HAVE FUN IN THE VALLEY

Art beacons on the Lys

DEINZE GENT NAZARETH SINT-MARTENS-LATEM

The beauty of the area and the winding Lys have inspired residents of the East Flanders Lys Valley and artists for centuries. They gladly share that inspiration with visitors. Are you a rambler, cyclist, sailor or art-lover? The idyllic East Flanders Lys Valley welcomes you with open arms.

IN ARTISTS' FOOTSTEPS

The East Flanders Lys Valley has always been inspiring, especially for a range of Flemish artists. From Constant Permeke and Roger Raveel to the Van de Woestyne brothers.

In Deinze, Sint-Martens-Latem and Zulte you'll find museums and collections with works from almost all the artists who placed their easels on the banks of the Lys and who were enchanted by the beautiful landscape.

Latem and Deurle (elected the most beautiful village in East Flanders a few years ago) look like they belong on a postcard. Art remains an important theme, even today, thanks to the presence of many museums, artist residences and galleries.

TIP! Painter and graphic artist Roger Raveel was born in Machelen-aan-de-Leie, a pretty village nestled on the banks of an old arm of the Lys. You can explore Machelen with the provincial Roger Raveel walking route, which starts at the Roger Raveel Museum. You can purchase the 3.7 km route via www.tov.be/en

Gust De Smet is a famous Lys painter. His sober house is now the Museum Gust De Smet. The museum, which will reopen in the summer of 2016 after a renovation, is one of the eye-catchers along the provincial Gust De Smet walking route.

The Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens arises like a surprise in the rather traditional landscape along the Lys in Deurle. It is mainly open for temporary exhibitions of modern art from and abroad.

Sint-Martens-Latem is also home to the Museum Gevaert-Minne. In addition to works of art created by painter, writer, poet and composer Edgar Gevaert, you can also admire work by other masters from Sint-Martens-Latem.

You'll find more beautiful items in the Mudel, which houses the most complete survey of famous Lys art from circa 1875 to today. Works by , Albijn Van den Abeele, Constant Permeke, Raoul De Keyser and many others are complemented with temporary exhibitions.

Art creation in the Lys Valley did not stop with Claus, De Smet, etc. The most famous example is Roger Raveel. The Roger Raveel Museum displays the most extensive collection of art of one of the most important post-war artists. THE BEST ADDRESS ON THE WATERFRONT

The Lys winds through the landscape of East Flanders creating the most beautiful and charming corners and views along the way. An excellent way to discover this is from on the water. Toerisme Leiestreeks’ website www.toerisme-leiestreek.be lists all the boat rental companies, jetties and marinas.

“Skipper, can I cross?” Yes you can, and it's free. Those who explore the Lys Valley by bicycle or on foot can cross the Lys at three different places – Afsnee, Baarle and Vosselare Put – with a ferry. Vosselare Put is also the ideal place if you love swimming in nature. It's also a fantastic place to relax, soak up some sun or have a drink in the typical café!

A bit further on you'll find Astene Sas in an authentic and extraordinarily peaceful area. The protected wooden drawbridge is still operated by hand. At the bridge you'll come across the Oud Sashuis, an authentic pub where you can purchase a drink or all manner of nautical attributes.

The Oud Sashuis is only one of the many terraces on the waterfront in the East Flanders Leie Region. Gasthof Halifax in Deinze is definitely a hit. A few years ago the Gault & Millau guide declared it the most beautiful terrace in Flanders.

You'll find an overview of all the terraces on the waterfront and nice spots for a picnic near the water on www.toerisme -leiestreek.be on the category Food & Drinks. OUT AND ABOUT WITH CHILDREN

Children will also love the East Flanders Lys Valley. Provincial Domain De Brielmeersen in Deinze is a paradise for young and old. The littlest ones will have great fun on the playground and in the animal park.

Blaarmeersen is a sports and recreation park in . It offers a swimming pond with a beach, an adventure park and a few kilometres of footpaths. At De Campagne children's farm in Drongen (near Ghent) you can pet animals in the field, play in the playground or simply take a walk and enjoy nature.

TIP! Perhaps the littlest ones would prefer to feel like a prince or princess? In that case they will love a visit to splendid Ooidonk Castle in Deinze. Moreover, this stately water fortress is surrounded by a magnificent park.

You'll find more natural beauty in several forests in the region: the Hospicebossen in Nazareth, Bourgoyen- Ossemeersen in Ghent, the Stadsbos in Deinze and the new Parkbos in Ghent and Sint-Martens-Latem.

The Ghent Dragon Fosfor has lost his glasses! Join us on this exciting two-hour digital quest while exploring the Ghent city centre.

ART CITY GHENT

Ghent is an authentic, lively city where the past and the present merge effortlessly. The city received three Michelin stars for its magical lighting plan and was officially named the cosiest city in Flanders.

The three stately towers, the Castle of the Counts, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb and contemporary museums are true highlights. MIAT, the Museum of Industry, Labour and Textile, is housed in a former cotton mill. The stories and memories of former textile labourers are brought back to life here.

STAM (Ghent City Museum) tells the story of Ghent through inspiring collection pieces and interactive multime- dia. It also offers temporary exhibitions. The atmospheric location is truly special: the magnificent, 14th-century Bijloke Abbey. That is also true of the Design Museum, which exhibits design objects from 1860 to the present.

When you enter the beautiful, enclosed garden of the former almshouse ‘House of Alijn’ it feels like you left the city. Inside the museum you can explore objects, photos and films that document daily life in the 20th century.

You can find more information about art city Ghent in various brochures that are available in the tourist information office.

SLEEP SOUNDLY

Those who want to explore the East Flanders Lys 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. www.toerisme-leiestreek.be DELICACIES OF THE LYS VALLEY

Jeneverstokerij Filliers The Filliers family started their first distillery in 1792. Today they still produce jenever and other delicious beverages like gin and whisky using traditional methods. You can visit the distillery as a group and experience the whole process, from grain to glass. Leernsesteenweg 5, 9800 Bachte-Maria-Leerne (Deinze) - www.filliers.be

Het Verschrikkelijke Zoete Leven This ‘chocolaterie-coffee house’ shows off Belgian pralines made with the best chocolate. You can purchase or taste classic pralines with soft centres as well as trendy chocolates in many variations. Karperstraat 6, 9870 Machelen-aan-de-Leie (Zulte) - www.zoeteleven.be

Jan Verhelst Chef Jan Verhelst gives inventive dishes extra flair in his modernised restaurant. Healthy food is central in this top restaurant, which received 15/20 in the Gault&Millau guide. Stationsstraat 33, 9810 Eke (Nazareth) - www.janverhelst.be

Brasserie Boulevard Sam D'Huyvetter of Brasserie Boulevard he received 13/20 in the Gault&Millau guide. Sam used to work for Peter Goossens but he converted to brasserie cuisine. He modernises tried and tested classic dishes. Kortrijksesteenweg 175, 9830 Sint-Martens-Latem - www.blvd.be

’t Pattyntje You'll find Brasserie ’t Pattyntje on the banks of the Leie River. It is situated in an oasis of green and offers a covered terrace and free parking. We recommend the vol-au- vent, the soles and the delicious steak tartare. Gordunakaai 91, 9000 Gent - www.patyntje.be

LYS VALLEY CYCLING NETWORK You prefer to explore on your own? Then the Lys 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! www.tov.be/en

TIP! Go for a walk with a Lys Valley TIP! Greeter! These enthusiastic local Order a free map of the volunteers will show you their Lys Valley via favourite places in their own www.toerisme- municipality! leiestreek.be www.greeters-leiestreek.be