Flemish Ardennes

The Flemish Ardennes (Dutch: Vlaamse Ardennen) is an informal name given to a hilly region in the south of the province of East Flanders, Belgium. Highest summit is the Hotondberg (145 m). Main characteristics of the region are rural hilly landscapes with hilltop bluebell woodlands (Muziekbos, Brakelbos, Kluisbos), windmills and watermills.

Municipalities in the Flemish Ardennes, East Flanders

Hills in the Flemish Ardennes, East Flanders

The area is distinct from the Ardennes, which is further to the south in Wallonia, France and Luxembourg.

Among the largest towns in the area are Oudenaarde, Ronse, Zottegem and Geraardsbergen.

Cycling is particularly popular in the area. Many major bike races are held here, including a large part of the Tour of Flanders. Most of its toughest climbs (Koppenberg, Taaienberg, Molenberg, Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, Muur van Geraardsbergen, Eikenberg) and most of its cobblestone-street sections (Paddestraat) are situated in the Flemish Ardennes.[1]