De Panne tourist tips

During our stays by the sea, we regularly travel to other coastal towns. Anke and I love variety, as long as the sea and the beach are nearby.

The Belgian coastal towns and municipalities therefore each have their own charm and assets. You will find activities, walks, and sights everywhere.

In no time at all, we’re elsewhere by the sea on the coastal tram. Long live De Lijn! And the regularity with which the tram runs along our coast.

This way, we regularly and carefree immerse ourselves for a day in a different atmosphere and environment.

Perhaps you will also find something fun among the activities we enjoy doing in De Panne?

Ostend, where we rent out our Apartment and Loft on the Zeedijk, is located right in the middle of the Belgian coastline.

De Panne is situated against the French border and is the southernmost seaside resort on the Belgian coast.

The municipality of 11,000 inhabitants has grown from a fishing village into a tourist seaside resort with a strong identity of its own.

De Panne calls itself a four-season municipality. There is always something to do. Even in winter, a walk on the beach is lovely!

A walk through the small streets feels like a flash back in time. The good old days, some might think. Coastal tourism was not as developed as it is today. There was still room for large villas in the dunes.

The Dumont district offers a great showcase of coastal architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The villas and cottages were built in the Belle Époque style. It is remarkable how they have been preserved to this day, thanks to the many renovations.

Most villas have even been protected since 1995.

Discover this gem of architectural heritage along the Heritage Walking Route or via one of the guided walks.

The city game Rosalie is the most fun way to discover the picturesque and traffic-free Dumont district with children. Watch the trailer for the digital game developed by Tourism De Panne.

But there's more:

- the vast Westhoek Reserve,

- the valuable fossil dunes of Cabour,

- the Oosthoek Dunes,

- the Houtsaegerduinen nature reserve

- the peaceful Calmeynbos,

- the Markey ponds in beautiful Adinkerke

We and many other hikers spend the most beautiful hours there. In every season, the reserves, the trees, the greenery, and the sea turn different.

Be sure to also inquire about the reduced mobility path if you have difficulty walking or are out and about with a stroller or wheelchair.

In 2015, Samson and his friends opened Plopsaqua. This water paradise with super cool water attractions is for thrill-seekers and fun-seekers. You might even find a discount on the admission ticket via this link.

Other activities for children in De Panne:

- a petting zoo

- city game Rosalie

- bowling

- skatepark

- playgrounds

We usually take the coastal tram. The nearest stop, Oostende Northlaan, is just a 5-minute walk from our apartment with sea view.

In the high season, there is a tram every 10, 15, or 20 minutes. In the low season, every half hour.

With a multi-ride ticket or day pass, you can easily travel along the entire Belgian coast. From Knokke, right on the Dutch border, to De Panne on the French border, that is a journey of no less than 2,5 hours.

Funnily enough, you can also do the trip from behind your computer with this YouTube video: With the Hermelijn from De Panne to Ostend.

- Keesjesdreef (side road Veurnestraat)

- Koningsplein (between Westhoeklaan and Koninklijke Baan)

- Dynastielaan (with the exception of the section from the Esplanade roundabout to H. Consciencelaan)

- Nieuwpoortlaan (section between Koksijde and Canadezenplein)

In this article, we share what we find fun and interesting in De Panne.

Are you still looking for more points of interest and tourist attractions in this coastal municipality? You can find them on the

website of the De Panne tourist office.