Brussels to Bruges

Day 1: Brussels (Halle), leaving at 2pm - Seneffe
Day 2: Seneffe - Strépy-Thieu - Mons
Day 3: Mons round trip
Day 4: Mons - Antoing
Day 5: Antoing - Tournai - Oudenaarde
Day 6: Oudenaarde - Ghent
Day 7: Ghent - Bruges
Day 8: Departure from Bruges

Daily distances average 40 - 45 km per day. All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice,  due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs,  etc.

Day 1: Brussels (Halle), departing at 2pm - Seneffe
The tour starts in Halle (a little town south of Brussels). At 2 pm, you'll leave Halle following the Canal Bruxelles-Charleroi until Seneffe. In order to have the full experience, you'll board the boat again just before the Sloping Lock of Ronquières. You'll continue to Feluy and bike on the RAVeL, Beglum's huge network of paths, to Seneffe. You'll spend the night in Seneffe, home to its 18th-century château.

Day 2: Seneffe - Strépy-Thieu - Mons
You'll begin pedaling to the boat lift at Strépy-Thieu. Here, the Feniks will welcome you aboard again to go down the same 70 meters you came up the day before. After the descent, you get off the barge again to follow the bike path Canal du Centre and then Ancien Canal du Centre. From there, you'll continue on to Mons, where you'll spend the night. 

Day 3: Mons round trip
Today you explore the Ardennes by bike. This region hit its economic peak at the end of the 19th century until the 60s of the 20th century. Once the reliance on coal declined, the steel that was produced could no longer compete with the competition of the other suppliers of the world.

The Borinage, as this region is called, shows many remnants of its economic heyday. One of them is the Grand Hornu, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since July 2012.

Day 4: Mons - Antoing
Crossing into northern France, by the Belgian border, Scarpe-Escaut Park welcomes you. The park was established in 1968 and is the first of the regional nature parks in France. You'll cross the French border twice today, to reach the little village of Antoing.

Day 5: Antoing – Tournai – Oudenaarde
Along the river Scheldt, you'll pedal into Tournai after a few kilometers. In the Middle Ages, Tournai was a famous town for embroidered tapestry. You'll visit the famous cathedral with 5 towers. You'll meander further along the river to reach Oudenaarde. Oudenaarde is an old town, also known for its tapestry. Those who wish to continue biking can go to the Museum of the Ronde van Vlaanderen (the tour of Flanders)

Day 6: Oudenaarde - Ghent
From one medieval town to another, today's destination is Ghent. The first part of your ride is along the river, with a visit to the former location of the abbey and castle of Ename. Quiet roads, patches of forest, a few villages, and well-maintained bike paths lead you to Merelbeke (lunch). You'll soon arrive in the lively university town of Ghent. The St. Baafs cathedral with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432) by brothers Van Eijk is not to be missed.

Day 7: Ghent - Bruges
Between Ghent and Bruges you will experience the typical landscape of Flanders. Fields with all kind of crops, winding country roads, small towns, some forest. After Nevele (coffee stop) Poeke, with its castle and park and two café’s (pubs) on the square near the church is a good place to have lunch. On our further way towards Bruges we will find some villages and patches of forest and of course a café to have a tea stop. Then we will encounter the canal and follow it into Bruges. The mooring is at the very beginning of town, so no ride in busy traffic necessary. At the end of the afternoon or after dinner you can walk from the barge to see the highlights of town.

Day 8: Bruges

Looking for more?  View all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bike trips.

Aboard the comfort class boats, the Feniks

• Feniks

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  Comfort Class Boat

  Hybrid bike

  The hybrid bikes available are 21-speed bikes with handbrakes. They are equipped with a panner, water bottle, and lock. It is possible to bring your own pedals and saddle. Read More

  Electric bikes

  For those bikers who like to have some support while biking in the hills, there are different styles of electric bikes. They are equipped with a panner, water bottle, and lock. It is possible to… Read More

  This comfortable little vessel is the pride and joy of its captain/owner, Marius. As is true for many of our boats, the Feniks was originally built as a freighter, but then converted into a hotel passenger ship in 1992. Since then, she has undergone several renovations. Wearing her history well, you will find a welcoming atmosphere on board, a crew ready to serve, and great food showcasing local cuisine featuring fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the market to the table. Read More