ブレイ・デューンズ周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ20

First of all, this boundary marker on the beach is completely new, as an earlier one was irreparably damaged in 2021. The date and initials refer to the brief period from 1814 to 1830 when France bordered the Netherlands. The former boundary marker was first erected in 1819. Now, this boundary marker 2.0 marks the border between Belgium and France. The point also indicates the westernmost point of Belgium combined with the northernmost point of mainland France.

The Maerebrug in De Panne is an elegant steel bridge spanning the Nieuwpoort–Dunkirk Canal and playing a vital role in the Westhoek recreational network. Designed with gentle slopes on both sides, it is easily accessible for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. With a width of four meters and a span of 33 meters, the bridge offers safe and comfortable passage over the water and forms a link between Belgian and French nature reserves.

Currently no flags to be seen

Nature reserve. You're pretty much alone here.

Impressive buildings, cafes and parks invite you to linger

The Maerebrug was installed in 2013 as part of the functional and recreational cross-border project Dunkirk-De Panne and is a fixed, steel bridge for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. There are gentle access ramps on both sides of the bridge so that road users can use the bridge easily. The bridge is 4 meters wide and spans a length of 33 meters. The construction of the bridge was integrated into the rural environment as much as possible. The bridge was given the name 'Maerebrug' as a reference to the connection that this bridge makes to the two parts of the Maerestraat, once one whole, but cut in two by the construction of the Nieuwpoort-Duinkerke canal. 'Maere' refers to 'mer', 'mar' (sea) and 'Moere' (so between the sea and the marshes).

Together with the IJzermonding and the Zwin, the Krakeelduinen are part of the Natura 2000 area Dune Areas. After WWII the dunes were used as a water extraction area, but nowadays the dune area is being restored to its natural glory. You will now find Scottish Blackface sheep grazing the area and since the concrete has been removed the sand can flow freely again.

Nice smooth path along the canal. Be sure to use this side of the canal to drive from the French border to Adinkerke, on the other side you drive along a busy road.