Visit Europe
Now that we are able to get out and about without restriction, isn’t it time for you and your group to visit our nearest continental neighbours there’s always lots to see and do.
For Evermore: Cemeteries of the First World War
International exhibition – In Flanders Fields Museum, Cloth Hall, Ypres: 28/04/2023 – 18/02/2024
On the 30th of June 2022,
more than a 100 years after his death in 1917, the Canadian private John Lambert was laid to rest on New Irish Farm Cemetery, near Ypres, in the presence of his relatives. Although they never met him, they still attach great importance to his commemoration. It proves that even after the passing of the last veterans and the people who knew them personally, the emotional connection with the former battlefields and the people who died there is still strong. Today, that landscape of Flanders Fields with its numerous military cemeteries remains as one of the last witnesses of the Great War. On those cemeteries, the Stone of Remembrance claims ‘Their name liveth for evermore’. But is that possible? Is there no expiration date on the commemoration?
These questions are at the heart of the new temporary exhibition ‘For Evermore: Cemeteries of the First World War’. It reveals the stories kept alive by the Commonwealth, French, Belgian, German, and American military cemeteries in Flanders Fields. Not only do they tell the personal histories of the dead who are buried there, but their location, architecture and history reveal a lot of information about the Great War as well.
Thanks to a thought-provoking presentation, the exhibition takes you on a journey that combines unique objects and personal stories with interactive and multimedia set-ups. Listen to more in-depth information via an audio guide or follow a customised audio route with your children.
The exhibition ‘For Evermore’ is the ideal starting point to explore the former war landscape of Flanders Fields. School groups can combine a visit to the museum with the new educational tour 'The Salient Illustrated'. During a workshop and guided walk through the landscape of the former North Ypres Salient, students will learn to read the war and memorial landscape through cartoons by well-known British cartoonist Dave Chisholm. Both ‘The Salient Illustrated’ and ‘For Evermore’ is organised within the theme year LANDSCAPES | Feel Flanders Fields, coordinated and financed by Westtoer and Visit Flanders.
Practical information, opening times and entrance rates can be found on the museum's website
(www.inflandersfields.be/en).
A visit to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket, but the exhibition can also be visited separately.
Oudenaarde
Is a provincial town with a global reputation. Located on the Scheldt’s left bank, with an impressive history. Highlights include Oudenaarde’s late-Gothic town hall with its Cloth Hall and famous tapestries, its Beguinage and MOU municipal museum. This gem of the Flemish Ardennes is also a cycling Mecca. For a century now, its undulating roads, cobblestones and hills have played crucial roles in Flanders’ spring classics. The Tour of Flanders Centre covers this extensive history from start to finish.
We pick a few of our favourites for groups to explore:
City Walk, City Hall and Belfry
Oudenaarde is often associated with the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. Whether you love nature, culture, delicious regional products or sporting challenges, there’s a startling discovery around every corner. Let’s start with the city’s vibrant heart: the market square. A welcoming place, peppered with restaurants, cafes and inviting terraces.
In the heart of Oudenaarde, you come across buildings in Gothic and Renaissance styles, Baroque and Classicism. With more than 100 cultural-historical buildings, the city seems like a patchwork of monuments. And every house has its own story. The town hall, a delightful stroll away, is an iconic building along with the 14th-century Cloth Hall and the 16th-century Belfry in Brabant late-Gothic style. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that it is duly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ename: a mix of ancient history and contemporary experience
Ename catapults you back in time and treats you three times to centuries-old heritage. Eight hectares of archaeological park with the foundations of the Benedictine abbey, a gentle slope that leads you to the woods ‘Bos t' Ename’ and the beautifully restored church of St Laurence. Three surprising sights are interwoven into one story. The old harbour town has even more to tell.
Provincial Heritage Centre.
At the push of a button, an old castle rises from the ashes. A look behind the scenes of the heritage depot discloses unique revelations. Experience the virtual walk in the 13th-century Ename Abbey. With an audio guide or by yourself, anything goes. You can relax in the artistic heritage foyer, where you can admire Ben Benaouisse's installation ‘Invasif’. From the second floor, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the archaeological site and the undulating Scheldt landscape. Check the diary for new temporary exhibitions at www.oost-vlaanderen.be/erfgoedcentrum
Huis Beaucarne, afternoon tea the noble style
If you’re a group like an afternoon tea the time-honored way, then a visit to Huis Beaucarne is definitely not to be missed. For generations, the Beaucarne and Fredericq families have cherished this 18th-century manor house. The family is passionate about revealing the fun facts of each curiosity. Add to this rare collection and archive material from Ename Abbey. After the visit, enjoy an afternoon tea by arrangement.
We also like…
Tapestries
The MOU has even more of Oudenaarde’s rich history on display. And you can take that literally, as the meandering museum trail takes you to the heyday of the weaving crafts. From the 15th to the 18th century.
Mullem, castle village
In the midst of the Oudenaarde fields, the pristine castle village of Mullem shines in the yellow lustre of its authentic cottages. The early medieval village centre is a protected heritage.
Mater
In the undulating landscape of fields between Horebeke and Mater, the Tissenhove Mill is visible from afar. At the top of the 105 metre high plateau, take a moment to admire the beautiful panorama. The proud wind fighter is one of Flanders’ oldest windmills.
Brewery Roman
Roman is the oldest family brewery in Belgium and is famed for its vast range of beers. These are all brewed in the traditional way, with attention to craftsmanship and a passion for beer that goes back nearly five centuries...
There is so much to do for groups
For more inspiration, please go to visit. www.oudenaarde.be
or contact Visit Oudenaarde at
visit@oudenaarde.be or +32 55 31 72 51