Flanders
Welcome to the heart of cycling in Belgium: Flanders. This region is pure road cycling legend. The winding lanes, steep punchy climbs, and bone-rattling cobbles have tested the world’s best and inspired generations of Belgian riders. Every road here tells a story. Every hill has a name that echoes through the sport.
This is the land of the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Belgium’s biggest race, and one of its proudest traditions. On race day, entire villages shut down. Families gather along the course with beer and flags. Kids grow up knowing the names of climbs like the Kanarieberg and the Paterberg. And the riders? They’re household names. Johan Museeuw and Tom Boonen are national icons. International stars like Fabian Cancellara and Mathieu van der Poel have also left their mark on these roads.
The terrain here, in the Flemish Ardennes, is short and sharp. Climbs rarely last more than a few minutes, but they hit hard. Many are cobbled, steep, and narrow, demanding strength and bike handling. The Oude Kwaremont grinds on with rough, uneven stones. The Koppenberg is brutally steep and often slick. Each climb has its own feel. They come quickly, one after the other, and can break your rhythm fast.
Flanders may not have high mountains, but it’s full of character. Think rolling farmland, tight country roads, and church towers on every horizon. It’s quietly beautiful, shaped by centuries of farming and cycling. In spring, the landscape fills with colour, energy, and thousands of cyclists chasing their own classics experience.
The weather is part of the challenge. It can be wet, windy, and unpredictable. Crosswinds are common and showers can roll in quickly. But that’s what makes riding here so special. It’s raw and honest. You have to earn your rides. And that’s exactly why so many cyclists fall in love with this place.
Best time to ride
In Belgium, you'll spot riders out year-round when the weather plays nice. The best time to ride is from spring through late summer. Spring doesn't just kick off race season but also brings milder weather . Just be ready for swings in temperature and pack some warmer layers. The summers are warm but enjoyable. In autumn things quite down with cool air and the odd rain shower. Winters are cool and damp and will make the climb slippery and muddy at times.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Gent
When you're looking to mix cycling with some cultural experiences in the city we highly recommend staying in Ghent. The historic city has many restaurants, bars, cultural and sights to visit when you're not riding your bike. Given the distance to the Flemish Ardennes it will mean longer rides to reach the iconic hills in the area.
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Accommodations (14)
Places in Flanders that welcome you and your bike.
Après-Velo
Après-Vélo is a cozy B&B with 8 rooms tucked away in Parike. The owners live and breathe road cycling, so they truly get what riders need. You'll find plenty of cyclist-friendly touches throughout the place, including a secure, enclosed space to store your bike safely after a long day in the saddle.
De Chasse Patate
De Chasse Patate is a former potato shed turned stylish holiday home with all the comfort you'd want after a ride. It sleeps up to 16 people across eight bedrooms, each named after legendary climbs every road cyclist dreams of conquering.
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How to get there
- By Car: Easy to reach the area by car via the E40 and A14. There is plenty of parking options in Oudenaarde and Geraardsbergen.
- Public transport: The trainstation of Brussels and Antwerpen link with Rotterdam, Paris and Köln. The national rail reaches Oudenaarde directly from Brussels and Ghent.
You can bring your bike on any train in Belgium as long as there’s enough space on board. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket for your bike, either at the station or online. - By Plane: Fly into Brussels for the best international connections. Then either take a train or rent a car (around 1h) to reach the area. .
Bike Rentals (3)
Bike Rental Flandrien Hotel
Bike brands: Cannondale, Pinarello, Bianchi, Canyon, Cervelo
At Hotel Flandrien, you can rent Cannondale race bikes. They also have a collection of bikes from ex-pros, each one available to ride.
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Shops (5)
BATAIA Gent
BATAIA is your one-stop road cycling shop. They offer expert bike service, high-end bikes, and a solid lineup of cycling apparel and accessories.
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Cafes & bars (9)
Apres Velo
At Après-Velo, it’s all about that sweet spot where riding, relaxing, and good vibes meet. Whether you’re clocking big miles, spinning easy on the weekend, or just chasing a solid espresso, this place has you covered.Enjoy a coffee, try one of the cycling beers, and dig into hearty plates like their legendary spaghetti or oversized croques. Perfect for a mid-ride refuel or a wind-down drink before the roll back to Geraardsbergen.
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Popular Climbs (11)
Berendries
888m | 66m | 7.4%
Even though Berendries tops out at just 10%, it somehow feels tougher than that. Maybe it’s because you can always see the road stretching out ahead, daring you to keep pushing.
Berg ten Houte
1039m | 65m | 6.3%
Berg ten Houte kicks off right after a short descent, so make sure you carry your momentum into that steep opener. About 400 meters in, the surface switches to smooth tarmac and the gradient eases up for the final stretch of the climb.
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Cycling Routes (10)
Tour of Flanders Yellow Loop
102km | 760m | Hard
Cobbles take center stage on the yellow loop, a 102 km ride packed with rugged classics like Huispontweg, Doorn, the iconic Paddestraat, and Kerkgate. But it’s not just about the stones. Climbs like Wolvenberg, Nokereberg, and the legendary Molenberg are in the mix too, giving your legs plenty to work with along the way.
Zwalmstreek
51.6km | 540m | Easy
Starting in Geraardsbergen, this loop takes you into the heart of the Zwalmstreek. Expect climbs like Vossenhol, Berendries, Pottenberg, and Valkenberg to keep your legs honest. There’s under 500 meters of cobbles, so it’s all about the rhythm of the climbs. On the way back to Geraardsbergen, Café Après Vélo or the Flandrien Hotel clubhouse are perfect spots to make a stop.
Berendries loop from Oudenaarde
63.4km | 730m | Moderate
The Berendries loop serves up a solid mix of classic climbs like Wolvenberg, Lagendries, and Leberg, paired with 8 km of cobbles through Haaghoek, Paddestraat, and Ruitersstraat.
Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Map of Flanders - 45 pins
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