Lovendegem: Oak Avenue, History and Routes
Accommodation in Lovendegem
Lovendegem brings together an oak avenue, centuries of church history, and walking and cycling routes. The variety of routes and historical themes offer starting points for different excursions. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether local history, countryside, or a longer cycle ride should shape your holiday plans.
Church and Seigneurial History
The parish church of Sint-Martinus was first mentioned in 1140. In 1616, Jan and Robrecht Persyns rebuilt the three-nave church. The term “three-nave” refers to the division of the church interior into three naves. Kasteeldomein van Lovendegem was already known in the 13th or 14th century as the seat of the lordship of Lovendegem. The church and Kasteeldomein therefore represent different aspects of the local history: the early mention of a religious building and the estate’s former role as a lordship seat. The castle itself is not open to visitors.
Oak Avenue and Countryside
The Kasteeldreef, around 900 metres long, is partly paved and lined with two double rows of standard-height pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur). It has been protected as a landscape since 3 March 1978. The Lieve forms the eastern boundary of Lovendegem. Today, the Lieve is an idyllic stream; like a green ribbon, it winds through the agricultural landscape. The avenue and the stream offer two different impressions of the countryside: rows of trees along a protected road and a watercourse amid a rural setting.
Walking and Cycling
On foot, you can choose between a historic village route and the Oude Kalevallei walking route, Loop 2. The five-kilometre historic route starts at Kasteeldreef and passes through the old centre of Lovendegem. The Oude Kalevallei loop passes through Merendree, Vinderhoute, and Lovendegem. Along the meandering Oude Kalebeek, pollarded willow rows and small farmsteads shape the landscape. The route is fully signposted with thematic signs, not junction markers. One route focuses on the old village centre, while the other takes in several places and the river landscape.
There are also various themes to choose from when cycling. On the De Lieve cycle route, the path passes through Kasteeldreef in Lovendegem; castles link the village with Vinderhoute, Merendree, Landegem, and Hansbeke along this route. Another cycle tour through Lovendegem, around 30 kilometres long, explores the theme “Hofke van plaisance.” The same theme also features a guided tour during a walk of around five kilometres in Vinderhoute. It offers insights into the lives of workers and the bourgeoisie in the 19th century. The “Hofke van plaisance” walk includes two food stops. The themed cycle tour of around 30 kilometres is considerably longer than the five-kilometre historic walking route.
For the broader travel overview: East Flanders.
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