Cycling guides and maps in Belgium
Belgium by bike
Exploring Belgium by bike means traveling through a country rich in flavors, contrasting landscapes, and impeccable cycling networks. Thanks to a network of long-distance routes, efficient signage, and quality infrastructure, the country ranks among Europe’s must-see cycling destinations. Whether you’re exploring Namur by bike, cycling along the Flemish coast, or taking a EuroVelo route in Belgium, you’ll experience an adventure that’s as delicious as it is exotic.
Explore Belgium by bike
Belgium, though small, is full of wonders to explore by bike. In Flanders, the flat, green landscapes are punctuated by historic cities like Bruges and Ghent. In Wallonia, wooded valleys, castles, and picturesque villages provide a more hilly backdrop, perfect for an e-bike tour in Belgium.
The country is also a mecca for gastronomy. At every stop, you’ll find a craft brewery (Belgium has more than 220!) or a crispy fries stand. Don’t leave without tasting Belgian chocolate, to be enjoyed on the banks of the Meuse or in a cobbled square in Antwerp or Brussels.
The cultural heritage is just as rich: belfries, UNESCO sites, modern art museums, and curiosities like the Atomium or the Manneken Pis spice up your two-wheeled itineraries.
The great cycling routes in Belgium
Belgium is crossed by five major EuroVelo routes, representing more than 1,000 km of European trails, suitable for long distances as well as short trips lasting a few days. These routes are integrated into regional networks and often have dedicated lanes via the RAVeL in Wallonia.
- EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims’ Route : crosses Wallonia from north to south. It largely follows the RAVeL network, perfect for a gentle adventure through fields and forests.
- EuroVelo 4 – Central Europe Route : runs along the Flemish North Sea coast, ideal for lovers of sea breezes.
- EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea Francigena : connects Brussels to southern Belgium via the RAVeL. It immerses you in the country’s religious history and heritage.
- EuroVelo 12 – North Sea Route : follows the Belgian coast in Flanders, between beaches, ports, and seaside towns.
- EuroVelo 19 – The Meuse by Bike : a magnificent route that crosses the Meuse valleys between Namur, Dinant, and Liège. A classic Belgian cycling route.
Essential products for exploring Belgium by bike
To fully enjoy your cycling adventure in Belgium, here are some essential guides and maps available on Cartovelo:
- ADFC Belgium/Wallonia Cycling Map : the reference tool for following the trails of Wallonia and the Ardennes with the Ravel routes.
- Ouest-France Guide to Wallonia : 33 maps, 1,300 km of excursions, this guide is perfect for this experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
- ANWB Map of the Belgian Coast : a comprehensive map of the Belgian coast, including tourist information on Bruges, Knokke, and Kortrijk.
The Belgian cycle network
Belgium has approximately 30,000 km of marked cycle routes. The country has structured its routes around several layers:
- Node routes : a simple system, very popular in Flanders and Wallonia, allowing cyclists to create their own itineraries.
- Regional routes : often themed (food, heritage, nature), they follow junctions and are suitable for all levels.
- International routes : like the EuroVelo network, they overlap regional networks to form a European continuum.
- Cyclostrades : fast, continuous paths, often on dedicated lanes, used for intercity travel, built along railways or canals.
This coherent system makes it easy to navigate by bike, whether for an afternoon stroll, a weekend loop, or a multi-day crossing. Belgium also focuses on the quality of road surfaces, signage, and maintenance, thanks in particular to organizations such as Pro Velo, the national coordinator.