People relax on the sandy beach, some lying on blankets while others stand. The waves shimmer under the sun. A colorful three-story house in red and white stands between two modern apartment buildings.
Belgium

De Panne: Belgium’s Southernmost Seaside Resort

Standing Tall: One of the Last of De Panne’s Traditional Beach Houses.
 De Panne, Belgium, August 2022

De Panne is the westernmost point of Belgium—and a textbook example of Belgian coastal architecture. Along the promenade, towering apartment blocks and hotel high-rises stand shoulder to shoulder, a style that has dominated the coastline since the 1960s. But amid all the concrete, a few old buildings still stand their ground, stubbornly resisting the tide of modernization.

At least there’s good ice cream along the promenade, which helps make up for all the concrete. And De Panne does have its moment in history: in 1831, Leopold I, Belgium’s first king, set foot on Belgian soil here for the very first time. A place full of symbolism—and not a bad starting point for the Belgian leg of my journey.

Map of De Panne
A large, arch-shaped metal sculpture stands in the foreground, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with residential buildings in the background.
Bikers ride under a large, arching metal structure, with colorful buildings and trees in the background.
Several people walk across a wide plaza surrounded by trees, with a monumental arch and statue in the background.
Two children ride a colorful carousel with white horses, surrounded by bright sunshine and greenery in the background.
A vintage carousel with colorful horses spins in the sunlight, while several people sit in chairs in front of it.
Modern buildings surround a paved area where people walk and enjoy the weather under a clear sky.
Modern beachfront living in De Panne, Belgium. This wide promenade offers space for strolls, leisure, and views of the North Sea.
Several people walk along a sandy path between a historic and a modern building, some in swimwear.
Historic villas stand their ground among modern beachfront apartments in De Panne. These remnants of the Belle Époque era contrast sharply with the newer high-rises along the promenade.
A colorful three-story house in red and white stands between two modern apartment buildings.
A rare survivor: This traditional Belgian beach house is squeezed between contemporary high-rises, a reminder of De Panne’s architectural history.
People relax on the sandy beach, some lying on blankets while others stand. The waves shimmer under the sun.
Beach life in De Panne: Wide sandy shores, rolling dunes, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy the North Sea waves.
A line of people waits outside an ice cream shop. Some guests wear swimwear, while others carry bags.
Colorful, historic buildings with red and green accents line a quiet street. Stairs lead up to an entrance area.
A statue of a mournful figure stands on a pedestal in front of a historic building with a tower and colorful flowers.
A three-story house with a red tiled roof, white windows, and a small balcony, surrounded by a well-maintained garden.
A bright, historic building with red and gray bricks, featuring a balcony and large windows surrounded by greenery.
An old church with a tall tower stands at a square, surrounded by blooming flowers and several pedestrians.
A landmark in De Panne: The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, built in the early 1930s, stands out with its tall bell tower and solid brick façade, blending history with the town’s lively streetscape.