Belgium’s seaside resorts: Must-sees in bustling Blankenberge
Ostend is the queen of the seaside resorts in Belgium, but the coast is dotted with appealing towns that deserve a closer look. In this series, Belga English presents four popular places by the water, each with their own character. Today: Blankenberge, a lively crowd-pleaser.
Blankenberge has been one of Belgium’s favourite seaside resorts for decades, drawing masses of tourists on sunny summer days. The foundations for this popularity were laid during the belle époque, the glory years between 1870 and 1914, when Europe’s bourgeoisie prospered and tourism gained in importance.
Blankenberge’s luxury hotels and holiday villas attracted high-ranking guests such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Back in time
Most of those prestigious villas and hotels were destroyed during the Second World War. But three belle époque villas were restored and converted into the Belle Epoque Centre, where visitors can travel back in time to this golden age through posters, postcards, fashion, photos and film material.
Visitors to the centre can admire images of the former cast iron pier and the old casino. After the First World War, the pier was replaced by a concrete one, stretching 350m into the sea, and a new casino in Art Deco style was built.
An architectural gem from the belle époque period that has withstood the test of time is the Paravang structure, which literally means “wind screen” and is now a common meeting point, offering pleasant views of the harbour.
At Blankenberge Sea Life, people can take a voyage across the seven seas. The aquatic centre has more than 50 aquariums, home to sharks, piranhas, seahorses and other marine life. In the outdoor area, visitors can marvel at Humboldt penguins, otters and sea lions. Sea Life is also a shelter for beached or orphaned seals, helping them recover and return to the sea.
For outdoor fun at the beach, the velodrome is a Blankenberge classic for kids, where they can try out all kinds of bikes on a wooden cycling track. The Leopold Park is another hotspot for families, with a kart racing park and a mini golf course.
For nature-lovers who want something other than a long beach walk, the town also offers access to three nature reserves: the Uitkerkse Polder, the Fonteintjes and the Zeebos. These provide some peace and quiet away from the busy promenade.
Blessing of the sea
The centre of Blankenberge is bustling with life all summer long. An important event is the blessing of the sea on Saturday 12 July, which commemorates the centuries-old fishing tradition in the town. There is a programme of music shows and sports events throughout July and August.
The Paravang Festival on 3 August takes people back to the roots of the town, with folk dance performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts and fish tastings at the harbour. The summer holidays are concluded in style with a flower parade, featuring floats, dance groups and traditional brass bands.
#FlandersNewsService | The Paravang in Blankenberge © PHOTO ARTERRA
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