Last summer, we discovered just how perfect Belgium is for slow travel. Not by train, or by car, but by bike. With flat landscapes, well-marked cycle routes, and a network of charming towns and pop-up bars, it turned out to be the ideal place for a family-friendly cycling holiday. The pace was gentle, the beer was local, and the chocolate and waffles were heavenly.
Why Belgium Works for Cycling Travel
We based ourselves in the Flanders region, which is known for its flat terrain and gentle routes. It’s ideal for new or returning cyclists and especially well-suited to family travel. It was also connected to the Kempen Route which stretches between Antwerp and Maasmechelen, offering plenty of variety, winding through woods, across expansive stretches of heath, dunes and lakes as well as heritage mining areas.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, Belgium also offers more challenging terrain, particularly in the Ardennes region, where hilly landscapes and forest trails await more experienced riders.
Belgium’s infrastructure makes it incredibly accessible by bike. The terrain is mostly flat, meaning even the youngest riders or new cyclists can manage longer distances with ease. Designated cycling networks, like the well-known Fietsnetwerk are clearly signed and easy to follow, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on the joy of the journey.
These routes link towns, parks, forests, and cultural landmarks, with plenty of rest spots, bike-friendly cafés, and surprise pop-up bars in the summer months. It’s the kind of place where the cycling experience feels effortless and welcoming.
A Family-Friendly Freedom
We travelled every day by bike, often with no firm plan, just heading to nearby villages, cafés, or markets. Our children gained so much confidence through daily cycling, learning to navigate, ride further, and enjoying the independence it offered.
For us as parents, it meant slowing down enough to really notice where we were, from golden wheat fields to steam-side paths and having time to stop, paddle in streams, or simply enjoy a shaded bench under a tree.
Renting vs Bringing Your Own
You could bring your own bikes over (especially easy via Eurostar or ferry), but we chose to rent locally and we’re glad we did. The rental bikes were far more comfortable than our own mountain bikes at home. They came with wide seats, upright posture, and baskets which were ideal for picnic supplies or market finds. For longer days or family rides, it made all the difference.
Bike hire was affordable and widely available, with many shops offering family-friendly options, including kids’ bikes, trailers, and e-bikes.
Slowing Down for a Local Beer
Belgium is, of course, famous for its beer and many of the towns we visited had open-air summer bars or taverns right on the route. These relaxed stops became part of our rhythm: a morning ride, a midday beer or lemonade, and an afternoon meander home.
It was the perfect balance of movement and pause. Travel not just as a way of getting from A to B, but as a way of experiencing a place with all the senses.
But a word of caution! Some of the brews are very strong.
Reflections on Travel by Bike
There’s something quietly powerful about arriving somewhere under your own steam. Travelling by bike invited us to engage with the landscape more deeply, moving at a pace that allowed for noticing. The way the light moved through the trees. The call of birds. The smell of warm summer fields.
In many ways, this was one of our most memorable family trips, not for the sights we ticked off, but for the way it felt. Free, connected, and delightfully simple.
Final Thoughts
Belgium reminded us that adventure doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like smooth cycle paths, a basket full of picnic snacks, and just enough sun to warm your back.
Whether you bring your own bikes or rent locally, Belgium is ready-made for slow, mindful family travel on two wheels.
Mindful Trails 