A sunny beach in De Panne with sunbathers on dunes and people enjoying water activities along the shoreline. Colorful buildings with decorative wooden elements in De Panne, showcasing local architecture and charm.
Belgium

De Panne: Belgium’s Southernmost Seaside Resort

A Glimpse of the Past: Belle Époque Beauty in De Panne.
 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 view of De Panne featuring a large arch sculpture surrounded by greenery and modern buildings on a lively street.
Three cyclists ride under a modern archway in De Panne, with contemporary buildings and greenery in the background.
A bustling memorial site in De Panne, showcasing a monument and many visitors walking among trees on a sunny day.
A colorful carousel in De Panne with two individuals riding ornate white horses on a sunny day.
A colorful carousel in De Panne, with patrons waiting in chairs and a blue sky above. The vibrant design features ornate horses.
A bustling promenade in De Panne with modern apartment buildings and people enjoying the sunny day.
Modern beachfront living in De Panne, Belgium. This wide promenade offers space for strolls, leisure, and views of the North Sea.
A beachside scene in De Panne featuring families walking along the promenade past charming vintage architecture.
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 historic building between modern apartments in De Panne, showcasing architectural contrast.
A rare survivor: This traditional Belgian beach house is squeezed between contemporary high-rises, a reminder of De Panne’s architectural history.
A sunny beach in De Panne with sunbathers on dunes and people enjoying water activities along the shoreline.
Beach life in De Panne: Wide sandy shores, rolling dunes, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy the North Sea waves.
A busy ice cream shop in De Panne with a line of customers enjoying a sunny day by the beach.
Colorful buildings with decorative wooden elements in De Panne, showcasing local architecture and charm.
De Panne’s architectural heritage: These well-preserved Belle Époque houses bring a touch of early 20th-century elegance to the street.
A statue and a historic white building in De Panne, featuring floral displays and clear blue sky.
A charming, traditional house in De Panne, featuring red shutters, a balcony, and surrounded by lush greenery and brick fencing.
A historic brick house with a balcony in De Panne, featuring large windows and charming architectural details.
A sunny day in De Panne featuring Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, surrounded by visitors and charming buildings.
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.