CAPITAL OF THE GOOD LIFE Poperinge2015 I guess I must have been around 10 years old when my family and I first discovered . And although we didn’t live very far from the town, it Untroubled felt like we had entered a totally different world - a world of green slopes, stretched-out hop fields and peace and quiet. We bravely cycled up the times in Catsberg, to then rush down without using our brakes. We stopped at each small field chapel and Poperinge every cemetery and enjoyed ‘hennepot’ in the shade. At times, we could ride for hours without seeing a soul. And in the evening, in the safe haven of our holiday farm, we petted the donkeys, built a raft and had fun on the hay-loft, after which we rushed to the kitchen where the farmer’s wife had prepared a delicious dinner. Those were the days. Great, untroubled times that will remain in my memory, linked to Poperinge forever and ever. Today, 30 years later, my love for Poperinge is still alive. I devour poetry in , taste hop shoots in Proven and am touched by the Death 02-07 Hop Museum, to scrutinize the soul of Poperinge Cells every time I visit them. I tend to stay far Interview with beerconnoisseurs too long in one of the many pubs along the William Roelens and ‘Volkssportroute’, make plans for a weekend with Annemie Declerck friends, drink Picon in Abele and watch the hops 08 More hops and beer grow. While– knowing that I’ll certainly be back 09-13 Out around Poperinge with soon – just to make sure that my love will be Tournée Locale passed on to the next generation. To the St. Bernardus brewery and cosy pubs 14 Local dishes Sophie Allegaert is a freelance journalist who 15 On foot lives in . Poperinge’s Tourist Services 16-21 Cycling tour of WW1 landmarks invited her on a tour along the town’s hop fields 22-25 Calendar 2015 and the many places so typical of Poperinge. 26-29 Accommodation Join her on her trip, in this magazine …

1 If you want to scrutinize the very soul of Poperinge, you should drop by the Hop Museum. And let beer experts guide you around, so that you really understand Poperinge’s love of hops and beer brewed Hop Museum in the finest tradition. Beer aficionados Annemie Declerck and William Roelens IF YOU WANT TO SCRUTINIZE THE VERY SOUL OF POPERINGE take us by the arm, talking in fine detail about their deep passion for hops and YOU SHOULD DROP BY THE HOP MUSEUM great beer.

Poperinge’s Hop Museum is located in the lovely ‘Stadsschaal’ or Municipal Scales where hops were once weighed, graded and stored. There’s certainly no denying that fact: as soon as you walk in, the penetrating smell of hops is omnipresent. “It has impregnated the roof beams,” Annemie explains. We are on the third floor, as our visit starts at the top, in the monumental attic under the roof. Dare-alls will take the stairs, but if you don’t fancy the climb, you can zoom up and down in a lift. The attic brings us the story of the hops, from its roots to today. Did you know, for example, that there are female and male hop plants and that it’s legally forbidden to cultivate the male plants in Poperinge? “You’d get fertilized Hop Museum Gasthuisstraat 71, Poperinge hop ,” explains William, “which is bad for the foam on the beer. In the UK, male and MARCH - NOVEMBER female hop plants are cultivated together, Mondays: only groups, which explains the difference between Belgian upon request (15 or more and English ale. Our hops ensure great taste, people, + a guide) stability and … a nice head of foam.” Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays: 10 am - 6pm

We also meet some saints here, like Hildegard DECEMBER, JANUARY AND von Bingen, who discovered that beer can FEBRUARY dramatically affect men’s sexual performance – Closed for individual visitors, a weird finding to be brought up by a saint! A excluding spring half-term and Christmas holidays. Open for travel guide from 1565 praises Poperinge’s hop groups (15 or more people + fields, showing a kiln where hops were once guide), upon reservation. dried. “Many farmers slept in their kiln, just to Adults will pay e6, youths (aged 6 - 25) e2.50 and children (under 6) can enter for free ANNEMIE DECLERCK www.hopmuseum.be WILLIAM ROELENS 2 beerconnoisseurs 3 make sure that nothing would go wrong,” Annemie Today’s queens don’t have to be farmers’ daughters yet While picking the hop continues. On the second floor of the Hop Museum, they do have to know all about hops. which is dedicated to the harvesting of the hops, we discover different types of hops and learn that hops On the museum’s ground floor we see how the hops start growing from May, June time onwards. Annemie: were delivered to the courtyard loaded on giant cones, everyone was “They had to reach the top of the trellises by the horse-drawn wagons, after which they were weighed, first weekend of July, after which the farmers had to inspected and then pressed into bales. The hop await the right moment to harvest. They checked the inspector, called the Nose, smelt the hops to check singing. At noon, the plants each and every day, with a magnifying glass their moisture- and lupulin content. Today, hops are to spot any plant lice. When it was time to harvest, still inspected rigorously and the love for the job has the entire town would lend a helping hand: not one remained. That’s exactly what makes Poperinge’s beers farmer’s wife brought single inhabitant from Poperinge went to work or such a huge success. “Maybe that is the big secret school. School even started only in mid-September indeed. Every beer from Poperinge has its own story here, to make sure that children too could help pick. yet they are all brewed diligently and with love, with The entire town smelt of hops. While picking the hop local hops and by brewers who are really dedicated soup and bread, which cones, everyone was singing. At noon, the farmer’s to their trade. One can really taste that,” says Wim. wife brought soup and bread, which everyone enjoyed The results don’t lie: the Top 100 of ‘Best Beers in the in the field. The feast took three weeks to a month. World’ includes no fewer than 7 beers from Poperinge. everyone enjoyed in Even rain couldn’t spoil the party. On the contrary: “Of course, that’s just a list but it does illustrate how the rain made the hop cones a bit heavier and as the unique this region is. Every time I cross the bridge in picked weight determined the salary, that extra bit of to enter Poperinge, my heart takes a leap the field. The feast took weight was welcome. After weeks of hard work, it was and I feel like I’m entering a totally different world. time to celebrate the end of the picking season. The Especially when the hops are maturing, of course. farmer’s wife made ‘hommelpap’ and was crowned the Sometimes I just stop for a while, park my car and take ` of Hops’.” This tradition to elect a Queen of a walk in a hop field.” three weeks to a month. Hops continues to this day, be it in a different format. So how did William become the beer expert that he is

William Roelens and Annemie Declerck in the Hopmuseum with journalist Sophie Allegaert

4 5 today? His story starts with ‘De Dolle Brouwers’. “In 1982, I visited ‘Bieren en Pintelieren’, a beer William’s festival in the Belgian town of Bokrijk, where ‘De Dolle Brouwers’ served their ‘Oerbier’ under the motto ‘Nat en straf’ (wet and strong). Not knowing what to expect, I tasted the beer and BEER TIPS was immediately won over. It is a fantastic beer!” Wim hasn’t counted how many different types - For beginners: of beers he’s tasted since then, yet the number Start with a blond ‘Hommelbier’ by Brouwerij is impressive. He stresses, though, how there’s Van Eecke or a good brown, top-fermented a big difference between tasting and drinking beer, like a ‘Rookop’ by De Plukker brewery. A beer. “I resolutely stick to tasting, discovering draught St. Bernardus is always delicious, of and indulging beer, which implies that I only course. drink small quantities, together with friends.” www.plukker.be www.hommelbier.be www. His respect for brewers has only increased sint-bernardus.be over the years. “Brewing is not that difficult yet - For the more knowledgeable: If you’d like to taste something really different, I’d suggest trying a ‘Black Albert’ by ‘De Struise Brouwers’ – a very complex beer, which you just have to experience. ‘De ‘Nat en straf’ (wet and strong) Struise Brouwers’ are, by the way, today’s Not knowing what to expect, most revolutionary or maybe most rebellious I tasted the beer and was brewers. www.struise.com immediately won over. It is a fantastic beer!” - For those looking for added value: The ‘Seizoensbrouwerij’ of Chris Vandewalle makes three wonderful beers with a very pronounced taste, based on a recipe that dates from 1800. ‘Reninge Oud Bruin’ has matured in oak barrels, ‘Reninge Krieken you have to find the right balance in taste and Rood’ uses cherries picked in Furnes () flavour. It’s a process of trial, error, a great deal of and ‘Reninge Bitter Blond’ is a seasonal beer perfectionism and persistence. Some alchemist with extra hops.” talents come in handy too, of course.” www.seizoensbrouwerij.be

Those able to combine all these talents will be good brewers whose produce will definitely end up in the famous Belgian Beer Wall that’s showcased at the Hop Museum. The wall CAFÉ TIPS provides an overview of every Belgian specialty beer – from the ales of a specific brewery thru’ to all the beers containing Belgian hops –, all - In the beer house of ‘Hotel De La Paix’ you’ll find no fewer than 100 types of Belgian beer. neatly categorized. A handy touchscreen helps Hotel de la Paix, Grote Markt 20, Poperinge visitors retrieve more information about every www.hoteldelapaix.be beer on display. “Visitors who don’t know much about beer are really wowed by the vast number - Visit The Old Fiddler to enjoy a Guinness of Belgian beers available. True beer fans, for their while listening to Irish music (because variety part, love the wall, as it brings back memories is the spice of life). about one beer or another,” says William. So The Old Fiddler, Veurnestraat 9, Poperinge, what’s his favourite then, we wonder. “Every beer www.theoldfiddler.be that’s been brewed properly is delicious”. We - Local beers, Trappist beers and traditional gladly believe his wise words – after all, William’s games – a winning formula in the Mysterie. the expert! Mysterie, Abeelseweg 29, Poperinge onmogelijk. ‘Elk goed gebrouwen bier is lekker.’ www.freewebs.com/hetmysterie Zeg dat William het gezegd heeft.

6 7 MORE HOPS AND BEER

Hopping from the local breweries to the many authentic local pubs without tasting the delicious regional beers and Picons … that would be a real shame, wouldn’t it? It’s not easy, LONG LIVE BELGIAN HOPS though, if you have to get home safely after Unfortunately, not every Belgian beer contains Belgi- having a few alcoholic drinks. Enter `Tournée an hops. In order to promote the local hops, Flanders Locale’: a vintage Volkswagen van – including, introduced the ‘Belgian hops’ logo – a quality label of course, a driver – that brings you from one place to the next, in style! Time for a bit of that confirms the presence of Belgian hops. Only bre- cruising around Poperinge … wers who officially confirm that at least half of the hops used are of Belgian origin, can label their bot- tles with this logo. So if you’re committed to Belgian hops, you’ll know what beer to choose! www.belgischehop.be

VISIT HOPPECRUYT Discover the present-day growing of the unique hopplant set in the glorious countryside of Pro- ven. At ‘t Hoppecruyt the hop grower will show you around both in the gardens and on the farm, even explaining about the hop harvester and the oast-house in the process. All in all, one and a half hours of fascinating stories about hops and hop growing. During the hop shoot season (March-April) you can sample the freshly-cut Out around Poperinge with hop shoots straight from the field. www.hoppecruyt.be Tournée Locale

It is drizzling when we assemble at the picturesque market square of nard, where they made cheese. When, in 1934, they returned to , Watou. No one really notices the morning drizzle, though, as we are the cheese factory was taken over. Shortly after the Second World all eyes for the wonderful vintage Volkswagen van that awaits us. A War, the monks of the St. Sixtus Trappist monastery, in Westvleteren, VISITING A BREWERY promising start for what will turn out to be a fantastic day. We’re all were looking for somebody to commercialize their beers. They deci- Besides the St. Bernardus brewery (see page 9), excited like children when Wout, our driver and guide, invites us to ded to partner with their friends from the cheese factory and gave the ‘De Plukker’ and ‘Van Eecke’ breweries gladly step in – ‘men in the back, women in the front’. The smell of the bus, them a licence to brew beer, based on their closely-guarded recipe, welcome visitors too. the soft, cosy seats, the plaid that our guide gently puts at our disposal know-how and specific yeast strain. It’s the start of the St. Bernardus ‘De Plukker’ provides a guided tour to groups … they make us feel in heaven, before we’re even gone. brewery. For the next 46 years, business flourished until the license on request; individual visitors are welcomed on came to an end in 1992 – about the time when it was stipulated by law Saturday afternoons between 2 and 5pm. As soon as we leave the centre of Watou, Wout treats us to some that official Trappist beer had to be brewed within the walls of a Trap- Brouwerij De Plukker, Elverdingseweg 16, Poperinge, `fun’ local facts. That ‘semi-official’ Trappist beer is brewed on the pist monastery. The St. Bernardus brewery, however, kept on brewing www.plukker.be Catsberg, for example. “It’s not officially recognised but very tasty and the same beers, yet under a different brand name. The monk that had brewed according to an old Trappist recipe,” explains our guide while been on the label for years was rebranded as a medieval nobleman, Open for group- and individual visits upon request. pointing to the Catsberg. There’s no time to discover the place though without any religious adornments. Today, the St. Bernardus brewery Want to make a reservation? as we’ve already spotted the hop fields that mark our first stop: the produces around 200,000 bottles a week. It has eight different beers, Email us at: [email protected] St. Bernardus monastery. Time for a guided tour that starts in the visi- which are sold in 40 countries – ranging from the United States thru’ Brouwerij Van Eecke, Douvieweg 2, Watou, tors’ centre, which feels like a traditional pub. Here, we learn that the to Chile and Israel. The secret? “We use the very best water, hops www.brouwerijvaneecke.be monastery of the French Catsberg moved to Watou in the early 1900s. and malts, resulting in a world-class beer,” explains our tour guide Ann, 8 The monks lived in a farm there, the Refuge de Notre Dame de St. Ber- who’s a true advocate of the beer. Did you know there’s even a St. 9 Bernardus pub in Tokyo? “Our beer tastes just the same all around that’s all I will reveal,” says the landlord when we’re trying to get hold the world. Only the labels are different. As soon as we get an order, of his secret recipe. You can’t blame him. “Every Picon tastes different we stick the country-specific labels on the bottles.” After Ann has because every pub has its own recipe,” says Wout. Then it’s time to explained the eight-hour brewing process, it’s time to taste the beer – try one of the traditional pub games, with a Picon in the hand: the Hopping an Abt 12 and a Tripel. Everyone adores them. Wout, of course, has to ‘gaaibolling’ is a game from long-gone times, which requires abstain: “If I’m driving the van, I have to stick to water.” a cork from an iron bar. Sure sounds a lot easier than it is! We have a go, but it’s hilarious rather than a success. The convivial atmosphere is The next stop is Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi, an old-style, ‘brown café’ on great, though. So we decide to try some more of these games. The the French border– the type of pub that’s become hard to find, these ‘hammer game’, for example, which looks just as easy as the previ- days. The roots of Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi go back to 1832. The farm ous one but is nothing like it. After two seconds, there’s four of us A VINTAGE VOLKSWAGEN VAN INCLUDING A DRIVER and the shop have disappeared in the meantime, but the atmosphere trying; we’re in utmost concentration (tongues sticking out!), keeping is just the same as back then: hops hanging from the ceiling, white the hammers ready and cursing loud when we’re too late. Such fun, and red chequered table cloths and a beer card with no fewer than as if we were ten years old. And it only gets better when we try the 153 regional beers. Add to that big ‘stuten’ (bread) with charcuterie ‘sjoelbak’, the ‘pudespel’ and the ‘mannetjesspel’. We hadn’t had so like paté, ‘schelle van de zeuge’, potjesvlees or ‘beenhespe’ and you’ll much fun in ages! agree it can’t get any more traditional. The men in our group drink a lo- cal beer, the women want to go all the way with Picon. Our first – and Slightly tipsy from the strong Picon, we drive back leisurely to Watou’s best – one ever, by the way. “It contains Picon liquor and white wine, main square. Wout shows us the hop fields, the small breweries and 10 11 VOLKSSPORTROUTE 20 YEARS OF POPERINGE’S BEER FESTIVAL Why not discover Poperinge and its surroundings in a re- Don’t forget to block out 24 and 25 October on your ally different way, along the ‘Volkssportroute’? This uni- calendar too, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of que concept takes you on a trip along cosy, authentic Poperinge’s beer festival with us. What to expect? pubs, where you can relive the past with `fun’ games of 20 breweries, over 100 beers, a lot of premières and sur- yore. Small snacks and drinks will give you just the energy prises, a prize draw with great beer-related prizes and a you need to play hard... There are nine different routes, unique atmosphere. Drop by to taste the many different as well as a children’s route and a route behind the old types of ale with your friends, to compare and share your frontline. More than enough choice to surprise everyone! experiences. Cheers! www.volkssportroute.be www.poperingebierfestival.be

LEKKER WESTHOEKS OUTSIDE TRAVEL Poperinge’s Tourist Services organizes the ‘Lekker West- Crossbow shooting, a nightly orienteering exercise, a hoeks’ event on 19 & 20 September 2015 – an annual mar- GPS-adventure, tree climbing, a high ropes park, Highland ket with local products, including delicacies like hoppe- games, canoeing, paintball, wall climbing, mountain biking paté, kruydekoek, hennepot, hopscheutenlikeur, and a (MTB), quad driving, raft building or wakeboarding … You genuine beer village. At the 100-metre long bar, you can can’t imagine an activity that Outside Travel doesn’t or- choose from dozens of different beers. And there’ll also ganize! For families and companies, as well as groups of be a lounge tent where the regional chefs will friends. Or rather: for everyone who wishes to seriously prepare fine, trendy regional dishes. Not to be missed! push out frontiers. www.toerismepoperinge.be www.outsideadventure.be

tells anecdotes from his ‘Tournée Local’ past: it’s great that, for once, overtake them … to brilliantly win the game. The sad faces suddenly we don’t need to choose a designated driver, who abstains from alco- clear up when we solemnly promise to book another weekend in the hol to drive the others home. “I pick up people at their B&B, hotel or region, to let them try again … holiday home and bring them back after the tour. It’s safe and it’s fun.” In the meantime, we’ve arrived at Café Saint-Georges, which is well- known for its ‘Boltra’. An enthusiastic landlady explains: “You could call this ‘baanbolling’ or ‘boule Flamande’, as the French say.” Until recently, the lane where the game is played consisted of sieved soil, rye flour `Rondje Westhoek’ tours the area in an authentic Volkswagen van. and cow dung, today it’s a bit more user-friendly. “Two teams, men They create a tailor-made program and will treat you to exciting, and women, of course, play in turns. Each team throws one ‘bol’, a `fun’ facts. www.rondjewesthoek.be small wooden ball, towards the goal. The team that rolls its bol closest Guided tours in the St. Bernardus brewery are available in the week to the goal, can start. The players of that team then start rolling one or at weekends, individually or in groups, in Dutch, French or English. www.sint-bernardus.be flat bol to the goal, after which the members of the other team have Visitors who eat or drink something in Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi can their go.” The lady of the house demonstrates how it works. You squat try out the traditional pub games for free. down and let the bol roll – that’s all. “Just let the natural fall of the lane www.aunouveaust-eloi.be do the work. The first time you’ll go as far as possible to get close to A game of ‘Boltra’ costs €5 per person, including a Hommelbiertje the bol, then you’ll try to drop it right in the middle of the lane to cre- or a draught Sint-Bernardus Tripel, www.boltra.be 12 ate a path of obstacles.” The men kick off and do fairly well, until we 13 POPERINGE On foot Local dishes SOME WALKING ROUTES

Sweet with ‘Mazarinetaart’ Addicted to Zokola The city centre walking network, the Green The ‘Mazarinetaart’ (Mazarine cake) is an The Royal British Legion granted Space Walk, the Lindegoed walk or the Zevekote, officially recognized local dish – one with a Zokola exclusivity to Warande or Smouthouk paths, the Dode IJzer (Dead IJzer- and the St. Sixtus walks, the Kunst- family tree even. The very first slice of this launch a chocolate sweet cake was sold in 1800 and the recipe Vol-Poperinge (Full-of-Art Poperinge) or Sagen Poppy. It’s tainted red en legenden (Myths and legends) trails, the has remained unchanged ever since. The cake, – using natural ingre- Galgebossen and Brabanthoek walks, etc. …. which has a pronounced cinnamon taste, is dients – and filled with served lukewarm. Originally conceived as a caramel and Baileys. The `filling’ afternoon tea delicacy, it is now a result is a mouth-watering delicious dessert. piece of chocolate. Just like the ‘Poperingse Banketbakkerij Sansen (a local patisserie) has Hommelkopjes’, another creation by Zokola. been promoting the ‘Gateau Mazarin’ since Ever thought you’d be tempted by a tasty 1900. They’re still selling it today, for you to combination of hops and chocolate? take away and savour at home. Gasthuisstraat You’ll find Zokola’s products at Poperinge’s Hoppeland walking network 36, Poperinge. weekly market on Fridays and at a series of The Hoppeland (Hops country) walking network is shops. www.zokola.be a cross-border network that takes you to the most charming places in Poperinge and French Flanders. Compose your trip yourself with the handy nodes Peppered with ‘Poperingsche Kruyde- and hike along picturesque villages like the poetry koecke’ village Watou, the border village of Abele or the French village of Houtkerke. Enjoy the rolling coun- Several local patisseries proudly present their tryside, take a stroll through the richly wooded `lo- ‘Poperingsche Kruydekoecke’ – a unique mix cale’ or wander around Poperinge’s town centre. A of honey, herbs, rye flour and a handful of se- short or a long trip? With stout hiking shoes or ra- cret ingredients that has easily stood the test ther warm, comfy boots? It’s up to you! Plan your of time. Go try it and see for yourself! own trip with this network map that includes 228 ‘Poperingse Kruydekoecke’ is available from kilometres of walking trails and 184 nodes. The map Banketbakkerij Vandecasteele. Ieperstraat 47, is available at the Tourist Office (price: €6). Poperinge. www.bakkerijvandecasteele.be

Well-prepared thanks to ‘Hennepot’ The varieties in ‘Houblonesse’ ‘Hennepot’ was traditionally eaten during the Sheltered workshop Sowepo successfully first week of the funfair in Poperinge. Its roots combines hop shoots with other ingredients must go back as far as the Maria-Ommegang, IJzer Valley cross-border walking to develop creative culinary delights. Ho- Poperinge’s cultural and historical procession, network memade jam, a digestive drink, jenever (Dutch i.e. over 500 years. The story behind it? Well, The IJzer valley lies between Wylder in France and gin), waffles, chocolates, caramel sauce … the women of Poperinge wanted to enjoy Reninge in Flanders (). Choose one of the the attractions of the fair too, so didn’t really and their prizewinning ‘Keikop Kaas’ (cheese). 13 starting points along the banks of the IJzer and have time to make dinner that day. They Every single delicacy has been prepared in a set off to discover the villages of Haringe, Roes- prepared the ‘hennepot’ beforehand, in a clay traditional way, with great love and dedicati- brugge, Krombeke, Beveren, Gijverinkhove, Stavele, pot, and stored it in the cool cellar … to enjoy on … and that’s borne out in the unique taste. Oost- and Westvleteren, Lo, Reninge and Pollink- some cold chicken or rabbit bone when they Sowepo has worked out a pleasant cycle hove. This network also crosses the border with returned home. and scooter route to take you to the places the North of France. It combines wonderful natural scenery, couleur locale, authentic villages and tasty ‘Hennepot’ is available from most of the where their products are sold. local products from both sides of the border. Don’t butchers in Poperinge. When you buy it at www.houblonesse.be the butchery of Luc Sohier (Veurnestraat hesitate to take a halt, now and then, to savour all these delicacies! The IJzer Valley cross-border wal- 24), you may also want to try his ‘hoppepaté’ network includes 200 kilometres of hiking trails (hop paté) too. and 126 nodes. The map is available at the Tourist Office (price: €6).

14 15 WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

IN DE VREDE Donkerstraat 13 8640 Westvleteren www.indevrede.be

DE KINDERBROUWERIJ Reningelstplein 5a 8970 Poperinge kinderbrouwerij.com

BOERENHOL Driegoenstraat 4 8970 www.boerenhol.be

JAGERSHOF Bankelindeweg 58 8972 Krombeke www.hetjagershof.be In the shadow of the Saint Sixtus Abbey you will find ‘t Jagershof. In the attic of this local restaurant you can visit the unique exhibition The First World War behind the frontline, between De Lovie and the abbey of Saint Sixtus. Original photos, documents, uniforms, equipments and personal stories of various armies show you the story of the First World War in this region.

History is ubiquitous in Poperinge. This new cycling excursion takes you along a chain of evacuation hospitals and other Great War spots. Yet, the glorious rolling countryside and the many enchanting views have a way of softening all that suffering and show you by bike Poperinge as it should be seen. In total, 41 kilometres bound to leave a lasting impression on you.

16 17 41 KM CYCLING WW1 This cycling tour takes you to various evacuation hospitals and other WW1 sites

Poperinge was the first town behind the attacks and infectious diseases sufferers were road. The church of Poperinge emerges as Western Front line. And together with treated. Many, 3,240 to be exact, did not sur- a landmark, as if to demonstrate how close Veurne (Furnes), it was even the only Belgian vive and were buried here. Forever surroun- this tour has taken us to the centre. On the TALBOT HOUSE town not occupied by the Germans. Some ded by the greenery that envelops them and left we can see Nine Elms Cemetery, named 200,000 soldiers were based in and around Poperinge. after an avenue in London, where Australian, In the middle of this lively town, and only a stone’s the town, affectionately nicknamed ‘Pop’ British and German soldiers are buried. After throw away from the main square, you will find an by the British soldiers. The military presence From there, we double back to take the turn all, death is the great equalizer. The panora- elegant mansion. From 1915, the Sixth Division of sometimes grew depending on whether an just before ‘t Jagershof, an inn featuring a mic view of the Catsberg from the peace- the British Army began renting this property for 150 offensive was planned. There were so many WWI exhibition. We pass the lush St. Sixtus ful cemetery may offer some solace to the francs a month. In December of the same year, the ra- military vehicles that you’d thought you woods, conveniently equipped with picnic victims’ surviving relatives. A little further we ther chubby chaplain Philip Clayton, aptly nicknamed were in the centre of London. On 22 April benches, and De Lovie, a 19th-century castle pass by picturesque gardens with benches Tubby, opened a club for soldiers there. This was 1915, the German army engaged the Second which served as army headquarters during and ponds, lonely chapels, stray chickens, a the beginning of Talbot House. ‘A home away from Battle of with a new weapon: poison the war and is now a centre for mentally hand pump by a doorway, and a sign that home’, a place where every soldier was welcome, and gas. The attack was launched at 5.30 pm and challenged people. We meander along the says we should encourage bintje potato an ‘Every Man’s Club accessible to all, no matter their by 8 pm the first gas victims were coming 6-foot tall hedges delineating the estate sales. You can’t help but dream about a life in rank. There were no soldiers, officers, or lieutenants into Poperinge. When the wind was blowing boundaries to suddenly find ourselves in Ca- these rolling hills. in Talbot House, only people who wanted to escape from the east, the gas could reach Poperinge, nada. A hamlet which certainly brought no the horror of war. Today you can stay in one of the which obviously set the town on high alert. dishonour to its name. We are treated to a The road takes us to the Helleketel woods. rooms of the protected Talbot House, enjoy a cup of From then on, a large sign stating “Dangerous sloping landscape with large and small farms Slowly but surely during both world wars, tea or just relax in the magnificent garden and remi- wind” would hang on the façade of the town and farmers who always seem to be busy most of the trees in this forest were felled. In nisce about the past. hall whenever an easterly wind was blowing. ploughing. The neoclassical castle ‘t Couthof the First World War, the wood was used to Part of the hop warehouse was converted into a mu- Fortunately today, traces of this evil have looms in front of us. Another castle with a build camps, repair roads and shore up tren- seum while the Concert Hall above has been given long disappeared. The Grote Markt is lined WWI story to tell, since the Couthove Eli- ches. Today, the woods are expanding once a new lease of life. Not extremely large or particu- by countless cosy cafés and taverns, which sabeth Hospital was set up on its grounds. again and provide welcoming shade on hot larly interactive, but a truly unforgettable experience makes it the ideal starting point for this 41- The field hospital treated sick and wounded days. Nature lovers can even get off their thanks to the numerous compelling testimonials gi- km tour that will take us along the chain of civilians, as well as Belgian soldiers. In addition bikes to explore the forest further on foot. ven in colourful dialect. Ordinary people describe in evacuation hospitals. You can also expect to his estate, Baron Mazeman de Couthove We set our course towards Abele, via the their own language their daily lives at the time of the the soul-soothing effect of glorious vistas as provided two cars and a driver to pick up the Trappistenweg. During the Great War, it was Great War. And you cannot but be deeply moved by we delight in superb scenery right from the the grace with which they share that suffering. moment we leave the main square behind us. www.talbothouse.be We ride through unspoilt landscape dotted Did you know that Dozinghem, Mendinghem and Bandaghem derived from medical with hop fields, pretty houses, grazing sheep terms? Come to think of it, it’s obvious: to dose, to mend and to bandage…. and the obligatory field chapels. It may look like flat ground, but that’s just an illusion, a wounded from the station. Today, the castle the border crossing for tens of thousands hidden gradient. Our legs do feel it, and is the residence of Count Henri d’Udekem of Belgian refugees. Some walked to France, whenever we cheerfully ride downhill, we d’Acoz, the uncle of the Belgian Queen, Ma- others got there by train. They were fleeing realise all too well that we have to climb yet thilde. Meanwhile, we climb slowly but ste- towards an uncertain future in a foreign land. another incline soon afterwards. That’s the adily up quiet roads bordered by rich farm- By the end of the war, 325,000 Belgians were way it is. But the bike trail is bordered with land. The only motorised vehicles we meet living in France. Whole school communities, knee high hedges, the sun is shining and we are tractors and scenes of romantic peasant including very small children, made the cros- are surrounded by beauty. Even a sign poin- life seem to fill the landscape as far as the sing. Many of those refugees were not able ting to St. Sixtus abbey does not deviate us eye can see. The Catsberg beckons in the to return before 1920, but 35,000 remained in from our path. We persevere until we disco- distance, and the Watouseweg offers a mag- France for good. Riding through , ver the well-hidden Dozinghem Military Ce- nificent view of this giant dominating the the poetic hamlet of De Grooten Onze Here, metery, screened by green hedges. The quiet beautiful landscape. With its airs of a ramp, and a series of picture postcard scenery we cemetery was established near the Casualty the Provenseweg tries to fool us, but a lit- end up at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. 18 Clearing Station, a medical centre where gas tle further we fall in love with this country 19 The new glazed Visitor Centre awaits us there, nestled in the vegetation. A contemporary design inspired by the original operating theatre, the core of the largest field hospital of the . Spread over dozens of hectares, it had its own railway station and accommodated 4,000 beds. It constituted a complex maze of tents and barracks where wounded sol- diers were constantly ferried in and out. Those who did not make it were buried on the site. 10,784 soldiers were among those unlucky ones. This represents only 3% of all the woun- ded and sick who transited through this site. So, 97% of them did make it, which corresponds to more than 300,000. Even though the Visitor Centre presents the broader context of the Great War, it also allows those who lived and died through it to share their personal stories. The war and the consequences for Lijssenthoek are shown, day by day on a timeline. Listen to thirty audio-snippets whispered to you through the blood red wall until the Flemish writer and poet Erwin Mortier bids you farewell with the last lines of his beautiful poem: ‘Be still, or sing or kiss’. The Visitor Centre and the cemetery are connec- ted through a sleek footpath, lined by 1,392 poles. Each pole represents one day and notches on the pole indicate how many deaths there were that day. It is clear from the rusty chart that this cemetery grew to the rhythm of the front ma- noeuvres. The tragic outcome: 7,392 British soldiers killed, 1,131 from Australia, 1,052 from Canada, 3 from India, 292 from New Zealand, 29 from South Africa, 658 French, 224 Germans, and 3 Americans. Sons and fathers who were born on the other side DEATH CELLS of the world to end up here in the clay of Flanders Fields. The HEAVY TRAFFIC only thing left to do is show them the honour they deserve, During the Great World War, the courtyard of the RAILWAY TRAFFIC AND OTHER and that is exactly what this cemetery does, offering a little town hall was used for executions. The soldiers sen- FORMS OF TRANSPORT IN balm for the souls of the fallen. tenced to death spent their last hours in the prison POPERINGE BETWEEN 1914 & 1918 Still in our reverie, we ride through winding lanes to another cells waiting to be ‘shot at dawn’. Today this is a sym- world, eventually finding ourselves on the village square of Poperinge Railway Station was a logistical hub during the bolic place, a permanent indictment against sum- Reningelst. During the war, this village remained in Allied hands First World War. Traffic was extremely busy, streets were mary executions. In one cell, visitors get to watch and was even developed into a major British centre behind literally trampled down by feet and destroyed by vehicles.

a video of the last moments of a condemned man. 1917 30 September station, - Poperinge 3965) © IWM (Q the Western Front. Reningelst was not spared, however. From Trains would steam into the station carrying fresh troops; In the other cell, the graffiti scratched into the wall 1917 the village was pounded by artillery fire almost daily. Situ- trains would rush out of the station with soldiers on leave, surface by the prisoners is highlighted. The execution ated further back, the buildings of the current ‘Kinderbrouwe- the sick, the wounded and refugees on . Every day post in the courtyard is visible from the cell. A bench rij’ nonetheless served as a delousing and bath facility for the dozens of freight trains would arrive with supplies, mili- and a wall enclose the post, while the bird footprints troops. In the meantime, we’ve already clocked a considerable tary equipment and building materials. The inhabitants of on the cobblestones refer to the fragility of man. A amount of kilometres, so time to head back towards Pope- Poperinge could see all kinds of everything rolling by on verse by Erwin Mortier reveals the site’s deeper di- ringe. Along the way we pass by a farm vending machine, filled the tracks: wagons with coal, sand, timber, stone, tank cars, mension. Information panels and a leaflet guide the with leeks and other delicious fresh produce, and Poperinghe horses, guns… visitor through the structure and make reference to New Military Cemetery. Here lie buried 948 Commonwealth The Gasthuiskapel is currently hosting an exhibition on and 273 French soldiers. Among the many concrete crosses, other WW1 sites in Poperinge. those train movements. The eye-catching feature is the di- there are also the tombs of Muslim soldiers from Africa and orama showing train traffic. It is sure to delight both young Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Free admission. 17 soldiers ‘shot at dawn’ for cowardice. One of them was the and old with its scale model (1:76 scale) of Poperinge’s rail- 17-year old Jamaican Herbert Morris whose story you can read way station. Several railroad scenes are depicted, ranging in the ‘Death Cells’, in the courtyard of the town hall. We make from medical intake in the station building to the unloa- one last stop on our way to the Grote Markt, at Poperinghe ding of ammunition crates on a narrow gauge train. The Old Cemetery. This is the final resting place of the victims of scenery: more than six hundred soldiers, six trains (three the First and Second Battle of Ypres, 500 civilians who died in of which an actually run), a number of landmark buildings, the typhoid epidemic of the first winter of the War, as well as many stray dogs and one black cat... a Chinese labourer who was convicted of murdering another Explore the rail landscape with the free mobile app, which labourer and executed. Several stone ornaments remind us of takes the cyclist or walker from the Gasthuiskapel along the castle that once stood here. It was used as a hospital by various WWI sites with a story to tell. Images of the past the Red Cross and Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie was part appear and old railroad maps reveal an ingenious network of the medical team. In January 1915, she set up in the col- of branch lines. The app is linked to the issue of an authen- lege annexed to the hospital her ‘petites Curies’ mobile ra- tic roadmap and the “Groote Beweging – Heavy Traffic” diography equipment. This shows that even in the direst of outdoor exhibition. situations there can always be a glimmer of hope. And maybe Artist Sven Verhaeghe walked and cycled the whole of this is precisely what we should learn from this cycling tour the former railway line linking Poperinge to Hazebrouck. and Poperinge: never give up hope. Something to think about, Sven captured his impressions on film at eight specific lo- and we decide to do that while savouring a cool St. Bernardus BOTH POP-ROUTE AND OTHER cations. The result is “Terminus, la voie perdue”, a short film beer. Certainly well deserved after 41 km of cycling up and CYCLING MAPS ARE FOR SALE featuring scenes between dream and reality. 20 down hills. AT THE TOURIST OFFICE. www.poperinge14-18.be 21 MARCH MAY Daily Maand van de hopscheuten - Month of the hop 1, 2, 3 Woeste Waanzin - Furious Folly (see 30 April) POPERINGE CALENDAR shoots 1 ’t ROMMELt op de MARKt - There are FLEAs on the Ten of Poperinge’s restaurants serve the town’s white gold MARKET blended into the most exquisite dishes, for you to indulge. Large open air flee market in the centre of Poperinge. Eve- Don’t forget to book in advance, as hop shoots are delivered ryone who loves antiques is sure to find some little treasures fresh, every day. amongst the things on sale in the over 450 stands. Go find www.hopscheuten.be those treasures from your attics! 2015Have fun www.toerismepoperinge.be

CONTINUOUS 14 May - 10 September Aalmoezeniers tijdens de Grote Until 5 September Groote Beweging - Heavy Traffic. Railway Oorlog - Chaplains during the Great War traffic and other forms of transport in Poperinge 1914-1918 This exhibition zooms in on the work of Tubby Clayton and This diorama about the rail activity during WWI is the ideal his somewhat eccentric colleagues. Each chaplain had his own 13, 14, 15 Keikoppencarnaval - carnival weekend starting point to go and explore the region. The free mobile method of helping his ‘boys’ forget about the war for a while. Join the many carnival-related celebrations, from the child- de app will take you along a number of Points of Interest along www.talbothouse.be ren’s parade, the funfair and the colourful main parade with 13 - 17 12 Internationaal Gregoriaans Festival Watou - th the railway line. Upon request for groups The Soundtrack of 14-18 spectacular carnival floats on Sunday afternoon thru’ to the 12 International Gregorian Festival of Watou www.poperinge14-18.be A unique concept of a three-course dinner in a unique set- ‘boemelavond’ - music, singing, dancing and good fun in the 450 fresh, mainly professionally trained voices bring ancient Until 10 May Pigeons/Duiven ting, spiced up with live poems, stories and music from the local pubs - that concludes Poperinge’s carnival weekend. music and texts to life in the village of Watou and its partner Temporary exhibition by Raoul Servais in the Talbot House Great War. www.keikoppencarnaval.be towns. Slessorium. www.poperinge14-18.be www.festivalwatou.be www.talbothouse.be APRIL 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 In Flanders Fields, eindbestemming 4 April - end September Getekend door de oorlog - 4, 5, 11, 12 Pops 17 Poperinge - In Flanders Fields, Final destination Poperinge Illustrated by the War During this theatre tour, ‘Heemkring Aan de Schreve’ recalls Theatre production by Music Hall about and staged on loca- Located in the ‘Kinderbrouwerij’, this exhibition showcases the atmosphere of September 1917. Animated walk along 18 tion next to the impressive Lijssenthoek cemetery, centred drawings by Gerda Dendooven, Randall Casaer and Kitty locations, concluded with a dinner and variety entertainment around personal stories and the themes of togetherness and Crowther, all of them inspired by stories in which children in the evening. respect. play the central role. http://users.telenet.be/aandeschreve www.poperinge1418.be kinderbrouwerij.com 12 Smoefelen en roefelen in ’t dorp - Tasting and discovering 18 Dag van het Park - Day of the Park 30 April - 30 August The Smell of War in our villages Take part in the activities or enjoy the music performances in Experience the smell of fear, triumph, death, mud and gun- Cycling, walking, discovering, tasting, enjoying and admiring Poperinge’s Burggraaf Frimoutpark. From 2 to 6pm, everyone powder during this arts course - a unique experience realized - that’s what it’s all about in Reningelst, Abele, is welcome for a great day at the park. by an international cast of smell artists, together with curator and on 12 April. Every village is ready to play its www.poperinge.be Peter De Cupere. cards! 30 - 31 Weekend aan de Stroom, op ontdekking langs de www.poperinge14-18.be www.toerismepoperinge.be IJzer- en Handzamevallei - Weekend by the river, exploring 4 July - 30 August Kunstenfestival Watou - Art Festival 30 - 3 May Woeste Waanzin - Furious Folly the IJzer and Handzame valleys Watou Sound art, pyrotechnics, projection and kinetic sculptures Early birds are welcome to explore the valley during an early Each summer, Watou is converted into an art village where ensure a gripping and surprising sound and light event, full morning nature walk. A guide explains all about ‘smuggling’ poets, visual artists, upcoming talent and well-established of hope, based on the first German gas offensive on 22 April and invites children and adults to try smuggling butter, names set up camp. Including lectures and workshops. 1915. tobacco or alcohol during a nerve-wrecking smuggling game. www.kunstenfestivalwatou.be www.poperinge14-18.be Moreover, the River IJzer is available for canoeing. 14 May - 10 September Zomer van de aquarellen - Summer www.toerismewesthoek.be of Watercolour Enjoy the second part of ‘Rites of Spring’ - a watercolour art exhibition by Guy Gruwier in the Oast-room. There are several workshops in watercolour and pastel painting. www.talbothouse.be 22 Museum Q2897 ©Imperial War More than a fascinating spring 23 JUNE 5 Maria-Ommegang - Historical procession AUGUST 27 Parkconcert met Radio Negra (Manu Shao Tribute) - Dates to be determined In Flanders Fields, eindbestemming Cultural/historical procession with about a thousand people 5, 12, 19, 26 Fietsen achter het front - Cycling behind the Concert in the park with Radio Negra (Manu Shao Tribute) Poperinge - In Flanders Fields, Final destination Poperinge accompanying the statue of O.L.V. - Sint-Jan (Our Lady of frontline Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy Theatre production by Music Hall about and staged on loca- St. John) through the city. The procession tells the history of On Wednesday afternoons, a guide will cycle with you along two great performances by local bands, while having a drink tion next to the impressive Lijssenthoek cemetery, centred Poperinge over the centuries. the vestiges, ruins and relics of the First World War, including and enjoying some great company. Admission is free. around personal stories and the themes of togetherness and www.mariaommegang.be a visit to the death cells, the execution spot, Poperinghe New www.poperinge.be respect. 9 Parkconcert met Compost Binde en The Occasional Band - M.C. and Lijssenthoek M.C. 29 Marktrock Poperinge www.poperinge1418.be Concert in the park with Compost Binde and The Occasional Free music festival where both young and old enjoy great 7 & 21 Zondagmorgenconcerten - Sunday morning concerts Band music from both upcoming and established bands, in the cosy The ‘Kultuurgemeenschap Haringe’ (Haringe cultural society) Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy setting of Poperinge’s main square. invites everyone to its Sunday morning concerts. Visitors are two great performances by local bands, while having a drink www.marktrockpoperinge.be treated to coffee and pastries before the concert and an and enjoying some great company. Admission is free. 30 Familiefestival - Family festival aperitif afterwards. www.poperinge.be The third family festival in de Kinderbrouwerij invites eve- www.orgelconcerten.be 12 Zondagmorgenconcerten - Sunday morning concerts ryone to participate in unique games and workshops and 21 Nationale Beiaarddag - National Open Day The ‘Kultuurgemeenschap Haringe’ (Haringe cultural society) enjoy theatrical and music performances. Free visits to the carillon of St. Bertinus church (on the main invites everyone to its Sunday morning concerts. Visitors are kinderbrouwerij.com square): two guides will accompany groups of people to the treated to coffee and pastries before the concert and an tower, every half an hour from 3 to 5 pm. aperitif afterwards. SEPTEMBER www.toerismepoperinge.be www.orgelconcerten.be 19 & 20 Lekker Westhoeks 22 Feest van het paard - Festival of the horse 16 Parkconcert met Woodloose en Boom’n van de Weireld Drop by Poperinge’s main square to savour dozens of spe- Featuring a market for horse accessories, a race with workhor- - Concert in the park with Woodloose and Boom’n van de cialist beers brewed with Belgian hops, unique dishes based ses, the steeple and a large musical party, ‘Krombeke koerse’ Weireld on regional products, prepared by chefs from Poperinge, and is the popular, local version of ‘ Koerse’ (the biggest Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy 13 Parkconcert met Chitty Chitty Bang Bang en Beatless loads of other delicacies from local producers. steeplechase event in Belgium). two great performances by local bands, while having a drink - Concert in the park with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and www.toerismepoperinge.be www.feestvanhetpaard.be and enjoying some great company. Admission is free. Beatless 26 & 27 of Picardy 27, 28 Keikopbraderie - Keikop fair www.poperinge.be Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy The Pops Orchestra (NL) gives a performance/concert This is the place/time to enjoy the first sales of the summer two great performances by local bands, while having a drink featuring a British volunteer who talks about his experiences season. While shopping, you can enjoy dance performances and enjoying some great company. Admission is free. during the war in Poperinge. ‘Roses of Picardy’ was a very and lots of other activities, including fun children’s games. www.poperinge.be famous song during the Great War. www.poperinge.be 15 Vergeten Volkscafé Vélotocht - Cycling tour along http://users.telenet.be/aandeschreve/ forgotten local pubs JULY An official town guide will cycle with you along a route dot- OCTOBER 8, 15, 22 and 29 Fietsen achter het front - Cycling behind the ted with long-forgotten local pubs, explaining Poperinge’s 24 & 25 Poperinge Bierfestival - Poperinge Beer Festival frontline couleur locale, the town’s war history and the (his)tory of the 20th edition of this beer weekend organised by the ‘Poperings On Wednesday afternoons, a guide will cycle with you along hops. Bierproeversgenootschap’ (Beer Tasters Association). Come the vestiges, ruins and relics of the First World War, including www.toerismepoperinge.be taste over 100 types of beer, including several premières and a visit to the death cells, the execution spot, Poperinghe New 13, 22 Fietstocht Trappist - Trappist cycling tour meet up with other beer lovers. M.C. and Lijssenthoek M.C. This fascinating tour includes a visit to the Hop Museum and www.poperingebierfestival.be www.toerismepoperinge.be St. Bernardus brewery plus tasting sessions of the famous 3 - 13 Kermis in stadscentrum - Funfair in the town centre Trappist beers on the Catsberg and at Westvleteren. NOVEMBER Annual funfair with numerous attractions on the Grote Markt www.hopmuseum.be 14 Blaublues Haringe (main square) and Paardenmarkt. There are marching bands 21 Vergeten Volkscafé Vélotocht - Cycling tour to long- 15 Mountainbike XL Dedicated to real blues music, this festival in the village of and other activities like fireworks on ‘Zotte Maandag’ (Mad forgotten local pubs 20th edition of this MTB event for cycling enthusiasts, who Haringe welcomes a growing number of blues lovers from all Monday), a Criterium (cycling race) and a run. An official town guide will cycle with you along a route dot- can choose from six different circuits - 35, 50, 80, 100, 120 or over the world. The stage there features big names from the www.poperinge.be ted with long-forgotten local pubs, explaining Poperinge’s 135 kilometres - in and around Poperinge. world of blues. 3, 17, 31 Orgelconcert - Organ recital couleur locale, the town’s war history and the (his)tory of the www.mtbpoperinge.be www.blaublues.be Each year, the friends of the historic Van Peteghem or- hops. 20 Vierdaagse van de IJzer - ‘Four days of the Yser’ gan organize a series of organ recitals, with internationally www.toerismepoperinge.be In 2015, Poperinge is the host city to this classic hiking event. DECEMBER renowned organists, in Haringe. At the end you can enjoy an 29 Internatie Reningelst - Reningelst cycling competition Both civilians and the military enter to walk 8, 16, 24 or 32 16 - 20 GoneWest Piano festival ‘Orgelbiertje’. During the local funfair, Reningelst puts cycle racing to the kilometres together, in the direction of Heuvelland. With a Multi-day festival with living-room concerts, pianos in public www.orgelconcerten.be fore. The ‘acht van Reningelst’ has become a classic in the parade and a wreath-laying ceremony in the evening. places and new work by Jan Swerts and Jef Neve to mark the 4, 11 Fietstocht De Struise Plukker - De Struise Plukker cycling world of cycling, ensuring some thrilling moments for all www.4daagse.be 100th anniversary of Talbot House. tour cycling addicts. 20 Parkconcert met Wolf en Pawnshop Boulevard - Concert www.gonewest.be Cycling tour starting at the Hop Museum in the morning; www.wielerclubbergdal.be in the park with Wolf and Pawnshop Boulevard after which there’s a sandwich lunch with a Trappist beer in Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy Westvleteren, a visit to the ‘De Struise Brouwers’ brewery in two great performances by local bands, while having a drink Oostvleteren and a beer tasting in ‘De Plukker’ in Poperinge. and enjoying some great company. Admission is free. www.hopmuseum.be www.poperinge.be 24 Long live the summer Heart warming winter months 25 TO STAY IN AND AROUND POPERINGE hotels TO STAY IN AND AROUND POPERINGE guest rooms number rate single rate double number rate single rate double Hotels of rooms MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX Guest rooms of rooms MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX Hotel Amfora★★★ 7 € 71,50 - € 91,50 € 83 - € 123 Amfora★★★★ 3 € 93 - € 133 € 93 - € 133 Grote Markt 36 - 8970 Poperinge Guido Gezellestraat 24 - 8970 Poperinge 057 33 94 05 - [email protected] - www.hotelamfora.be 057/33 94 05 - [email protected] - www.hotelamfora.be

★ Gasthof de kring★★ 7 € 54 - € 66 € 68 - € 92 Landgoed Argiliere 2 € 35 € 75 Burgemeester Bertenplein 7 - 8970 Poperinge Ouderdomseweg 66 - 8970 Reningelst 057 33 38 61 - [email protected] - www.dekring.be 0474 480 163 [email protected] - www.argiliere.be Talbot House - Every Man's Club B&B★ 10 € 36 - € 44 € 66 - € 78 De Groenen Boomgaard★★★ 3 € 45 € 80 Gasthuisstraat 43 - 8970 Poperinge Lindestraat 6 - 8972 Roesbrugge 057 33 32 28 - [email protected] - www.talbothouse.be 0498/73 78 05 of 0495/89 42 92

[email protected] - www.degroenenboomgaard.be ★★ 4 € 55 - € 105 € 90 - € 140 Het Wethuys Popshouse★★★★ 2 € 75 € 95 - € 125 Watouplein 2 - 8978 Watou Jagerstraat 8 - 8970 Poperinge 0497/85 68 38 - [email protected] - www.wethuys.be

0477 34 03 93 - [email protected] - www.popshouse.be ★★★★ Hotel Recour 15 € 127 - € 357 € 144 - € 374 Predikherenhof★★ 6 € 52 € 84 Guido Gezellestraat 7 - 8970 Poperinge Elverdingseweg 25 - 8970 Poperinge 057 33 57 25 - [email protected] - www.pegasusrecour.be 057/42 23 66 - [email protected] - www.predikherenhof.be Hotel Callecanes★★★ 37 € 109 - € 175 € 119 - € 195 Te Lande★★ 2 € 35 € 65 Callicanesweg 12 - 8978 Watou Kapellestraat 23 - 8978 Watou 057 38 88 08 - [email protected] - www.hotel-callecanes.be 057/20 59 03 of 0477/81 93 00 - [email protected]

★★ d'hommelbelle★★ 6 € 50 - € 60 € 80 - € 100 Het Wethuys 3 € 55 - € 105 € 80 - € 130 Watouseweg 5 - 8970 Poperinge Watouplein 2 - 8978 Watou 057 33 47 10 - [email protected] - www.user.skynet.be/hommelbelle 0497/85 68 38 - [email protected] - www.wethuys.be

★★★★ 1 - € 80 - € 90 Manoir Ogygia★★★★ 9 € 130 - € 180 € 155 - € 225 B&B Atalanta Veurnestraat 108 - 8970 Poperinge Schipvaartweg 6 - 8970 Poperinge 057/33 49 53 of 0496/54 50 31 - [email protected] - www.bb-atalanta.be 057 33 88 38 - [email protected] - www.ogygia.be

★★★★ 1 € 65 - € 75 € 85 - € 95 ★★★ 14 € 70 € 90 Ons Content Belfort Witsoonestraat 48972 Krombeke Grote Markt 29 - 8970 Poperinge 057/36 03 08 [email protected]/ons_content 057 33 88 88 - [email protected] - www.hotelbelfort.be

★★★★ 4 € 102 - € 167 € 119 - € 184 ★★ Gastenkamers Recour Palace 9 € 78 € 100 Bruggestraat 8 - 8970 Poperinge Ieperstraat 34 - 8970 Poperinge 057/33 57 25 - [email protected] - www.gastenkamersrecour.be 057 33 30 93 - [email protected] - www.hotelpalace.be

Rentmeesterhoeve★★★★ 4 € 105 - € 150 € 120 - € 165 ★★★ Hotel de la Paix 5 € 92,50 € 115 Reningelstplein 5 - 8970 Reningelst Grote Markt 20 - 8970 Poperinge 0477/37 92 86 - [email protected] - www.rentmeesterhoeve.be 057 33 95 78 - [email protected] - www.hoteldelapaix.be Buxushof★ 3 € 50 - € 55 € 75 - € 80 ’t Kommiezenkot★★ 6 € 60 € 60 Watouseweg 9 - 8970 Poperinge Abeelseweg 183-185 - 8970 Poperinge 057/33 50 20 - [email protected] - www.sintjanterbiezen.be/buxushof 057 33 23 70 - [email protected] - www.kommiezenkot.be ★★★ € 75 Galant-hus 3 € 70 € 100 Huis tussen Dag en Morgen ★★ 5 € 80 € 90 Krombekestraat 110 - 8970 Poperinge 0478 55 89 22 - [email protected] Watouplein 15 - 8978 Watou www.users.telenet.be/Galant-Hus/nederlands/home.html 057/33 88 24 - [email protected]

www.eenhuistussendagenmorgen.be Cortewyle★★ 3 € 70 € 75 - € 100 Steenvoordestraat 3 - 8978 Poperinge > op de Markt 057 38 88 40 - [email protected] - www.cortewylewatou.be Brouwershuis★★★ 10 € 86,50 - € 96,50 € 103 - € 113 Trappistenweg 23A - 8978 Watou LEGEND Parking Bar Bicycle rent 057/38 88 60 - [email protected] - www.brouwershuis.com ★★ Restaurant / Half Board TV In the center Bea’s Bed & Breakfast 2 € 55 € 75 Casselstraat 214 - 8970 Poperinge 057/36 08 93 - [email protected] - www.beasbb.be Disabled adjusted Free wireless internet Rural Herberg Boerenhol★★★★ 4 € 85 - € 120 € 95 - € 130 Driegoenstraat 4 - 8970 Reningelst Minimum 2 nights 057/36 02 53 - [email protected] - www.boerenhol.be during the weekends Pets allowed Credit cards accepted ON DEMAND and holidays

Landhuis Vedastus★★★★ 5 € 61,5 - € 71,5 € 93 - € 103 Zevekotestraat 6 - 8970 Reningelst List of licensed accomodations according to the ‘Vlaams logiesinformatiesysteem’ in February 25th 2015 057/36 36 90 - [email protected] - www.landhuisvedastus.be >into the street 26 27

TO STAY IN AND AROUND POPERINGE holiday cottages TO STAY IN AND AROUND POPERINGE holiday cottages

number number rate weekend rate midweek rate week number number rate weekend rate midweek rate week Holiday cottages of pers. of rooms MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX Holiday cottages of pers. of rooms MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX MIN. - MAX ★★★★ De Horizon★★★ 9 3 € 375 € 475 - € 500 € 550 - € 595 Maison de la Paix 14 4 € 650 - € 850 € 580 - € 750 € 800 - € 950 Kriekstraat 15 - 8970 Reningelst Ieperstraat 74 - 8970 Poperinge 057 33 91 42 057/33 95 78 > Hotel de la Paix [email protected] - www.dehorizon-reningelst.be [email protected] - www.hoteldelapaix.be ★★★★★ Grimminckhof★★★★ 13 5 € 625 - € 800 € 600 - € 800 € 775 - € 950 Eybeekhoeve 4 tot 32 14 € 300 - € 2380 € 280 - € 2220 € 480 - € 3600 Duivinnestraat 1A - 8970 Poperinge Warandestraat 18 - 8978 Watou 0476/52 12 17 0476/25 01 36 > Caterer [email protected] - www.grimminckhof.be [email protected] - www.eybeekhoeve.be ★★★★★ Vakantiehuis Juliette★★★ 5 2 € 175 - € 220 € 220 € 420 In ‘t groen 12 5 € 800 - € 900 € 850 - € 900 € 975 - € 1100 Trommelaarstraat 21 - 8970 Poperinge Gravendreef 9 - 8978 Watou 0476/86 56 54 057/30 05 21 [email protected] - www.vakantiehuis-juliette.be [email protected] - www.intgroen.be ★★★★★ De Kerselinde★★★★ 12 4 € 470 € 530 € 980 Douce Vie 12 6 € 800 - € 900 € 850 - € 900 € 975 - € 1100 Krombeekseweg 59 - 8970 Poperinge Douvieweg 50 - 8978 Watou 057/33 63 76 0473/26 47 39 [email protected] - www.dekerselinde.be [email protected] - www.doucevie.be ★★ Landgoed Karel van Yedeghem★★★ 32 16 € 400 - € 900 € 600 - € 1350 € 800 - € 1800 De Luwte 8 3 € 150 - € 180 € 190 - € 230 € 260 - € 320 Callestraat 6 - 8978 Watou Warandestraat 6 - 8978 Watou 0477 27 83 98 - [email protected] 057/38 87 44 www.landgoedkarelvanyedeghem.be [email protected] - www.deluwte.centerall.com ★★★★ Tussch’n de Brugg’n★★★ 8 3 € 265 - € 320 € 485 In den Jager 12 5 € 795 - € 850 € 890 - € 905 € 985 - € 1120 Bergenstraat 30 - 8972 Roesbrugge Jagerstraat 6 - 8970 Poperinge 0476/24 10 17 057/33 33 07 [email protected] - www.tusschndebruggn.be [email protected] - www.indenjager.be ★★★★ Valkenberg 37★★★★ 4 2 € 300 - € 320 € 330 - € 350 € 380 - € 430 Hopperanke 12 5 € 490 - € 570 € 490 - € 570 € 790 - € 840 Valkenberg 37 - 8970 Poperinge Toc H-straat 49 - 8970 Poperinge 0476/34 49 78 0498 18 11 63 [email protected] - www.valkenberg37.be info@hopperanke,be - www.hopperanke.be ★★ ‘t Graafschap★★★★★ 10 4 € 665 - € 715 € 595 - € 765 € 815 - € 965 Het Fazantennest 15 5 € 310 € 350 € 500 Warandestraat 14 - 8978 Watou Stoppelweg 30 - 8978 Watou 057/38 86 03 0497/36 79 92 [email protected] - www.tgraafschap.be [email protected] - www.bouckennest.be ★★★★ ★★★★★ 12 tot 14 + 5 + 1 ‘t Hoppecruyt 6 3 € 250 € 250 € 450 Landhuis Hommelhove € 490 - € 590 € 490 € 590 - € 895 Alexisplein 18 - 8972 Proven Ieperseweg 2 - 8970 Poperinge 3 babies mezzanine 057 30 05 98 057/33 91 01 [email protected] - www.hoppecruyt.be [email protected] - www.hommelhove.be

★★★★ € 380 € 350 € 480 In ‘t Gemak 9 + 1 baby 3 ★★★ 6 3 € 210 - € 250 € 265 - € 300 € 310 - € 350 Haringeplein 25 - 8972 Haringe € 520 € 450 € 690 Vintage House 0476/48 07 94 Moenaardestraat 91 - 8972 Haringe [email protected] - www.intgemak.be 0476/45 19 29 [email protected] - www.vintagehouse.be

★★★ Ten Grenze★★★ 14 5 € 395 - € 396 € 360 € 560 - € 562 Hof ten Moenaerde 5 2 € 140 - € 300 € 200 - € 360 € 300 - € 440 Abelestationsstraat 14B - 8970 Abele Moenaardestraat 64 - 8978 Watou 057/20 16 05 0476/355 415 [email protected] - www.tengrenze.be [email protected] - www.hoftenmoenaerde.be ★★ Huis van de dichter★★ 10 4 € 300 - € 425 € 400 - € 500 € 700 - € 925 t Kwakkelnest 26 6 on demand on demand on demand Kapelaanstraat 2 - 8978 Watou Kemmelseweg 2 - 8970 Reningelst 0494/74 64 44 057/33 45 57 [email protected] - www.huisvandedichter.be [email protected] - www.kwakkelnest.be ★★★ ★★★ Home 1: 9 7 3 € 350 - € 400 € 325 - € 375 € 450 - € 575 Den Bogaerde 3 / home € 225-310 € 300 € 400 Vakantiehuis Quinten Trappistenweg 44 - 8978 Watou Home 2: 10 Westouterstraat 30 - 8970 Poperinge 057 38 83 11 0472/26 32 76 [email protected] - www.denbogaerde.be [email protected] - www.vakantiehuis-quinten.be

‘t Haasje★★★ 8 1 € 350 € 350 € 550 Casselstraat 73 - 8970 Poperinge 057/33 88 88

28 [email protected] - www.hotelbelfort.be 29 Tourist Office

Grote Markt 1 8970 Poperinge T. 057 34 66 76 [email protected] www.toerismepoperinge.be

Tourist points In each of these pubs and restaurants you can get basic information about all the highlights and events in and around Poperinge.

’T JAGERSHOF HERBERG BOERENHOL IN HET BROUWERSHOF Bankelindeweg 58 Driegoenstraat 4 Douvieweg 4 8979 Krombeke 8970 Reningelst 8978 Watou

IN DE LEENE ’T KERKEGAT HET OVENHUIS Boescheepseweg 2a Prof. Rubbrechtstraat 2D Watouplein 1 8970 Poperinge 8972 Roesbrugge 8978 Watou

D’OUDE SMESSE CHRISTEN VOLKSHUIS HET WETHUYS Zevekotestraat 3 Prof. Rubbrechtstraat 2 Watouplein 2 8970 Reningelst 8972 Roesbrugge 8978 Watou

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This magazine is published by Toerisme Poperinge. Publisher: Schepen voor Toerisme Jurgen Vanlerberghe, Grote Markt 1, Poperinge COPYWRITING Sophie Allegaert TRANSLATION Anja Braet LAY-OUT OU-VERT PHOTOGRAPHY cover photo Michaël Depestele, Westtoer, Bart Degrande, Michaël Depestele, Marc Wauters, Julien Lannoo, Charlotte Merlevede, Michiel Hendryckx, Hopmuseum and Toerisme Poperinge. PRINTING MEDIATOPPER, Ieper: 3,000 ex. – 2015 30