Holiday homes for cyclists in Belgium

The node network in the Campine is one of the loveliest in Flanders: flat, shaded and set in a landscape that asks you to slow down. The RAVeL routes in the Ardennes follow old railway lines and take you through valleys you would otherwise never see. On the coast, the route behind the dunes is a classic.

A good holiday home for cyclists has a secure, dry bike room, a repair kit or pump within reach and a host who knows which routes match your level.

Belgium has more than 20,000 kilometres of waymarked cycle routes. The node network makes it easy to put together your own stage: pick a starting point and ride from node to node. RAVeL routes are traffic-free and safe even for children. The Ardennes offer mountain bike trails for every level.

Hosts in cycling regions understand what cyclists need. A dry garage or barn to store the bikes, somewhere for small repairs, a good breakfast before the ride and tips for the best day route in the area. That is what makes the difference.

Belgium's node network covers more than 20,000 kilometres of waymarked cycle routes and spans Flanders, Wallonia and the coast almost entirely. You pick a starting point, follow the numbered posts and put together your own stage without needing a map or GPS. In Limburg and the Campine the nodes are very close together, on flat paths through woodland and heath, perfect for beginners and families.

In the Flemish Ardennes the routes become hillier and the views more rewarding. Around the Koppenberg and Kluisberg, cyclists ride the same roads the professionals use during the spring classics. The network also links small villages and farms you would never discover by car. A holiday home right in the middle of the network gives you a different route every day without ever retracing your wheels.

The Ardennes are the centre of mountain biking in Belgium. Around Houffalize, technical singletracks with stream crossings and rooty sections await experienced riders. Vielsalm has an extensive network of flowtrails and enduro routes for all abilities, plus a bike park for those who want to tackle the descents too. The RAVeL routes follow the river valleys and are well suited to touring bikes and gravel riding.