The best traffic-free bike rides around Poperinge

Nice Statue of Eliane Cossey (Poperinge, 9 December 1902 – London, 1942), known by the nickname Ginger, was a striking red-haired precocious child in the Belgian town of Poperinge during the First World War. The café "A la Poupée", an unpronounceable name for English speakers, on the main square grew under the name "Ginger's" into one of the most famous taverns behind "The Ypres Salient". The appeal of the young diva can be read in various diary excerpts and in the Visitors Book with compliments and drawings. Ginger krijgt eigen standbeeld https://www.hln.be/.../ginger-krijgt-eigen-standbeeld.../

The town of Poperinge (now Poperinge) was of great importance during the First World War because, although occasionally bombed or bombed from a distance, it was the closest town to Ypres (now Ypres), which was both substantial and reasonably safe. It initially served as a center for wounded units, but by 1916 it became necessary to move these units further back, and their places were taken by field ambulances. The earliest Commonwealth graves in the town are in the municipal cemetery. The Old Military Cemetery was established during the First Battle of Ypres and, as far as Commonwealth graves are concerned, was closed in early May 1915. The New Military Cemetery was established in June 1915. The New Military Cemetery contains 677 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and 271 French war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. Source: https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/14500/poperinghe-new-military-cemetery/

Poperinge town was in British hands for almost the entire war. It was an important location because it was the closest town to Ypres, relatively safe from bombardment, and of considerable size. Initially, it served as a center for Casualty Clearing Stations, but in 1916 these were withdrawn and replaced by Field Ambulances. The first Commonwealth burials were in the town cemetery (Poperinge Communal Cemetery). The Old Military Cemetery was used during the First Battle of Ypres and closed, at least for Commonwealth burials, in early May 1915. The New Military Cemetery opened in June 1915. This cemetery contains 677 Commonwealth graves and 274 graves of other nationalities, including 271 French. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. Burials (Commonwealth War Graves Commission): United Kingdom: 597 Canada: 55 Australia: 20 New Zealand: 3 Other Commonwealth: 2 Total Commonwealth: 677 Other nationalities: 274

St. John's Church was founded in the 13th century and is primarily known as a place of pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of St. John. In 1479, through her intercession, a miracle occurred, which led to the annual Marian Procession. The white stone Calvary is a replica of the original wooden statues, which can now be seen in the winter chapel.

Poperinge is known for its hop cultivation, and this is clearly visible in the surrounding countryside. Cycling through the area, you'll come across these hop fields, where the hop plant is cultivated. Curious about the harvest? Then settle down on one of Poperinge's terraces and sample the local beers. Cheers!

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At the top of the Belgium mountains. Hard climb up a cobbled street but worth the effort

The current hall church is a 16th century Gothic-style conversion of the original Romanesque church from the second half of the 12th century. The brick part of the nave and the lower part of the tower are remains of the old church. The pseudo-Romanesque gable with rose window and part of the octagonal crossing tower are 19th century. In the church you will find the mausoleums of the first counts of Watou, Karel van Ydeghem (+ 1630) and Maria van Cortewyle and of the mystic Karel Grimminck (1676-1728). The church has been a protected monument since 1939. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Bavokerk_(Watou)