Damse Vaart Canal

A scenic, tree-lined, canal-side, flat, shared use path runs along the Damme Canal and links the village of Damme with the Leopold and Schipdonk Canals to the east. Keep going if you want to reach the Netherlands.

The Damse Vaart was dug on Napoleon's orders (from 1810), hence the alternative name "Napoleon Canal". These excavation works were carried out by Spanish prisoners of war, "descendants" of the gentlemen who not so long before held sway in the Netherlands. The canal had to be part of a network of canals along the coast that should enable rapid supply of the French soldiers and at the same time Napoleon avoided confrontation with the powerful English navy. The Damse Vaart itself was supposed to connect Bruges with the Scheldt, but it never got that far. Napoleon lost the battle and the canal was never completed. The last part between Hoeke and Sluis was only excavated in 1856. In the meantime, the damage had already been done: Napoleon had allowed the canal to run straight through Damme, resulting in the demolition of a large part of the city, including the Korenmarkt and many stately mansions.

The canal is now known for its bicycle-friendly character in the beautiful setting of the green polders and the crooked Marilandica poplars. Many anglers have also eagerly looked at their fishing rod here and during the harshest winters, sports enthusiasts can get their skates out for the Zwinstedentocht or Brugge-Sluis-Brugge. But no matter how inviting it may be on a hot day, swimming is not allowed here. Except for one day in the middle of August, when one of the oldest outdoor long-distance races is swum: Damme - Bruges (5 km). The canal attracts many water birds. And anyone looking for a quiet spot has a chance of encountering one of Damme's most famous fishermen: the blue heron.
More information at damme-online.com/nl/natuur/damsevaart.htm

Nice landscape, but the bike path could be a little better.