Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Top 10 Knokke

the best things to do in Knokke

Summer is the perfect time to visit KnokkeHeist, an upscale resort near the Dutch border that boasts 12km of beautiful coastline and a whole host of other attractions. Though best known as the Belgian jet-set’s playground, the town has something for everyone

1 PLAY in the sand on one of five beaches, each with its own personality, from the sporty Albertstrand to the exclusive and elegant Het Zoute. Heist, Duinbergen and Knokke round out the list of sandy spots.

2 RELISH a meal at one of the town’s tempting Michelin-starred restaurants – Jardin Tropical (12 Zwaluwenlaan), Bartholomeus (267 Zeedijk) and De Oosthoek (25 Oosthoekplein) – then check out the bars and discos clustered around A Verweeplein.

3 LEARN all about the history of Knokke-Heist, and especially about the local fishing communities, at the Sincfala Folklore Museum (140 Pannenstraat), housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic school building.

4 TRY your luck at the Casino, where James Bond would feel right at home playing blackjack, roulette or Caribbean stud poker. Keep an eye out for the Venice-made chandelier, reputedly the largest in Europe, whose 2,700 lamps light up the main hall.

5 ENJOY a bicycle ride after picking up a map of some 80km of routes from the local tourist office (1 Alfred Verweeplein), including the 44km ‘Rianta Polderroute’ between Knokke-Heist and Damme and the 30km artsy Kunstroute.

6 EAT a waffle from Moeder Siska (177 Zoutelaan), a family-run establishment that has been selling heart-shaped waffles since 1882. The business has come a long way since its humble origins, and today boasts a hotel, playground and mini-golf complex.

7 MARVEL at music-synchronised fireworks displays from five countries at the International Fireworks Festival on 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 August at 10pm at Duinbergen beach. Every year over 30,000 people attend this event, a tradition since 1970.

8 GET your culture fix at one of dozens of art galleries, which are everywhere but heavily concentrated on Kustlaan and the beachfront promenade. Among the most renowned is the Guy Pieters Gallery (279 Kustlaan).

9 SHOP until you drop in this town bursting with some 1,500 retail outlets, many of which are conveniently open on Sundays, selling everything from designer wear to unusual gadgets.

10 OBSERVE avian life at Het Zwin, an immense natural reserve of dunes and marshland that was formerly the estuary of the river connecting the town to the ports of Bruges and Damme. Be sure to bring a camera and binoculars as well as good walking shoes or boots.

Knokke out

If you are visiting Knokke make sure you add these essential shops and boutiques to your address book

holiday autos www.holidayautos.be

holiday autos, the biggest car rental supplier in Belgium, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. They guarantee all-in prices (which means unlimited mileage, plus all insurance and tax) in more than 90 countries, as well as secure online purchases and a large choice of good quality vehicles. Our specialist call centre agents are at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And by using the ‘bthere’ promotional code you get a 10% discount on your next car rental (valid until 31/12/2007).

Meisser

Kustlaan 149, 8300 Knokke, tel. 33 30 08
Meisser sells fashionable men’s and womenswear in cosy surroundings. Besides shoes and accessories, you’ll also find exclusive, handmade shirts from Borelli. Gentlemen can choose from trendy collections like Malo, Etro, Corneliani and Allegri. For the ladies there are lines like Malo, Allegri and Etro, the Italian label that combines creativity and quality with a perfect finishing touch.As Pascal Meisser, the store’s owner says, “Etro is outstanding. The designers have an eye for detail and always look for distinctive fabrics and striking colours. Etro has been designed for anyone who is looking for creativity in clothing.”

Boutique de Knokke/Gisèle B

778 Zeedijk, 8300 Knokke, 28454 or ; www.bleublancrouge.com,

Set in the beautiful location of Knokke le Zoute, Boutique de Knokker has a sea view and a large choice of the luxury brands. Bleu Blanc Rouge and Garella are both sold exclusively by Gisèle Boland. Garella is extremely elegant; clothes come predominantly in dark grey, silver, navy blue and black, and there are several ‘sporty chic’ pieces available. This year’s winter collection is ultra-feminine, with beautiful prints and high-quality finishing touches.

Jane B

Lippenslaan 297, 8300 Knokke tel. or

Located at the heart of Knokke’s main shopping street, Jane B is a unique women’s fashion boutique. The shop’s owner Muriel quickly makes you feel at home, and helps you with indispensable advice on what to wear when. The boutique offers tasteful collections from Jiki, designed for Stephanie de Monaco and Airfield often worn by Claudia Schiffer, to Sprung Frères of Paris, who make some of the finest furs in the world. Jane B will show part of these collections on the catwalks of the Knokke Casino on the 24th August, and is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Knokke.

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