Masters by the Lys

Sint-Martens-Latem © Toerisme Leiestreek vzw (2)

For a hundred years, the villages along the Golden River have exuded the charm of greenery and tranquillity. Just a stone’s throw from Ghent, there is a world full of picturesque houses, artist ateliers and inspiring museums.

Hop on your bicycle and follow the winding Lys Region Cycling Route. In barely half an hour, you are already in the heart of idyllic villages such as Afsnee and Sint-Martens-Latem. Walking is of course another possibility, along the many routes that the region has to offer. Or would you rather show off your boating skills? Set sail from Ghent’s iconic Graslei and make your way along the green riverbanks to the picturesque villages full of art and culture.

Whether you choose to go by bike, boat or on foot, you are always en route to a world where nature and culture blend harmoniously.

Discover these Flemish Masters in situ

Atelier Martin Wallaert

The house of this painter – the sole surviving representative of the Latem School – is a treasure trove of works by iconic artists. So this visit is an ideal introduction to this intriguing art movement.

Tip: Fancy a culinary experience with the same atmosphere? Work by Martin Wallaert hangs on the wall in restaurant De Karper. 

Tip: The Lys is perfect for an unforgettable boat trip on the water. Stronger still, the ‘Flax River’ is your gateway to even more fascinating waterways. How about a scenic cruise along the imposing Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal? A small detour to the Mandel? A bit of boating on the Scheldt? All of this is possible in your rented boat, with you at the helm. Or you can have an experienced captain take you to your destination.
Prefer to keep it small-scale? Then you can paddle in your kayak or on your SUP.

Here you will find all the practical information, conveniently grouped. 

Villa ter Ide – Atelier Martin Wallaert
Gemeente Zulte
Villa ter Ide – Atelier Martin Wallaert
Astene Deinze © Toerisme Leiestreek vzw

Museum Gevaert Minne

Here you stand – literally – face to face with a highlight from the classic Latem period: Gustave van de Woestyne’s The Porridge Eater. 

Tip: Cycling fan? This museum is a stop along the Deinze-Sint-Martens-Latem Cycling Route that winds along the scenic Lys. A nice bonus: you pass the Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum and the Gust De Smet Museum, where you can admire numerous master works by the Lys painters.

Another not-to-be-missed stop on this route is Ooidonk Castle. Experts consider this building by the Lys - which pairs medieval charm with Renaissance elegance - to be one of the country’s finest castles. You can even enjoy an unforgettable stay in one of the majestic guest rooms. Cast a glance out of the window and view the beautiful castle garden and the picturesque Lys landscape. A truly majestic stay!

It is a simple matter to rent Blue-Bikes at Deinze station or via a private hire company. 

Speaking of Albert Servaes, the artist’s former home-atelier is now a hotel. This makes Torenhof Deurle – where some of his works hang – the ideal place to spend the night on your cycling trip.

Museum Gevaert-Minne Sint-Martens-Latem
Paul Hermans - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia
Museum Gevaert-Minne
Ooidonk castle - Flanders’ Finest Cycle Routes - The Lys Region Route 58 km

Museum Gust De Smet

You visit this special museum as if the artist still lives there. Stroll through the living room, view the bedroom, walk into the atelier and admire his masterpiece: Village Sunshine.

Tip: A fan of walking? The Gust De Smet walking route – how could it not – goes past this museum.

Is the walking making you hungry? Restaurant Nenuphar in Afsnee serves eel in green sauce with wall paintings by De Smet in the background. In the foreground: an inspiring view over the Lys.

Speaking of the Golden River, the picturesque banks of the River Lys were the favourite backdrop for the artists. Here you can find all the info you need to know to enjoy boating at the loveliest locations.

Museum Gust De Smet Sint-Martens-Latem exterieur
Paul Hermans - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 4.0
Museum Gust de Smet
Gust De Smet - Atelier 2 © Karine De Wasch

St Martin’s Church

The charming St Martin’s Church in Sint-Martens-Latem is a place of peace and contemplation. But there is more. Art lovers will also find a veritable treasure trove awaiting them inside. The beautiful works - by Gustave van de Woestyne and George Minne, among others - testify to the rich artistic history of the artists’ village. The extraordinary collection makes this picturesque church a not-to-be-missed stopover on your artistic journey of discovery.

Tip: this church is a stop on the Albijn Van den Abeele walking route. This painter and mayor helped found the artist colony of the Latem School. He collaborated with Valerius De Saedeleer, Gustave van de Woestyne and George Minne, among others. The walking route takes you past the places connected with their lives and their art. The picturesque landscapes immortalised by the painters in their works you see now in person.

Sint-Martinuskerk in Sint-Martens-Latem
Johan Allard - CC WIkimedia
Saint Martin's Church
Sint-Martinuskerk in Sint-Martens-Latem
LucT - CC Wikimedia

Even more inspiration for a fascinating programme

The unique visual language of Roger Raveel

Roger Raveel is one of the most important post-war Belgian artists. You can admire a sizeable collection of his paintings, drawings and objects in the Roger Raveel Museum. The building itself – designed by architect Stéphane Beel – is also worth a visit.

Tip: Do you want to explore the locations that played a role in Raveel’s work? You can do so on the walking route dedicated to the artist, which takes you past beautiful spots of nature. 

Want more? Then visit the historic Huis Beaucarne in Ename. This charming 18th-century mansion has been occupied by the same family for generations. Behind every corner and in every room, you come across timeless heritage and the stories that go with it.

The ideal route to Huis Beaucarne is the Cycling Node Network Route. Your tour starts in the Lys region at node 50 and ends in the Flemish Ardennes at node 70. You traverse the beautiful countryside, peppered with charming villages.

Tip: Theehuis opening hours (May-October):
In the sun-drenched courtyard, enjoy delicious cake and tea, an aperitif with tapas or - with a reservation - a delightful brunch, lunch or picnic.
Fridays and Saturdays between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (open from 10 a.m. with a reservation)
On Sundays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tip: even more history
The village of Ename boasts a rich history, with roots dating back to the early Middle Ages. Want to know more? Visit Provincial Heritage Site Ename.

Tip: find even more archaeology at the Provincial Archaeology Museum in Ename. This museum is also the starting point of the Bos ’t Ename Walking Route. Along just one route, you experience a generous helping of history, heritage and nature!

Roger Raveel Museum Machelen-aan-de-Leie © Toerisme Leiestreek vzw
Hanne Van Asche 3 © Hanne Van Assche
Hanne Van Assche
Hanne Van Assche 4 © Hanne Van Assche
Hanne Van Assche

A large collection of painters from the Lys Region: Mudel

The Museum of Deinze and the Lys Region (Mudel) has an impressive collection, ranging from Permeke to Minne and from Van de Woestyne to Raveel.

From 28 September 2024 to 26 January 2025, Mudel will be showcasing an absolute artist: “sun painter” Emile Claus, exponent of luminism. This exhibition features more than 100 works by the artist – who died 100 years ago – including gems from the MSK and public and private collections.

Eager for more Claus? Mudel is organising a year of initiatives around our country’s most important impressionist. 

Tip: Speaking of the sun, is it joining the party? If so, tackle the Emile Claus cycling route. As well as to Mudel, the route also takes you past Villa Zonneschijn in Astene. This house, where the artist lived and worked, is only accessible during exhibitions.

Prefer a shorter ride? The cycling route Along art in the Lys Region takes you past the Raveel Museum in Machelen, the Mudel in Deinze and the Dhondt-Dhaenens museum in Deurle.

Bietenoogst - www.artinflanders.be (c)Rik Klein Gotink
www.artinflanders.be (c)Rik Klein Gotink

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