HAVE FUN IN THE MANDEL VALLEY

A celebration for your senses

INGELMUNSTER MEULEBEKE Roeselare and its neighbours Izegem, and Meulebeke are located in the beating heart of . There is no lack of culinary highlights in this region. You'll also spot architectural gems when walking or cycling in the area. From historic castles to old factories in Art Deco style. This region will undoubtedly stimulate your senses, time and again!

ROESELARE: THE CYCLING CITY Roeselare, a cosy city, makes for a pleasant visit. The museum KOERS is unique in Flanders. Cycling fans will love it and the family package enables you to discover it with children.

Rodenbach brewery is a household word. The buildings date back to the second half of the 19th century, but the recipe for making the red ale dates from the Middle Ages! The brewery can be visited as a group. In the neighbouring town of Izegem you'll find Van Honsebrouck brewery (individual visit possible), Het Alternatief brewery and d’Oude Maalderij brewery (both can only be visited in group).

TIP! The city walk in Roeselare gives you an overview of all the places of interest. A map can be purchased at the tourist information office for € 2. www.toerismeroeselare.be SPOTTING CASTLES In the Mandel Valley you can sample the tasty ‘Kasteel’ beer and you can admire several beautiful castles. Rumbeke Castle is one of the oldest Renaissance castles in . It is surrounded by woods (Sterrenbos), making it an ideal place to take a breather.

The Provincial Domain Wallemote-Wolvenhof, named after the two castle parks, is located in Izegem. The imposing Wolvenhof Castle dates from 1913. At the somewhat smaller Wallemote Castle there is a playground. Ter Borcht Castle, which was already celebrated in the 13th century, is located in Meulebeke.

TIP! Ter Borcht Castle currently offers a large sports and recreation centre with a skate park, an infant playground and a multi-sports terrain. www.meulebeke.be

TOP GASTRONOMY There is no lack of top culinary addresses in the Mandel Valley! The restaurants La Durée in Izegem (and Boury in Roeselare (both two Michelin stars) turn the Mandel Valley into a top gastronomic region.

Many restaurants achieve top scores with Gault&Millau and Bib Gourmand. De Smaak and Villared in Izegem are tourist attractions.

In Roeselare we can recommend Bistro Le Nord, Ma Passion and Sofie’s Choice for an unforgettable culinary experience. www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/en/toprestaurants FOR THOSE WHO LOVE SHOES… Izegem is the city of brushes and shoes. The old shoe factory Eperon d’or, built in 1930, is a extra- ordinary Art Deco building. You'll be able to discover the story of the brush and shoe industries in an interactive museum with a special family tour. The collection of original Ize- gem shoes from 1920-1930 is very special.

TIP! Are you a fan of architecture? Try the walk ‘(her)ken Izegem’ (Recognise/get to know Izegem). The map can be purchased from Tourism Izegem for € 1.

RELIGIOUS HERITAGE Are you interested in the spiritual? You can visit the protec- ted church, chapel and cemetery in Ingelmunster. That cemetery contains a treasure trove of cultural-historical information in a few beautiful monuments like the burial chapel of the de Montblanc family. The Our Lady of Assistance chapel, founded in 1757, is a heavily visited place of pilgrimage in Meulebeke.

ROESELARE: SHOPPING CITY! With its easy accessibility and many shopping streets, Roeselare is a great city for a day of shopping. Many clothing and home interiors boutiques alternate with large chain stores and small family businesses. You'll find trendy next to traditional. Are you looking for a bargain or are you simply interested in sauntering through the city centre and resting on a terrace? It is all possible. SLEEP SOUNDLY Those who want to explore the Mandel Valley for more than a day and who also want to relax can choose to stay in the area. We present an extensive range of accommodations on www.toerisme-leiestreek.be

BELGIAN DELICACIES

Den Ijsbeer Looking for a fun stop with the kids during a cycling trip? On the terrace of farm shop Den Ijsbeer you'll find artisanal products straight from the garden. Vuilputstraat 90, Meulebeke - www.denijsbeer.be

Café De Fagot When visiting café ‘De Fagot’ you might stumble upon a folk, blues or jazz perfor- mance. In the summer you can have a drink on the terrace along the Roeselare- Leie Canal. Stationsstraat 48, Ingelmunster - www.cafe-fagot.be

In den Oude Sint-Pieter For a delicious regional beer you must try eatery and collector of knick-knacks ‘In de Oude Sint-Pieter’. This pub was chosen as the ‘best pub in Izegem’. Sint-Pietersstraat 18, Izegem - www.oudesintpieter.be

Elixir de Roulers Feel like a warm-up for your body and spirit? Try an ‘Elixir de Roulers’ either straight up, with ice or with some coffee! The beverage has been distilled in Roeselare since 1871 . www.vyncke-daels.be

LYS VALLEY CYCLING NETWORK

You prefer to explore on your own? Then the Valley cycling network is definitely something for you. More than 300 kilometres of car-free cycling paths make the Lys Valley the perfect cycling region! Come discover the many landscapes, beautiful cities and picturesque villages by bike! https://shop.westtoer.be/en

TIP!

Go for a walk with a Lys Valley Greeter! These enthusiastic local vol- unteers will show you their favourite places in their own municipality! www.greeters-leiestreek.be