The Flemish Ardennes (Dutch: Vlaamse Ardennen) is an informal name given to a hilly region in the south of the province of East Flanders, Belgium. Highest summit is the Hotondberg (145 m). Main characteristics of the region are rural hilly landscapes with hilltop bluebell woodlands (Muziekbos, Brakelbos, Kluisbos), windmills and watermills.
The area is distinct and not adjacent to the larger Ardennes, which is further to the south east of the country in Wallonia, France, Germany and Luxembourg.
Among the largest towns in the area are Oudenaarde, Ronse, Zottegem and Geraardsbergen.
Cycling is particularly popular in the Flemish Ardennes. Many major bike races are held here, including a large part of the Tour of Flanders. Most of its toughest climbs (Koppenberg, Taaienberg, Molenberg, Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, Muur van Geraardsbergen, Eikenberg) and most of its cobblestone-street sections (Paddestraat) are situated in the Flemish Ardennes.[1]
PhotosEdit
hilly countryside in Maarkedal
hilly countryside in Maarkedal
hilly countryside in Zottegem
hilly countryside in Oudenaarde
hilly countryside in Lierde
hilly countryside in Maarkedal
Lamoral, Count of Egmont's castle in Zottegem
hilly countryside in Zottegem
hilly countryside in Kluisbergen
hilly countryside in Brakel
ReferencesEdit
- Flemish Ardennes and South East-Flanders at Internet Archive
- Flemish Ardennes and South East-Flanders at Reocities
- ^ "Cycling in the Flemish Ardennes". Catena Cycling. Retrieved 2015-04-20.
External linksEdit
- Flemish Ardennes official website
- Flemish Ardennes travel guide from Wikivoyage
Coordinates: 50°49′N 3°40′E / 50.817°N 3.667°E