Cabourtje tour
The Cabourduinen are a unique natural area with rare plants and varied dune landscapes. Some parts are already more than 5,000 years old. On this walk, you discover not only special fauna and flora, but also traces of wartime history. From a military hospital to bunkers: nature and history come together here.
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The route of this walk is fully accessible.
You can shorten the route to 5 km. To do so, follow the walking path that crosses the Cabourduinen (orange line shown on the map). The shortcut path is not accessible.
Starting location
Starting location
You start and finish the walk at Vijvers Markey.
8660 De Panne
BE
On your route
The fossil dunes of Cabour
In the Cabourduinen (89 hectares), rain was able to wash the original lime out of the dune sand over centuries. As a result, you find specific fauna and flora here. Sand sedge and lichen steppes, dune grasslands, scrub, dune heath vegetation and small woodlands alternate. You will also find plants such as shepherd’s purse, dune and dog violets, common rock-rose and many mosses and lichens.
Traces of wartime history in Cabour
During the First World War, Cabour was home to a large military hospital. Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie tested the first X-ray equipment there. During the Second World War, several bunkers were built here as part of the famous Atlantic Wall defending our coast.
Garzebekeveld
Garzebekeveld and the edge zones of the fossil dunes form a transition area between high, decalcified, nutrient-poor dunes and low-lying, sometimes lime-rich, nutrient-rich clayey polder grasslands. Human influence has been greater on Garzebekeveld than on Cabour; several plots, for example, were fertilised very intensively. As a result, Garzebekeveld’s natural value was limited until a few years ago. Thanks to good mowing and grazing management, Garzebekeveld is fortunately heading towards a better future.
Hungry or thirsty?
- You can have something to eat and drink at Hoeve Paepehof.
- You can have a drink at Au retour de la chasse.
Parking
You can easily park in Moeresteenweg. Check the different parking zones.
Toilets
Need a toilet? Hold on just a little longer — or make a stop for a drink.
More walking fun in Adinkerke
With Cabour and Vijvers Markey, this route already introduces you to two lovely spots. Want more tips from locals? Our own walking enthusiasts introduce you to unique green corners of Adinkerke.
