Lys region cycling route

The starting node 52 is located at the little bridge between the Vissersdijk and Aan De Bocht streets. 

The 58-hectare Hospicebossen – also called the Nazareth Forests – are known for their biodiversity. Different tree species are divided into separate plots there. The name refers to the former owner of these woods, the Hospice of Ghent, now the Public centre for Social Welfare. Today, the forest is owned by the Province of East Flanders, which engages in sustainable management there, increasing the habitat for bat and owl species, among other things. Cyclists, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and dogs (on a leash!) welcome, every day from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

This museum near the village centre of Deurle was founded by Irma Dhaenens and Jules Dhondt, a businessman and patron of the Flemish Movement who funded, among other things, the first Festival of Flanders in the early 1960s. Throughout their lives, the couple built up an extraordinary private collection. When their only son Roger died at 14, they donated the lion's share of their collection to the museum that bears their name. With verve, Dhondt-Dhaenens focuses heavily on temporary exhibitions by domestic and foreign artists. You will often discover temporary projects in the garden as well. As an arts centre, it plays an important role in the international art world.

Along with Permeke and Van den Berghe, painter Gustave "Gust" De Smet (1877-1943) was one of the "big three" in Flemish expressionism. After his death, his home became protected heritage and opened to the general public in 1950. A selection of some 100 works, mostly small canvases and drawings, hangs in the living room, studio and bedroom on the second floor. 

At this obligatory stop on your route – formerly a pastor's house, town hall and school in turn – you will sample catered brasserie dishes prepared with mostly artisanal produce from local growers and breeders. D'Ouwe Hoeve has a blissful terrace on one of Flanders' most beautiful village squares. 

There is nothing to be found of the hippie commune and the old LIMA factory (now an art gallery) here today. However, there is now the Gevaert-Minne Museum, with many masterpieces by Latem painters such as Xavier De Cock, Valerius De Saedeleer, Constant Permeke and Albijn Van den Abeele. The museum, protected since 1996 and beautifully situated in three hectares of woodland, is the former home of painter, poet, writer and composer Edgar Gevaert. Temporary exhibitions or lectures related to Sint-Martens-Latem regularly take place in the 'sheepfold'.

In Afsnee, cross the Lys by ferry, then follow the water along Dijkweg until you reach Drongen Abbey. Unfortunately, it cannot be visited individually – unless you are going there for reflection. But in a group, you can look inside this Norbertine abbey with 10 hectares of land. An engaging guide will open the doors to some special gems such as the neo-Gothic chapel, the unusual elements in the building corridors, the paintings and artworks. Tours last an hour and a half and can be booked for 10 people or more.