#De Haan, a celebrity haunt

It’s attracted no end of “celebrities” ranging from Marvin Gaye to Einstein – and is also pioneering wind energy for Belgium. The area in question is the Belgian coast which has undergone something of a renaissance of late with healthy visitor figures, both from home and abroad.

One example of this was that on one day alone in August some 28,000 rail passengers were conveyed to stations on the coast, a record for this year.

But the coast is an all-year destination and one great spot is De Haan which includes Albert Einstein (he holidayed here) among its famous visitors.

Just down the road at Ostend, holidaymakers can now  follow in the footsteps of American soul star Marvin Gaye. Back in the 1980s, he visited the city for two weeks but ended up staying for over a year.

Visitors to the area nowadays will understand why and others (it was also a favourite of Queen Victoria) fell in love with this part of Belgium.

The area, though, does not live in the past, as is evidenced by the laudable efforts to generate wind energy for the country.

There are already three wind farms at the Belgian part of the North Sea, with plans for five more by 2020 at a cost of some €8bn.

These will cut C02 emissions by 3.1m tons per year, create 2,200MW of energy and create 20,000 jobs.

Visitors can actually view the existing offshore wind farms on one of several sea trips organised by Franlis, the leading Ostend-based boat company.

The wind turbines cut a graceful scene but peace has not always reigned here with Fort Napoleon being the most famous proof of this. When Napoleon annexed Belgium in the late 18th century he was fearful of an attack from England so had this impressive fort built among the dunes. The Brits stayed home,however, so the building was used as an arsenal.

The area makes for an ideal short break and a great base for exploring things is Sunparks, a holiday rental village which is situated in pleasant woodland close to the lovely resort of De Haan (and also the longest beach in Belgium).

Sunparks De Haan aan zee, one of four holiday villages operated in Belgium by the company (three in Flanders and one in the Ardennes) boasts a large range of comfortable and homely holiday homes with private gardens. All have kitchens, living rooms and one or more bedrooms.

Among the most sought-after are the properties (each with their private terrace) directly overlooking the lakes on the site. These exclusive and fashionable holiday homes,sleeping up to six people, even have their own infra-red sauna. Beds are made on arrival and towels are also included.

The company has over 40 years’ experience in the holiday rental sector and arguably centrepiece of De Haan aan zee is the terrific 2,000 square metre aqua fun leisure centre, complete with water slides, splash pool and wellness centre, all of which all guests have unlimited access to during their stay.

In fact, with an indoor Kids World, mini golf, bowling and petanque you’ll never get bored here. For those who don’t want to be bothered with cooking, the site also boasts a good choice of places to eat.

While in the area, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the excellent cycling opportunities available nearby.

Launched in 2001, Nico, based on the Ostend seafront between the Sailor’s Monument and Casino, is one of the longest-running cycle hire firms locally and has a great selection of go karts and bikes (all replaced annually and including a “conference” bike, the only one of its type in Belgium).

After a hectic summer season, the friendly owners, Nicolas Boel and his wife Anne are gearing up for their latest initiative: wind yachts.

Available for hire from around October, the machines, specially imported from New Zealand, have proved a great hit. Wind sailors, in fact, will be able to indulge their passion all year round when a new all-weather site in Ostend is completed later this year.

After expending all that energy you’ll have worked up an appetite and those looking for some upmarket fine dining should look no further than Le Homard et la Moule, a few short kilometres away at Bredene. Located in an ordinary-looking street, the wonderful cuisine concocted by chef/owner Donald Deschagt is anything but ordinary.

The welcoming Donald has appeared on Belgian national TV but, given the reputation he’s acquired from far and wide for the quality of his cooking, he hardly needs such exposure.

The reason for the TV appearance was to help promote the use of seaweed in cooking, something of a real passion for Donald.

Seaweed is used here in everything from the delightful little crisps served as an appetiser to the healthy tea at the end of the meal.

What comes in between is an equal pleasure, including the “Bord de Mer” (“The Shore”) fixed menu, served weekdays only and, at €37 pp, a relative snip. Typically, it features mussels with herbs (usually harvested, like the seaweed, by Donald from the nearby sand dunes) as a starter, North Sea fish of the day for mains and a very tasty citrus fruit cheesecake for desert.

There’s also a very reasonably priced wine formula, including sparkling rose and three glasses served with each of the three courses.

Being so close to the sea, fish (in particular, lobster) naturally features heavily on the menu but whatever you choose here you’re certain to leave more than happy. Little wonder that this tastefully designed establishment comes highly recommended by the renowned restaurant guides Michelin and Gault et Millau and the likes of the renowned chef Yves Mattagne have dined here - the cooking is that good.

Backed by a young team, the locally-born Donald (a member of The Order of 33 Master Chefs in Belgium) and his wife Mieke Coussement are continuing a fine culinary tradition started way back in 1966 when Donald’s parents first opened this restaurant. Over five decades later discerning diners still flock here in search of some of the best food you’ll find at the Belgian coast.

Looking to future events, the sequel to “The Sea – Salut d’honneur Jan Hoet” opens in Ostend at the end of October and is sure to appeal to culture vultures.

Another good reason to visit this part of the coast is that throughout the year most shops in Ostend are open on Sundays. Getting around could not be easier, thanks to the coast tram which at 67km is said to be the longest continuous track in the world.

So, if you are looking for a short break to recharge the batteries, give serious consideration to the Belgian coast. The summer may now have become a distant memory but this great part of Belgium makes for a lovely visit/stay no matter what time of the year.

Further info:

www.dehaan.be

www.westtoer.be/nl

www.sunparks.com

www.lehomardetlamoule.be

www.nicokarts.be

www.franlis.be

Share this article: