belgium and France. The courageous among us can start the return journey, the others can take the free bus to Adinkerke.
Back in De Panne, it's time for ice cream, hot chocolate or a delicious giant waffle. Happiness is in small things, not far from home, in the smallest corners!
With your head full of sea and your heart full of happiness, you will probably sleep like a baby and dream of the most beautiful beach on the coast. Perhaps of the whole world?
The DK-bus is waiting for you!
Extend your trip to France. With a bus every 30 minutes you will be in the centre of Bray-Dunes in only 15 minutes. Bonjour, une baguette et deux picons, s'il vous plait!