What to see – Esprit De Mer

De Zwartenhoek

This domain in Adinkerke near the French border was purchased by the Flemish Community with a view to a later connection of the Flemish Nature Reserve De Westhoek with the old dunes of Cabour. The meadows on the dune-polder transition are grazed by ponies and there is a footpath and bridle path around the large pond (formerly a sand extraction pit). The area is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forest.

Garzebekeveld en Vijvers Markey

The Garzebek field is the spur of the old dune belt of Cabour. A large part was cultivated, but fortunately there remained a number of hectares of agricultural land. This area was recently purchased by the Flemish Community. The humus layer was removed from the fields to give the typical vegetation of yore a chance again. Drinking pools were re-excavated and grazers maintained the terrain. On the way back we drive along the meadows of the Garzebek field. The Markey ponds are also part of the Garzebek field. These sand extraction wells were recently purchased by the province of West Flanders to give it in a long lease to the municipality. In 2006 the domain was redesigned into a beautiful recreational nature park, also accessible for wheelchairs. You can have a picnic here, or have fun with the children at the playground (left of the entrance, at the end of the street).

The quarter Dumont

The architecturally interesting and classified Dumont district refers to the typical Cottage style but also has a characteristic regional character with the brick architecture. The district gives an impression of residential tourism in the 19th - 20th century. From the middle of the 19th century, the first tourists found their way to De Panne. Around 1892 the French contractor Arthur Bonzel realizes the current Zeelaan. The road bypasses the Kykhillduin in a graceful bend. It is these dunes behind the Zeelaan that are parceled and cultivated under the direction of Albert Dumont, with respect for the natural dune relief. Since 1995 the Dumont district has been protected as a cityscape. A charming neighborhood, where you can spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the seaside resort.