CAPITAL OF THE GOOD LIFE

C A P I TA L O F T H E G O O D L I F E
2015
Poperinge
I guess I must have been around 10 years old when
my family and I first discovered Poperinge. And
although we didn’t live very far from the town, it
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
Catsberg, to then rush down without using our
brakes. We stopped at each small field chapel and
every cemetery and enjoyed ‘hennepot’ in the
Untroubled
times in
Poperinge
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 Watou, taste hop
shoots in Proven and am touched by the Death
Cells every time I visit them. I tend to stay far
too long in one of the many pubs along the
02-07 Hop Museum, to scrutinize the soul
of Poperinge
Interview with beerconnoisseurs
William Roelens and
Annemie Declerck
‘Volkssportroute’, make plans for a weekend with
friends, drink Picon in Abele and watch the hops
grow. While– knowing that I’ll certainly be back
soon – just to make sure that my love will be
08
More hops and beer
09-13 Out around Poperinge with
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 Bruges. Poperinge’s Tourist Services
16-21 Cycling tour of WW1 landmarks
invited her on a tour along the town’s hop fields
and the many places so typical of Poperinge.
Join her on her trip, in this magazine …
22-25 Calendar 2015
26-29Accommodation
1
Hop Museum
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
in the finest tradition. Beer aficionados
IF YOU WANT TO SCRUTINIZE THE VERY SOUL OF POPERINGE
Annemie Declerck and William Roelens
take us by the arm, talking in fine detail
YOU SHOULD DROP BY THE HOP MUSEUM
about their deep passion for hops and
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 bells,” explains William, “which is bad for
the foam on the beer. In the UK, male and
female hop plants are cultivated together,
which explains the difference between Belgian
and English ale. Our hops ensure great taste,
stability and … a nice head of foam.”
We also meet some saints here, like Hildegard
von Bingen, who discovered that beer can
dramatically affect men’s sexual performance –
a weird finding to be brought up by a saint! A
travel guide from 1565 praises Poperinge’s hop
fields, showing a kiln where hops were once
dried. “Many farmers slept in their kiln, just to
ANNEMIE DECLERCK
WILLIAM ROELENS
2
beerconnoisseurs
Hop Museum
Gasthuisstraat 71, Poperinge
MARCH - NOVEMBER
Mondays: only groups,
upon request (15 or more
people, + a guide)
Tuesdays to Sundays and public
holidays: 10 am - 6pm
DECEMBER, JANUARY AND
FEBRUARY
Closed for individual visitors,
excluding spring half-term and
Christmas holidays. Open for
groups (15 or more people +
guide), upon reservation.
Adults will pay e6,
youths (aged 6 - 25) e2.50
and children (under 6) can
enter for free
www.hopmuseum.be
3
While picking the hop
cones, everyone was
singing. At noon, the
farmer’s wife brought
soup and bread, which
everyone enjoyed in
the field. The feast took
three weeks to a month.
make sure that nothing would go wrong,” Annemie
continues. On the second floor of the Hop Museum,
which is dedicated to the harvesting of the hops, we
discover different types of hops and learn that hops
start growing from May, June time onwards. Annemie:
“They had to reach the top of the trellises by the
first weekend of July, after which the farmers had to
await the right moment to harvest. They checked the
plants each and every day, with a magnifying glass
to spot any plant lice. When it was time to harvest,
the entire town would lend a helping hand: not one
single inhabitant from Poperinge went to work or
school. School even started only in mid-September
here, to make sure that children too could help pick.
The entire town smelt of hops. While picking the hop
cones, everyone was singing. At noon, the farmer’s
wife brought soup and bread, which everyone enjoyed
in the field. The feast took three weeks to a month.
Even rain couldn’t spoil the party. On the contrary:
the rain made the hop cones a bit heavier and as the
picked weight determined the salary, that extra bit of
weight was welcome. After weeks of hard work, it was
time to celebrate the end of the picking season. The
farmer’s wife made ‘hommelpap’ and was crowned the
`Queen of Hops’.” This tradition to elect a Queen of
Hops continues to this day, be it in a different format.
Today’s queens don’t have to be farmers’ daughters yet
they do have to know all about hops.
On the museum’s ground floor we see how the hops
were delivered to the courtyard loaded on giant
horse-drawn wagons, after which they were weighed,
inspected and then pressed into bales. The hop
inspector, called the Nose, smelt the hops to check
their moisture- and lupulin content. Today, hops are
still inspected rigorously and the love for the job has
remained. That’s exactly what makes Poperinge’s beers
such a huge success. “Maybe that is the big secret
indeed. Every beer from Poperinge has its own story
yet they are all brewed diligently and with love, with
local hops and by brewers who are really dedicated
to their trade. One can really taste that,” says Wim.
The results don’t lie: the Top 100 of ‘Best Beers in the
World’ includes no fewer than 7 beers from Poperinge.
“Of course, that’s just a list but it does illustrate how
unique this region is. Every time I cross the bridge in
Vlamertinge to enter Poperinge, my heart takes a leap
and I feel like I’m entering a totally different world.
Especially when the hops are maturing, of course.
Sometimes I just stop for a while, park my car and take
a walk in a hop field.”
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
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
was immediately won over. It is a fantastic beer!”
Wim hasn’t counted how many different types
of beers he’s tasted since then, yet the number
is impressive. He stresses, though, how there’s
a big difference between tasting and drinking
beer. “I resolutely stick to tasting, discovering
and indulging beer, which implies that I only
drink small quantities, together with friends.”
His respect for brewers has only increased
over the years. “Brewing is not that difficult yet
‘Nat en straf ’ (wet and strong)
Not knowing what to expect,
I tasted the beer and was
immediately won over.
It is a fantastic beer!”
you have to find the right balance in taste and
flavour. It’s a process of trial, error, a great deal of
perfectionism and persistence. Some alchemist
talents come in handy too, of course.”
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
provides an overview of every Belgian specialty
beer – from the ales of a specific brewery thru’
to all the beers containing Belgian hops –, all
neatly categorized. A handy touchscreen helps
visitors retrieve more information about every
beer on display. “Visitors who don’t know much
about beer are really wowed by the vast number
of Belgian beers available. True beer fans, for their
part, love the wall, as it brings back memories
about one beer or another,” says William. So
what’s his favourite then, we wonder. “Every beer
that’s been brewed properly is delicious”. We
gladly believe his wise words – after all, William’s
the expert!
onmogelijk. ‘Elk goed gebrouwen bier is lekker.’
Zeg dat William het gezegd heeft.
6
William’s
BEER TIPS
- For beginners:
Start with a blond ‘Hommelbier’ by Brouwerij
Van Eecke or a good brown, top-fermented
beer, like a ‘Rookop’ by De Plukker brewery. A
draught St. Bernardus is always delicious, of
course.
www.plukker.be www.hommelbier.be www.
sint-bernardus.be
- 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
Struise Brouwers’ are, by the way, today’s
most revolutionary or maybe most rebellious
brewers.
www.struise.com
- 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
Rood’ uses cherries picked in Furnes (Veurne)
and ‘Reninge Bitter Blond’ is a seasonal beer
with extra hops.”
www.seizoensbrouwerij.be
CAFÉ TIPS
-In the beer house of ‘Hotel De La Paix’ you’ll
find no fewer than 100 types of Belgian beer.
Hotel de la Paix, Grote Markt 20, Poperinge
www.hoteldelapaix.be
-Visit The Old Fiddler to enjoy a Guinness
while listening to Irish music (because variety
is the spice of life).
The Old Fiddler, Veurnestraat 9, Poperinge,
www.theoldfiddler.be
- Local beers, Trappist beers and traditional
games – a winning formula in the Mysterie.
Mysterie, Abeelseweg 29, Poperinge
www.freewebs.com/hetmysterie
7
MORE HOPS AND BEER
LONG LIVE BELGIAN HOPS
Unfortunately, not every Belgian beer contains Belgian hops. In order to promote the local hops, Flanders
introduced the ‘Belgian hops’ logo – a quality label
that confirms the presence of Belgian hops. Only brewers who officially confirm that at least half of the
hops used are of Belgian origin, can label their bottles with this logo. So if you’re committed to Belgian
hops, you’ll know what beer to choose!
www.belgischehop.be
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,
though, if you have to get home safely after
having a few alcoholic drinks. Enter `Tournée
Locale’: a vintage Volkswagen van – including,
of course, a driver – that brings you from one
place to the next, in style! Time for a bit of
cruising around Poperinge …
VISIT HOPPECRUYT
Discover the present-day growing of the unique
hopplant set in the glorious countryside of Proven. 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
hop shoots straight from the field.
www.hoppecruyt.be
Out around Poperinge with
Tournée Locale
VISITING A BREWERY
Besides the St. Bernardus brewery (see page 9),
the ‘De Plukker’ and ‘Van Eecke’ breweries gladly
welcome visitors too.
‘De Plukker’ provides a guided tour to groups
on request; individual visitors are welcomed on
Saturday afternoons between 2 and 5pm.
Brouwerij De Plukker, Elverdingseweg 16, Poperinge,
www.plukker.be
Open for group- and individual visits upon request.
Want to make a reservation?
Email us at: [email protected]
Brouwerij Van Eecke, Douvieweg 2, Watou,
www.brouwerijvaneecke.be
8
It is drizzling when we assemble at the picturesque market square of
Watou. No one really notices the morning drizzle, though, as we are
all eyes for the wonderful vintage Volkswagen van that awaits us. A
promising start for what will turn out to be a fantastic day. We’re all
excited like children when Wout, our driver and guide, invites us to
step in – ‘men in the back, women in the front’. The smell of the bus,
the soft, cosy seats, the plaid that our guide gently puts at our disposal
… they make us feel in heaven, before we’re even gone.
As soon as we leave the centre of Watou, Wout treats us to some
`fun’ local facts. That ‘semi-official’ Trappist beer is brewed on the
Catsberg, for example. “It’s not officially recognised but very tasty and
brewed according to an old Trappist recipe,” explains our guide while
pointing to the Catsberg. There’s no time to discover the place though
as we’ve already spotted the hop fields that mark our first stop: the
St. Bernardus monastery. Time for a guided tour that starts in the visitors’ centre, which feels like a traditional pub. Here, we learn that the
monastery of the French Catsberg moved to Watou in the early 1900s.
The monks lived in a farm there, the Refuge de Notre Dame de St. Ber-
nard, where they made cheese. When, in 1934, they returned to France,
the cheese factory was taken over. Shortly after the Second World
War, the monks of the St. Sixtus Trappist monastery, in Westvleteren,
were looking for somebody to commercialize their beers. They decided to partner with their friends from the cheese factory and gave
them a licence to brew beer, based on their closely-guarded recipe,
know-how and specific yeast strain. It’s the start of the St. Bernardus
brewery. For the next 46 years, business flourished until the license
came to an end in 1992 – about the time when it was stipulated by law
that official Trappist beer had to be brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery. The St. Bernardus brewery, however, kept on brewing
the same beers, yet under a different brand name. The monk that had
been on the label for years was rebranded as a medieval nobleman,
without any religious adornments. Today, the St. Bernardus brewery
produces around 200,000 bottles a week. It has eight different beers,
which are sold in 40 countries – ranging from the United States thru’
to Chile and Israel. The secret? “We use the very best water, hops
and malts, resulting in a world-class beer,” explains our tour guide Ann,
who’s a true advocate of the beer. Did you know there’s even a St.
9
Hopping
A V I N TA G E V O L K S WA G E N VA N I N C L U D I N G A D R I V E R
10
Bernardus pub in Tokyo? “Our beer tastes just the same all around
the world. Only the labels are different. As soon as we get an order,
we stick the country-specific labels on the bottles.” After Ann has
explained the eight-hour brewing process, it’s time to taste the beer –
an Abt 12 and a Tripel. Everyone adores them. Wout, of course, has to
abstain: “If I’m driving the van, I have to stick to water.”
The next stop is Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi, an old-style, ‘brown café’ on
the French border– the type of pub that’s become hard to find, these
days. The roots of Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi go back to 1832. The farm
and the shop have disappeared in the meantime, but the atmosphere
is just the same as back then: hops hanging from the ceiling, white
and red chequered table cloths and a beer card with no fewer than
153 regional beers. Add to that big ‘stuten’ (bread) with charcuterie
like paté, ‘schelle van de zeuge’, potjesvlees or ‘beenhespe’ and you’ll
agree it can’t get any more traditional. The men in our group drink a local beer, the women want to go all the way with Picon. Our first – and
best – one ever, by the way. “It contains Picon liquor and white wine,
that’s all I will reveal,” says the landlord when we’re trying to get hold
of his secret recipe. You can’t blame him. “Every Picon tastes different
because every pub has its own recipe,” says Wout. Then it’s time to
try one of the traditional pub games, with a Picon in the hand: the
‘gaaibolling’ is a game from long-gone times, which requires shooting
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
great, though. So we decide to try some more of these games. The
‘hammer game’, for example, which looks just as easy as the previous one but is nothing like it. After two seconds, there’s four of us
trying; we’re in utmost concentration (tongues sticking out!), keeping
the hammers ready and cursing loud when we’re too late. Such fun,
as if we were ten years old. And it only gets better when we try the
‘sjoelbak’, the ‘pudespel’ and the ‘mannetjesspel’. We hadn’t had so
much fun in ages!
Slightly tipsy from the strong Picon, we drive back leisurely to Watou’s
main square. Wout shows us the hop fields, the small breweries and
11
12
VO LK SSPORT R OU T E
20 YEARS OF POPERINGE’S BEER FESTIVAL
Why not discover Poperinge and its surroundings in a really different way, along the ‘Volkssportroute’? This unique concept takes you on a trip along cosy, authentic
pubs, where you can relive the past with `fun’ games of
yore. Small snacks and drinks will give you just the energy
you need to play hard... There are nine different routes,
as well as a children’s route and a route behind the old
frontline. More than enough choice to surprise everyone!
www.volkssportroute.be
Don’t forget to block out 24 and 25 October on your
calendar too, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of
Poperinge’s beer festival with us. What to expect?
20 breweries, over 100 beers, a lot of premières and surprises, a prize draw with great beer-related prizes and a
unique atmosphere. Drop by to taste the many different
types of ale with your friends, to compare and share your
experiences. Cheers!
www.poperingebierfestival.be
LEK KER WE ST HOE KS
O U T S I D E T R AVE L
Poperinge’s Tourist Services organizes the ‘Lekker Westhoeks’ event on 19 & 20 September 2015 – an annual market with local products, including delicacies like hoppepaté, kruydekoek, hennepot, hopscheutenlikeur, and a
genuine beer village. At the 100-metre long bar, you can
choose from dozens of different beers. And there’ll also
be a lounge tent where the regional Westhoek chefs will
prepare fine, trendy regional dishes. Not to be missed!
www.toerismepoperinge.be
Crossbow shooting, a nightly orienteering exercise, a
GPS-adventure, tree climbing, a high ropes park, Highland
games, canoeing, paintball, wall climbing, mountain biking
(MTB), quad driving, raft building or wakeboarding … You
can’t imagine an activity that Outside Travel doesn’t organize! For families and companies, as well as groups of
friends. Or rather: for everyone who wishes to seriously
push out frontiers.
www.outsideadventure.be
tells anecdotes from his ‘Tournée Local’ past: it’s great that, for once,
we don’t need to choose a designated driver, who abstains from alcohol to drive the others home. “I pick up people at their B&B, hotel or
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 wellknown 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
and cow dung, today it’s a bit more user-friendly. “Two teams, men
and women, of course, play in turns. Each team throws one ‘bol’, a
small wooden ball, towards the goal. The team that rolls its bol closest
to the goal, can start. The players of that team then start rolling one
flat bol to the goal, after which the members of the other team have
their go.” The lady of the house demonstrates how it works. You squat
down and let the bol roll – that’s all. “Just let the natural fall of the lane
do the work. The first time you’ll go as far as possible to get close to
the bol, then you’ll try to drop it right in the middle of the lane to create a path of obstacles.” The men kick off and do fairly well, until we
overtake them … to brilliantly win the game. The sad faces suddenly
clear up when we solemnly promise to book another weekend in the
region, to let them try again …
`Rondje Westhoek’ tours the area in an authentic Volkswagen van.
They create a tailor-made program and will treat you to exciting,
`fun’ facts. www.rondjewesthoek.be
Guided tours in the St. Bernardus brewery are available in the week
or at weekends, individually or in groups, in Dutch, French or English.
www.sint-bernardus.be
Visitors who eat or drink something in Au Nouveau Saint-Eloi can
try out the traditional pub games for free.
www.aunouveaust-eloi.be
A game of ‘Boltra’ costs €5 per person, including a Hommelbiertje
or a draught Sint-Bernardus Tripel, www.boltra.be
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POPERINGE
Local dishes
Sweet with ‘Mazarinetaart’
Addicted to Zokola
The ‘Mazarinetaart’ (Mazarine cake) is an
officially recognized local dish – one with a
family tree even. The very first slice of this
sweet cake was sold in 1800 and the recipe
has remained unchanged ever since. The cake,
which has a pronounced cinnamon taste, is
served lukewarm. Originally conceived as a
`filling’ afternoon tea delicacy, it is now a
delicious dessert.
The Royal British Legion granted
Zokola exclusivity to
launch a chocolate
Poppy. It’s tainted red
– using natural ingredients – and filled with
caramel and Baileys. The
result is a mouth-watering
piece of chocolate. Just like the ‘Poperingse
Hommelkopjes’, another creation by Zokola.
Ever thought you’d be tempted by a tasty
combination of hops and chocolate?
Banketbakkerij Sansen (a local patisserie) has
been promoting the ‘Gateau Mazarin’ since
1900. They’re still selling it today, for you to
take away and savour at home. Gasthuisstraat
36, Poperinge.
On foot
SOME WALKING ROUTES
The city centre walking network, the Green
Space Walk, the Lindegoed walk or the Zevekote,
Warande or Smouthouk paths, the Dode IJzer
(Dead IJzer- and the St. Sixtus walks, the KunstVol-Poperinge (Full-of-Art Poperinge) or Sagen
en legenden (Myths and legends) trails, the
Galgebossen and Brabanthoek walks, etc. ….
Hoppeland walking network
You’ll find Zokola’s products at Poperinge’s
weekly market on Fridays and at a series of
shops. www.zokola.be
The Hoppeland (Hops country) walking network is
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
and hike along picturesque villages like the poetry
village Watou, the border village of Abele or the
French village of Houtkerke. Enjoy the rolling countryside, take a stroll through the richly wooded `locale’ or wander around Poperinge’s town centre. A
short or a long trip? With stout hiking shoes or rather warm, comfy boots? It’s up to you! Plan your
own trip with this network map that includes 228
kilometres of walking trails and 184 nodes. The map
is available at the Tourist Office (price: €6).
Peppered with ‘Poperingsche Kruydekoecke’
Several local patisseries proudly present their
‘Poperingsche Kruydekoecke’ – a unique mix
of honey, herbs, rye flour and a handful of secret ingredients that has easily stood the test
of time. Go try it and see for yourself!
‘Poperingse Kruydekoecke’ is available from
Banketbakkerij Vandecasteele. Ieperstraat 47,
Poperinge. www.bakkerijvandecasteele.be
Well-prepared thanks to ‘Hennepot’
‘Hennepot’ was traditionally eaten during the
first week of the funfair in Poperinge. Its roots
must go back as far as the Maria-Ommegang,
Poperinge’s cultural and historical procession,
i.e. over 500 years. The story behind it? Well,
the women of Poperinge wanted to enjoy
the attractions of the fair too, so didn’t really
have time to make dinner that day. They
prepared the ‘hennepot’ beforehand, in a clay
pot, and stored it in the cool cellar … to enjoy
some cold chicken or rabbit bone when they
returned home.
‘Hennepot’ is available from most of the
butchers in Poperinge. When you buy it at
the butchery of Luc Sohier (Veurnestraat
24), you may also want to try his ‘hoppepaté’
(hop paté) too.
14
The varieties in ‘Houblonesse’
Sheltered workshop Sowepo successfully
combines hop shoots with other ingredients
to develop creative culinary delights. Homemade jam, a digestive drink, jenever (Dutch
gin), waffles, chocolates, caramel sauce …
and their prizewinning ‘Keikop Kaas’ (cheese).
Every single delicacy has been prepared in a
traditional way, with great love and dedication … and that’s borne out in the unique taste.
Sowepo has worked out a pleasant cycle
and scooter route to take you to the places
where their products are sold.
www.houblonesse.be
IJzer Valley cross-border walking
network
The IJzer valley lies between Wylder in France and
Reninge in Flanders (Belgium). Choose one of the
13 starting points along the banks of the IJzer and
set off to discover the villages of Haringe, Roesbrugge, Krombeke, Beveren, Gijverinkhove, Stavele,
Oost- and Westvleteren, Lo, Reninge and Pollinkhove. This network also crosses the border with
the North of France. It combines wonderful natural
scenery, couleur locale, authentic villages and tasty
local products from both sides of the border. Don’t
hesitate to take a halt, now and then, to savour all
these delicacies! The IJzer Valley cross-border walking network includes 200 kilometres of hiking trails
and 126 nodes. The map is available at the Tourist
Office (price: €6).
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 Reningelst
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
Poperinge as it should be seen. In total, 41 kilometres bound to leave
a lasting impression on you.
16
by bike
17
41 KM CYCLING
WW1
This cycling tour takes you to various evacuation
hospitals and other WW1 sites
TALBOT HOUSE
In the middle of this lively town, and only a stone’s
throw away from the main square, you will find an
elegant mansion. From 1915, the Sixth Division of
the British Army began renting this property for 150
francs a month. In December of the same year, the rather chubby chaplain Philip Clayton, aptly nicknamed
Tubby, opened a club for soldiers there. This was
the beginning of Talbot House. ‘A home away from
home’, a place where every soldier was welcome, and
an ‘Every Man’s Club accessible to all, no matter their
rank. There were no soldiers, officers, or lieutenants
in Talbot House, only people who wanted to escape
the horror of war. Today you can stay in one of the
rooms of the protected Talbot House, enjoy a cup of
tea or just relax in the magnificent garden and reminisce about the past.
Part of the hop warehouse was converted into a museum while the Concert Hall above has been given
a new lease of life. Not extremely large or particularly interactive, but a truly unforgettable experience
thanks to the numerous compelling testimonials given in colourful dialect. Ordinary people describe in
their own language their daily lives at the time of the
Great War. And you cannot but be deeply moved by
the grace with which they share that suffering.
www.talbothouse.be
18
Poperinge was the first town behind the
Western Front line. And together with
Veurne (Furnes), it was even the only Belgian
town not occupied by the Germans. Some
200,000 soldiers were based in and around
the town, affectionately nicknamed ‘Pop’
by the British soldiers. The military presence
sometimes grew depending on whether an
offensive was planned. There were so many
military vehicles that you’d thought you
were in the centre of London. On 22 April
1915, the German army engaged the Second
Battle of Ypres with a new weapon: poison
gas. The attack was launched at 5.30 pm and
by 8 pm the first gas victims were coming
into Poperinge. When the wind was blowing
from the east, the gas could reach Poperinge,
which obviously set the town on high alert.
From then on, a large sign stating “Dangerous
wind” would hang on the façade of the town
hall whenever an easterly wind was blowing.
Fortunately today, traces of this evil have
long disappeared. The Grote Markt is lined
by countless cosy cafés and taverns, which
makes it the ideal starting point for this 41km tour that will take us along the chain of
evacuation hospitals. You can also expect
the soul-soothing effect of glorious vistas as
we delight in superb scenery right from the
moment we leave the main square behind us.
We ride through unspoilt landscape dotted
with hop fields, pretty houses, grazing sheep
and the obligatory field chapels. It may look
like flat ground, but that’s just an illusion, a
hidden gradient. Our legs do feel it, and
whenever we cheerfully ride downhill, we
realise all too well that we have to climb yet
another incline soon afterwards. That’s the
way it is. But the bike trail is bordered with
knee high hedges, the sun is shining and we
are surrounded by beauty. Even a sign pointing to St. Sixtus abbey does not deviate us
from our path. We persevere until we discover the well-hidden Dozinghem Military Cemetery, screened by green hedges. The quiet
cemetery was established near the Casualty
Clearing Station, a medical centre where gas
attacks and infectious diseases sufferers were
treated. Many, 3,240 to be exact, did not survive and were buried here. Forever surrounded by the greenery that envelops them and
Poperinge.
From there, we double back to take the turn
just before ‘t Jagershof, an inn featuring a
WWI exhibition. We pass the lush St. Sixtus
woods, conveniently equipped with picnic
benches, and De Lovie, a 19th-century castle
which served as army headquarters during
the war and is now a centre for mentally
challenged people. We meander along the
6-foot tall hedges delineating the estate
boundaries to suddenly find ourselves in Canada. A hamlet which certainly brought no
dishonour to its name. We are treated to a
sloping landscape with large and small farms
and farmers who always seem to be busy
ploughing. The neoclassical castle ‘t Couthof
looms in front of us. Another castle with a
WWI story to tell, since the Couthove Elisabeth Hospital was set up on its grounds.
The field hospital treated sick and wounded
civilians, as well as Belgian soldiers. In addition
to his estate, Baron Mazeman de Couthove
provided two cars and a driver to pick up the
road. The church of Poperinge emerges as
a landmark, as if to demonstrate how close
this tour has taken us to the centre. On the
left we can see Nine Elms Cemetery, named
after an avenue in London, where Australian,
British and German soldiers are buried. After
all, death is the great equalizer. The panoramic view of the Catsberg from the peaceful cemetery may offer some solace to the
victims’ surviving relatives. A little further we
pass by picturesque gardens with benches
and ponds, lonely chapels, stray chickens, a
hand pump by a doorway, and a sign that
says we should encourage bintje potato
sales. You can’t help but dream about a life in
these rolling hills.
The road takes us to the Helleketel woods.
Slowly but surely during both world wars,
most of the trees in this forest were felled. In
the First World War, the wood was used to
build camps, repair roads and shore up trenches. Today, the woods are expanding once
again and provide welcoming shade on hot
days. Nature lovers can even get off their
bikes to explore the forest further on foot.
We set our course towards Abele, via the
Trappistenweg. During the Great War, it was
Did you know that Dozinghem, Mendinghem and Bandaghem derived from medical
terms? Come to think of it, it’s obvious: to dose, to mend and to bandage….
wounded from the station. Today, the castle
is the residence of Count Henri d’Udekem
d’Acoz, the uncle of the Belgian Queen, Mathilde. Meanwhile, we climb slowly but steadily up quiet roads bordered by rich farmland. The only motorised vehicles we meet
are tractors and scenes of romantic peasant
life seem to fill the landscape as far as the
eye can see. The Catsberg beckons in the
distance, and the Watouseweg offers a magnificent view of this giant dominating the
beautiful landscape. With its airs of a ramp,
the Provenseweg tries to fool us, but a little further we fall in love with this country
the border crossing for tens of thousands
of Belgian refugees. Some walked to France,
others got there by train. They were fleeing
towards an uncertain future in a foreign land.
By the end of the war, 325,000 Belgians were
living in France. Whole school communities,
including very small children, made the crossing. Many of those refugees were not able
to return before 1920, but 35,000 remained in
France for good. Riding through Boeschepe,
the poetic hamlet of De Grooten Onze Here,
and a series of picture postcard scenery we
end up at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
19
During the Great World War, the courtyard of the
town hall was used for executions. The soldiers sentenced to death spent their last hours in the prison
cells waiting to be ‘shot at dawn’. Today this is a symbolic place, a permanent indictment against summary executions. In one cell, visitors get to watch
a video of the last moments of a condemned man.
In the other cell, the graffiti scratched into the wall
surface by the prisoners is highlighted. The execution
post in the courtyard is visible from the cell. A bench
and a wall enclose the post, while the bird footprints
on the cobblestones refer to the fragility of man. A
verse by Erwin Mortier reveals the site’s deeper dimension. Information panels and a leaflet guide the
visitor through the structure and make reference to
other WW1 sites in Poperinge.
Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Free admission.
20
HEAVY TRAFFIC
R A I LW AY T R A F F I C A N D O T H E R
FORMS OF TRANSPORT IN
POPERINGE BETWEEN 1914 & 1918
© IWM (Q 3965) - Poperinge station, 30 September 1917
DEATH CELLS
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
Ypres Salient. 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 soldiers 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 wounded 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 connected 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 manoeuvres. 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
of the world to end up here in the clay of Flanders Fields. The
only thing left to do is show them the honour they deserve,
and that is exactly what this cemetery does, offering a little
balm for the souls of the fallen.
Still in our reverie, we ride through winding lanes to another
world, eventually finding ourselves on the village square of
Reningelst. During the war, this village remained in Allied hands
and was even developed into a major British centre behind
the Western Front. Reningelst was not spared, however. From
1917 the village was pounded by artillery fire almost daily. Situated further back, the buildings of the current ‘Kinderbrouwerij’ nonetheless served as a delousing and bath facility for the
troops. In the meantime, we’ve already clocked a considerable
amount of kilometres, so time to head back towards Poperinge. Along the way we pass by a farm vending machine, filled
with leeks and other delicious fresh produce, and Poperinghe
New Military Cemetery. Here lie buried 948 Commonwealth
and 273 French soldiers. Among the many concrete crosses,
there are also the tombs of Muslim soldiers from Africa and
17 soldiers ‘shot at dawn’ for cowardice. One of them was the
17-year old Jamaican Herbert Morris whose story you can read
in the ‘Death Cells’, in the courtyard of the town hall. We make
one last stop on our way to the Grote Markt, at Poperinghe
Old Cemetery. This is the final resting place of the victims of
the First and Second Battle of Ypres, 500 civilians who died in
the typhoid epidemic of the first winter of the War, as well as
a Chinese labourer who was convicted of murdering another
labourer and executed. Several stone ornaments remind us of
the castle that once stood here. It was used as a hospital by
the Red Cross and Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie was part
of the medical team. In January 1915, she set up in the college annexed to the hospital her ‘petites Curies’ mobile radiography equipment. This shows that even in the direst of
situations there can always be a glimmer of hope. And maybe
this is precisely what we should learn from this cycling tour
and Poperinge: never give up hope. Something to think about,
and we decide to do that while savouring a cool St. Bernardus
beer. Certainly well deserved after 41 km of cycling up and
down hills.
BOTH POP-ROUTE AND OTHER
CYCLING MAPS ARE FOR SALE
AT THE TOURIST OFFICE.
Poperinge Railway Station was a logistical hub during the
First World War. Traffic was extremely busy, streets were
literally trampled down by feet and destroyed by vehicles.
Trains would steam into the station carrying fresh troops;
trains would rush out of the station with soldiers on leave,
the sick, the wounded and refugees on board. Every day
dozens of freight trains would arrive with supplies, military equipment and building materials. The inhabitants of
Poperinge could see all kinds of everything rolling by on
the tracks: wagons with coal, sand, timber, stone, tank cars,
horses, guns…
The Gasthuiskapel is currently hosting an exhibition on
those train movements. The eye-catching feature is the diorama showing train traffic. It is sure to delight both young
and old with its scale model (1:76 scale) of Poperinge’s railway station. Several railroad scenes are depicted, ranging
from medical intake in the station building to the unloading of ammunition crates on a narrow gauge train. The
scenery: more than six hundred soldiers, six trains (three
of which an actually run), a number of landmark buildings,
many stray dogs and one black cat...
Explore the rail landscape with the free mobile app, which
takes the cyclist or walker from the Gasthuiskapel along
various WWI sites with a story to tell. Images of the past
appear and old railroad maps reveal an ingenious network
of branch lines. The app is linked to the issue of an authentic roadmap and the “Groote Beweging – Heavy Traffic”
outdoor exhibition.
Artist Sven Verhaeghe walked and cycled the whole of
the former railway line linking Poperinge to Hazebrouck.
Sven captured his impressions on film at eight specific locations. The result is “Terminus, la voie perdue”, a short film
featuring scenes between dream and reality.
www.poperinge14-18.be
21
2015
POPERINGE
CALENDAR
Have fun
14 May - 10 September Aalmoezeniers tijdens de Grote
Oorlog - Chaplains during the Great War
This exhibition zooms in on the work of Tubby Clayton and
his somewhat eccentric colleagues. Each chaplain had his own
method of helping his ‘boys’ forget about the war for a while.
www.talbothouse.be
Upon request for groups The Soundtrack of 14-18
A unique concept of a three-course dinner in a unique setting, spiced up with live poems, stories and music from the
Great War.
www.poperinge14-18.be
13, 14, 15 Keikoppencarnaval - carnival weekend
Join the many carnival-related celebrations, from the children’s parade, the funfair and the colourful main parade with
spectacular carnival floats on Sunday afternoon thru’ to the
‘boemelavond’ - music, singing, dancing and good fun in the
local pubs - that concludes Poperinge’s carnival weekend.
www.keikoppencarnaval.be
APRIL
4, 5, 11, 12 Pops 17
During this theatre tour, ‘Heemkring Aan de Schreve’ recalls
the atmosphere of September 1917. Animated walk along 18
locations, concluded with a dinner and variety entertainment
in the evening.
http://users.telenet.be/aandeschreve
12 Smoefelen en roefelen in ’t dorp - Tasting and discovering
in our villages
Cycling, walking, discovering, tasting, enjoying and admiring
- that’s what it’s all about in Reningelst, Abele, Heuvelland
and Mesen on 12 April. Every village is ready to play its trump
cards!
www.toerismepoperinge.be
30 - 3 May Woeste Waanzin - Furious Folly
Sound art, pyrotechnics, projection and kinetic sculptures
ensure a gripping and surprising sound and light event, full
of hope, based on the first German gas offensive on 22 April
1915.
www.poperinge14-18.be
©Imperial War Museum Q2897
22
CONTINUOUS
Until 5 September Groote Beweging - Heavy Traffic. Railway
traffic and other forms of transport in Poperinge 1914-1918
This diorama about the rail activity during WWI is the ideal
starting point to go and explore the region. The free mobile
app will take you along a number of Points of Interest along
the railway line.
www.poperinge14-18.be
Until 10 May Pigeons/Duiven
Temporary exhibition by Raoul Servais in the Talbot House
Slessorium.
www.talbothouse.be
4 April - end September Getekend door de oorlog Illustrated by the War
Located in the ‘Kinderbrouwerij’, this exhibition showcases
drawings by Gerda Dendooven, Randall Casaer and Kitty
Crowther, all of them inspired by stories in which children
play the central role.
kinderbrouwerij.com
30 April - 30 August The Smell of War
Experience the smell of fear, triumph, death, mud and gunpowder during this arts course - a unique experience realized
by an international cast of smell artists, together with curator
Peter De Cupere.
www.poperinge14-18.be
4 July - 30 August Kunstenfestival Watou - Art Festival
Watou
Each summer, Watou is converted into an art village where
poets, visual artists, upcoming talent and well-established
names set up camp. Including lectures and workshops.
www.kunstenfestivalwatou.be
14 May - 10 September Zomer van de aquarellen - Summer
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
MARCH
Daily Maand van de hopscheuten - Month of the hop
shoots
Ten of Poperinge’s restaurants serve the town’s white gold
blended into the most exquisite dishes, for you to indulge.
Don’t forget to book in advance, as hop shoots are delivered
fresh, every day.
www.hopscheuten.be
MAY
1, 2, 3 Woeste Waanzin - Furious Folly (see 30 April)
1 ’t ROMMELt op de MARKt - There are FLEAs on the
MARKET
Large open air flee market in the centre of Poperinge. Everyone who loves antiques is sure to find some little treasures
amongst the things on sale in the over 450 stands. Go find
those treasures from your attics!
www.toerismepoperinge.be
13 - 17 12de Internationaal Gregoriaans Festival Watou 12th International Gregorian Festival of Watou
450 fresh, mainly professionally trained voices bring ancient
music and texts to life in the village of Watou and its partner
towns.
www.festivalwatou.be
15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 In Flanders Fields, eindbestemming
Poperinge - In Flanders Fields, Final destination Poperinge
Theatre production by Music Hall about and staged on location next to the impressive Lijssenthoek cemetery, centred
around personal stories and the themes of togetherness and
respect.
www.poperinge1418.be
18 Dag van het Park - Day of the Park
Take part in the activities or enjoy the music performances in
Poperinge’s Burggraaf Frimoutpark. From 2 to 6pm, everyone
is welcome for a great day at the park.
www.poperinge.be
30 - 31 Weekend aan de Stroom, op ontdekking langs de
IJzer- en Handzamevallei - Weekend by the river, exploring
the IJzer and Handzame valleys
Early birds are welcome to explore the valley during an early
morning nature walk. A guide explains all about ‘smuggling’
and invites children and adults to try smuggling butter,
tobacco or alcohol during a nerve-wrecking smuggling game.
Moreover, the River IJzer is available for canoeing.
www.toerismewesthoek.be
More than a fascinating spring
23
JUNE
Dates to be determined In Flanders Fields, eindbestemming
Poperinge - In Flanders Fields, Final destination Poperinge
Theatre production by Music Hall about and staged on location next to the impressive Lijssenthoek cemetery, centred
around personal stories and the themes of togetherness and
respect.
www.poperinge1418.be
7 & 21 Zondagmorgenconcerten - Sunday morning concerts
The ‘Kultuurgemeenschap Haringe’ (Haringe cultural society)
invites everyone to its Sunday morning concerts. Visitors are
treated to coffee and pastries before the concert and an
aperitif afterwards.
www.orgelconcerten.be
21 Nationale Beiaarddag - National Carillon Open Day
Free visits to the carillon of St. Bertinus church (on the main
square): two guides will accompany groups of people to the
tower, every half an hour from 3 to 5 pm.
www.toerismepoperinge.be
22 Feest van het paard - Festival of the horse
Featuring a market for horse accessories, a race with workhorses, the steeple and a large musical party, ‘Krombeke koerse’
is the popular, local version of ‘Waregem Koerse’ (the biggest
steeplechase event in Belgium).
www.feestvanhetpaard.be
27, 28 Keikopbraderie - Keikop fair
This is the place/time to enjoy the first sales of the summer
season. While shopping, you can enjoy dance performances
and lots of other activities, including fun children’s games.
www.poperinge.be
24
JULY
8, 15, 22 and 29 Fietsen achter het front - Cycling behind the
frontline
On Wednesday afternoons, a guide will cycle with you along
the vestiges, ruins and relics of the First World War, including
a visit to the death cells, the execution spot, Poperinghe New
M.C. and Lijssenthoek M.C.
www.toerismepoperinge.be
3 - 13 Kermis in stadscentrum - Funfair in the town centre
Annual funfair with numerous attractions on the Grote Markt
(main square) and Paardenmarkt. There are marching bands
and other activities like fireworks on ‘Zotte Maandag’ (Mad
Monday), a Criterium (cycling race) and a run.
www.poperinge.be
3, 17, 31 Orgelconcert - Organ recital
Each year, the friends of the historic Van Peteghem organ organize a series of organ recitals, with internationally
renowned organists, in Haringe. At the end you can enjoy an
‘Orgelbiertje’.
www.orgelconcerten.be
4, 11 Fietstocht De Struise Plukker - De Struise Plukker cycling
tour
Cycling tour starting at the Hop Museum in the morning;
after which there’s a sandwich lunch with a Trappist beer in
Westvleteren, a visit to the ‘De Struise Brouwers’ brewery in
Oostvleteren and a beer tasting in ‘De Plukker’ in Poperinge.
www.hopmuseum.be
5 Maria-Ommegang - Historical procession
Cultural/historical procession with about a thousand people
accompanying the statue of O.L.V. - Sint-Jan (Our Lady of
St. John) through the city. The procession tells the history of
Poperinge over the centuries.
www.mariaommegang.be
9 Parkconcert met Compost Binde en The Occasional Band Concert in the park with Compost Binde and The Occasional
Band
Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy
two great performances by local bands, while having a drink
and enjoying some great company. Admission is free.
www.poperinge.be
12 Zondagmorgenconcerten - Sunday morning concerts
The ‘Kultuurgemeenschap Haringe’ (Haringe cultural society)
invites everyone to its Sunday morning concerts. Visitors are
treated to coffee and pastries before the concert and an
aperitif afterwards.
www.orgelconcerten.be
16 Parkconcert met Woodloose en Boom’n van de Weireld
- Concert in the park with Woodloose and Boom’n van de
Weireld
Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy
two great performances by local bands, while having a drink
and enjoying some great company. Admission is free.
www.poperinge.be
21 Vergeten Volkscafé Vélotocht - Cycling tour to longforgotten local pubs
An official town guide will cycle with you along a route dotted with long-forgotten local pubs, explaining Poperinge’s
couleur locale, the town’s war history and the (his)tory of the
hops.
www.toerismepoperinge.be
29 Internatie Reningelst - Reningelst cycling competition
During the local funfair, Reningelst puts cycle racing to the
fore. The ‘acht van Reningelst’ has become a classic in the
world of cycling, ensuring some thrilling moments for all
cycling addicts.
www.wielerclubbergdal.be
Long live the summer
AUGUST
5, 12, 19, 26 Fietsen achter het front - Cycling behind the
frontline
On Wednesday afternoons, a guide will cycle with you along
the vestiges, ruins and relics of the First World War, including
a visit to the death cells, the execution spot, Poperinghe New
M.C. and Lijssenthoek M.C.
13 Parkconcert met Chitty Chitty Bang Bang en Beatless
- Concert in the park with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and
Beatless
Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy
two great performances by local bands, while having a drink
and enjoying some great company. Admission is free.
www.poperinge.be
15 Vergeten Volkscafé Vélotocht - Cycling tour along
forgotten local pubs
An official town guide will cycle with you along a route dotted with long-forgotten local pubs, explaining Poperinge’s
couleur locale, the town’s war history and the (his)tory of the
hops.
www.toerismepoperinge.be
13, 22 Fietstocht Trappist - Trappist cycling tour
This fascinating tour includes a visit to the Hop Museum and
St. Bernardus brewery plus tasting sessions of the famous
Trappist beers on the Catsberg and at Westvleteren.
www.hopmuseum.be
15 Mountainbike XL
20th edition of this MTB event for cycling enthusiasts, who
can choose from six different circuits - 35, 50, 80, 100, 120 or
135 kilometres - in and around Poperinge.
www.mtbpoperinge.be
20 Vierdaagse van de IJzer - ‘Four days of the Yser’
In 2015, Poperinge is the host city to this classic hiking event.
Both civilians and the military enter to walk 8, 16, 24 or 32
kilometres together, in the direction of Heuvelland. With a
parade and a wreath-laying ceremony in the evening.
www.4daagse.be
20 Parkconcert met Wolf en Pawnshop Boulevard - Concert
in the park with Wolf and Pawnshop Boulevard
Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy
two great performances by local bands, while having a drink
and enjoying some great company. Admission is free.
www.poperinge.be
27 Parkconcert met Radio Negra (Manu Shao Tribute) Concert in the park with Radio Negra (Manu Shao Tribute)
Convivial, cosy music festival at Poperinge’s public park. Enjoy
two great performances by local bands, while having a drink
and enjoying some great company. Admission is free.
www.poperinge.be
29 Marktrock Poperinge
Free music festival where both young and old enjoy great
music from both upcoming and established bands, in the cosy
setting of Poperinge’s main square.
www.marktrockpoperinge.be
30 Familiefestival - Family festival
The third family festival in de Kinderbrouwerij invites everyone to participate in unique games and workshops and
enjoy theatrical and music performances.
kinderbrouwerij.com
SEPTEMBER
19 & 20 Lekker Westhoeks
Drop by Poperinge’s main square to savour dozens of specialist beers brewed with Belgian hops, unique dishes based
on regional products, prepared by chefs from Poperinge, and
loads of other delicacies from local producers.
www.toerismepoperinge.be
26 & 27 Roses of Picardy
The Pops Orchestra (NL) gives a performance/concert
featuring a British volunteer who talks about his experiences
during the war in Poperinge. ‘Roses of Picardy’ was a very
famous song during the Great War.
http://users.telenet.be/aandeschreve/
OCTOBER
24 & 25 Poperinge Bierfestival - Poperinge Beer Festival
20th edition of this beer weekend organised by the ‘Poperings
Bierproeversgenootschap’ (Beer Tasters Association). Come
taste over 100 types of beer, including several premières and
meet up with other beer lovers.
www.poperingebierfestival.be
NOVEMBER
14 Blaublues Haringe
Dedicated to real blues music, this festival in the village of
Haringe welcomes a growing number of blues lovers from all
over the world. The stage there features big names from the
world of blues.
www.blaublues.be
DECEMBER
16 - 20 GoneWest Piano festival
Multi-day festival with living-room concerts, pianos in public
places and new work by Jan Swerts and Jef Neve to mark the
100th anniversary of Talbot House.
www.gonewest.be
Heart warming winter months
25
hotels
T O S TAY I N A N D A R O U N D P O P E R I N G E
number
of rooms
rate single
rate double
MIN. - MAX
MIN. - MAX
Guest rooms
Hotel Amfora★★★
7
€ 71,50 - € 91,50
€ 83 - € 123
Gasthof de kring★★
7
€ 54 - € 66
Talbot House - Every Man's Club B&B★
10
€ 36 - € 44
Het Wethuys★★
4
Hotels
number
of rooms
rate single
rate double
MIN. - MAX
MIN. - MAX
Amfora
3
€ 93 - € 133
€ 93 - € 133
€ 68 - € 92
Landgoed Argiliere★
2
€ 35
€ 75
€ 66 - € 78
De Groenen Boomgaard★★★
3
€ 45
€ 80
Popshouse★★★★
2
€ 75
€ 95 - € 125
Predikherenhof★★
6
€ 52
€ 84
Te Lande★★
2
€ 35
€ 65
Het Wethuys★★
3
€ 55 - € 105
€ 80 - € 130
★★★★
Guido Gezellestraat 24 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 94 05 - [email protected] - www.hotelamfora.be
Grote Markt 36 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 94 05 - [email protected] - www.hotelamfora.be
Burgemeester Bertenplein 7 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 38 61 - [email protected] - www.dekring.be
Gasthuisstraat 43 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 32 28 - [email protected] - www.talbothouse.be
€ 55 - € 105
€ 90 - € 140
Watouplein 2 - 8978 Watou
0497/85 68 38 - [email protected] - www.wethuys.be
Ouderdomseweg 66 - 8970 Reningelst
0474 480 163
[email protected] - www.argiliere.be
Lindestraat 6 - 8972 Roesbrugge
0498/73 78 05 of 0495/89 42 92
[email protected] - www.degroenenboomgaard.be
Jagerstraat 8 - 8970 Poperinge
0477 34 03 93 - [email protected] - www.popshouse.be
15
Hotel Recour★★★★
€ 127 - € 357
€ 144 - € 374
Guido Gezellestraat 7 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 57 25 - [email protected] - www.pegasusrecour.be
Elverdingseweg 25 - 8970 Poperinge
057/42 23 66 - [email protected] - www.predikherenhof.be
Hotel Callecanes★★★
37
€ 109 - € 175
€ 119 - € 195
d'hommelbelle★★
6
€ 50 - € 60
€ 80 - € 100
Manoir Ogygia★★★★
9
€ 130 - € 180
€ 155 - € 225
B&B Atalanta★★★★
1
-
€ 80 - € 90
Belfort★★★
14
€ 70
€ 90
Ons Content★★★★
1
€ 65 - € 75
€ 85 - € 95
Palace★★
9
€ 78
€ 100
Gastenkamers Recour★★★★
4
€ 102 - € 167
€ 119 - € 184
Hotel de la Paix★★★
5
€ 92,50
€ 115
Rentmeesterhoeve★★★★
4
€ 105 - € 150
€ 120 - € 165
€ 50 - € 55
€ 75 - € 80
’t Kommiezenkot
€ 60
€ 60
Buxushof★
3
6
Galant-hus★★★
3
€ 70
€ 75
€ 100
Cortewyle★★
3
€ 70
€ 75 - € 100
Callicanesweg 12 - 8978 Watou
057 38 88 08 - [email protected] - www.hotel-callecanes.be
Kapellestraat 23 - 8978 Watou
057/20 59 03 of 0477/81 93 00 - [email protected]
Watouseweg 5 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 47 10 - [email protected] - www.user.skynet.be/hommelbelle
Veurnestraat 108 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 88 38 - [email protected] - www.ogygia.be
Grote Markt 29 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 88 88 - [email protected] - www.hotelbelfort.be
Ieperstraat 34 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 30 93 - [email protected] - www.hotelpalace.be
Grote Markt 20 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 95 78 - [email protected] - www.hoteldelapaix.be
★★
Abeelseweg 183-185 - 8970 Poperinge
057 33 23 70 - [email protected] - www.kommiezenkot.be
Huis tussen Dag en Morgen
5
★★
€ 80
Watouplein 15 - 8978 Watou
057/33 88 24 - [email protected]
www.eenhuistussendagenmorgen.be
€ 90
Watouplein 2 - 8978 Watou
0497/85 68 38 - [email protected] - www.wethuys.be
Schipvaartweg 6 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 49 53 of 0496/54 50 31 - [email protected] - www.bb-atalanta.be
Witsoonestraat 48972 Krombeke
057/36 03 08 [email protected]/ons_content
Bruggestraat 8 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 57 25 - [email protected] - www.gastenkamersrecour.be
Reningelstplein 5 - 8970 Reningelst
0477/37 92 86 - [email protected] - www.rentmeesterhoeve.be
Watouseweg 9 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 50 20 - [email protected] - www.sintjanterbiezen.be/buxushof
Krombekestraat 110 - 8970 Poperinge
0478 55 89 22 - [email protected]
www.users.telenet.be/Galant-Hus/nederlands/home.html
Steenvoordestraat 3 - 8978 Poperinge
057 38 88 40 - [email protected] - www.cortewylewatou.be
LEGEND
> op de Markt
Brouwershuis★★★
10
€ 86,50 - € 96,50
€ 103 - € 113
€ 75
Parking
Bar
Bicycle rent
Trappistenweg 23A - 8978 Watou
057/38 88 60 - [email protected] - www.brouwershuis.com
Restaurant / Half Board
TV
In the center
Bea’s Bed & Breakfast★★
2
€ 55
Disabled adjusted
Free wireless internet
Rural
Herberg Boerenhol★★★★
4
€ 85 - € 120
Pets allowed
Credit cards accepted
ON DEMAND
Casselstraat 214 - 8970 Poperinge
057/36 08 93 - [email protected] - www.beasbb.be
Driegoenstraat 4 - 8970 Reningelst
057/36 02 53 - [email protected] - www.boerenhol.be
Landhuis Vedastus★★★★
26
guest rooms
T O S TAY I N A N D A R O U N D P O P E R I N G E
List of licensed accomodations according to the ‘Vlaams logiesinformatiesysteem’ in February 25th 2015
Zevekotestraat 6 - 8970 Reningelst
057/36 36 90 - [email protected] - www.landhuisvedastus.be
€ 95 - € 130
Minimum 2 nights
during the weekends
and holidays
5
>into the street
€ 61,5 - € 71,5
€ 93 - € 103
27
T O S TAY I N A N D A R O U N D P O P E R I N G E
Holiday cottages
De Horizon★★★
holiday cottages
number
of rooms
rate weekend
rate midweek
rate week
number
of rooms
rate week
MIN. - MAX
number
of pers.
rate midweek
MIN. - MAX
Holiday cottages
rate weekend
MIN. - MAX
MIN. - MAX
MIN. - MAX
MIN. - MAX
9
3
€ 375
€ 475 - € 500
€ 550 - € 595
Maison de la Paix★★★★
14
4
€ 650 - € 850
€ 580 - € 750
€ 800 - € 950
Ieperstraat 74 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 95 78
[email protected] - www.hoteldelapaix.be
13
Duivinnestraat 1A - 8970 Poperinge
0476/25 01 36
[email protected] - www.grimminckhof.be
5
€ 625 - € 800
€ 600 - € 800
€ 775 - € 950
5
De Kerselinde★★★★
12
Landgoed Karel van Yedeghem★★★
32
Tussch’n de Brugg’n★★★
8
Valkenberg 37★★★★
4
‘t Graafschap★★★★★
10
‘t Hoppecruyt★★★★
6
2
€ 175 - € 220
€ 220
€ 420
4
€ 470
€ 530
€ 980
16
€ 400 - € 900
€ 600 - € 1350
€ 800 - € 1800
3
€ 265 - € 320
€ 485
2
€ 300 - € 320
€ 330 - € 350
€ 380 - € 430
4
€ 665 - € 715
€ 595 - € 765
€ 815 - € 965
In ‘t groen★★★★★
12
5
€ 800 - € 900
€ 850 - € 900
€ 975 - € 1100
Douce Vie★★★★★
12
6
€ 800 - € 900
€ 850 - € 900
€ 975 - € 1100
De Luwte★★
8
3
€ 150 - € 180
€ 190 - € 230
€ 260 - € 320
In den Jager★★★★
12
5
€ 795 - € 850
€ 890 - € 905
€ 985 - € 1120
Hopperanke★★★★
12
5
€ 490 - € 570
€ 490 - € 570
€ 790 - € 840
Het Fazantennest★★
15
5
€ 310
€ 350
€ 500
12 tot 14 +
3 babies
5+1
mezzanine
€ 490 - € 590
€ 490
€ 590 - € 895
Vintage House★★★
6
3
€ 210 - € 250
€ 265 - € 300
€ 310 - € 350
Hof ten Moenaerde★★★
5
2
€ 140 - € 300
€ 200 - € 360
€ 300 - € 440
t Kwakkelnest★★
26
6
on demand
on demand
on demand
Vakantiehuis Quinten★★★
7
3
€ 350 - € 400
€ 325 - € 375
€ 450 - € 575
Stoppelweg 30 - 8978 Watou
0497/36 79 92
[email protected] - www.bouckennest.be
Warandestraat 14 - 8978 Watou
057/38 86 03
[email protected] - www.tgraafschap.be
3
€ 250
€ 250
€ 450
Landhuis Hommelhove★★★★★
Ieperseweg 2 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 91 01
[email protected] - www.hommelhove.be
Alexisplein 18 - 8972 Proven
057 30 05 98
[email protected] - www.hoppecruyt.be
9 + 1 baby
Ten Grenze★★★
14
Huis van de dichter★★
10
3
5
€ 380
€ 520
€ 350
€ 450
€ 480
€ 690
€ 395 - € 396
€ 360
€ 560 - € 562
Moenaardestraat 91 - 8972 Haringe
0476/45 19 29
[email protected] - www.vintagehouse.be
Moenaardestraat 64 - 8978 Watou
0476/355 415
[email protected] - www.hoftenmoenaerde.be
Abelestationsstraat 14B - 8970 Abele
057/20 16 05
[email protected] - www.tengrenze.be
4
€ 300 - € 425
€ 400 - € 500
€ 700 - € 925
Kemmelseweg 2 - 8970 Reningelst
057/33 45 57
[email protected] - www.kwakkelnest.be
Kapelaanstraat 2 - 8978 Watou
0494/74 64 44
[email protected] - www.huisvandedichter.be
28
€ 480 - € 3600
Toc H-straat 49 - 8970 Poperinge
0498 18 11 63
info@hopperanke,be - www.hopperanke.be
Valkenberg 37 - 8970 Poperinge
0476/34 49 78
[email protected] - www.valkenberg37.be
‘t Haasje★★★
€ 280 - € 2220
Jagerstraat 6 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 33 07
[email protected] - www.indenjager.be
Bergenstraat 30 - 8972 Roesbrugge
0476/24 10 17
[email protected] - www.tusschndebruggn.be
Casselstraat 73 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 88 88
[email protected] - www.hotelbelfort.be
€ 300 - € 2380
Warandestraat 6 - 8978 Watou
057/38 87 44
[email protected] - www.deluwte.centerall.com
Callestraat 6 - 8978 Watou
0477 27 83 98 - [email protected]
www.landgoedkarelvanyedeghem.be
Trappistenweg 44 - 8978 Watou
057 38 83 11
[email protected] - www.denbogaerde.be
14
Douvieweg 50 - 8978 Watou
0473/26 47 39
[email protected] - www.doucevie.be
Krombeekseweg 59 - 8970 Poperinge
057/33 63 76
[email protected] - www.dekerselinde.be
Den Bogaerde★★★
4 tot 32
Eybeekhoeve★★★★★
Gravendreef 9 - 8978 Watou
057/30 05 21
[email protected] - www.intgroen.be
Trommelaarstraat 21 - 8970 Poperinge
0476/86 56 54
[email protected] - www.vakantiehuis-juliette.be
Haringeplein 25 - 8972 Haringe
0476/48 07 94
[email protected] - www.intgemak.be
> Hotel de la Paix
Warandestraat 18 - 8978 Watou
0476/52 12 17
[email protected] - www.eybeekhoeve.be
> Caterer
Vakantiehuis Juliette★★★
In ‘t Gemak★★★★
holiday cottages
number
of pers.
Kriekstraat 15 - 8970 Reningelst
057 33 91 42
[email protected] - www.dehorizon-reningelst.be
Grimminckhof★★★★
T O S TAY I N A N D A R O U N D P O P E R I N G E
Home 1: 9
Home 2: 10
3 / home
€ 225-310
€ 300
€ 400
8
1
€ 350
€ 350
€ 550
Westouterstraat 30 - 8970 Poperinge
0472/26 32 76
[email protected] - www.vakantiehuis-quinten.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
Bankelindeweg 58
8979 Krombeke
HERBERG BOERENHOL
Driegoenstraat 4
8970 Reningelst
IN HET BROUWERSHOF
Douvieweg 4
8978 Watou
IN DE LEENE
Boescheepseweg 2a
8970 Poperinge
’T KERKEGAT
Prof. Rubbrechtstraat 2D
8972 Roesbrugge
HET OVENHUIS
Watouplein 1
8978 Watou
D’OUDE SMESSE
Zevekotestraat 3
8970 Reningelst
CHRISTEN VOLKSHUIS
Prof. Rubbrechtstraat 2
8972 Roesbrugge
HET WETHUYS
Watouplein 2
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