Stavele: Nature, the IJzerbroeken and Historic Discoveries

Stavele lies on the edge of the area shaped by the valleys of the IJzer and the Poperingevaart. Among water-rich meadows, forest paths, river landscapes and remarkable historic buildings, it offers a destination that combines experiences in nature with history. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can plan to use Stavele as a base for peaceful landscape explorations, walks, cycling tours and cultural discoveries.

Nature in Eversambos and the IJzerbroeken

One important attraction is Eversambos, near the IJzer in Stavele. The woodland covers 40 hectares and is suitable for walking. A signposted nature oasis there also offers a circular trail of approximately 2 kilometres. A bridge near Eversambos connects the woodland with the towpath along the IJzer. This makes it possible to include the woodland and river landscapes as different nature experiences when planning your day.

The landscape of the IJzer and Poperingevaart valleys has a distinctive character: the low-lying grasslands are regularly flooded, are botanically valuable and provide suitable habitats for numerous birds. Those travelling with children can incorporate such specific nature observations into their plans just as they can a longer walk. The forest treasure hunt “Hoog tij(d) in Eversam” starts at the Eversambos car park in Stavele.

Walking and cycling with routes of varying lengths

The 7-kilometre Brouckmolenroute explores the water-rich landscape of the IJzerbroeken. It follows country roads, grass paths and the towpath along the IJzer to Brouckmolen. The route can start in the centre of Stavele or in Beveren aan de IJzer. This provides a clearly defined way to get to know the landscape on a longer circuit, while the shorter circular trail in Eversambos allows for a different kind of day out.

There is also a documented connection with the IJzer landscape for cycling tours. In 2013, a cycling connection between Roesbrugge and Stavele and two recreational bridges over the IJzer were created to improve walking and cycling along the river. Another cycling route follows country roads through Lo-Reninge and the IJzerbroeken to Stavele, which is surrounded by water.

Church, war memorials and historic heritage

Stavele also offers several specific points of interest for travellers interested in culture. The parish church of Sint-Jan-Onthoofding is a Neo-Gothic hall church dating from 1889. The earlier church was destroyed by fire in 1796, repaired in 1800 and rebuilt in 1830. The church complex preserves several reminders of the First World War. These include a stained-glass triptych created in 1919 by Ch. Lorin for the war volunteer Etienne Lorin, as well as tombs for the French soldier Léon Houdeau and Maurice Deloz.

The furnishings include an 18th-century Van Peteghem organ, which has been protected since 1981. The church stands just above the edge of the valley and is visible from the valley. The war memorial in Stavele commemorates the village’s military dead from the First World War and depicts an upright seated lion bearing the coat of arms of Stavele.

Another historic destination is Hoeve Eversam, a protected monument and former abbey farm of the vanished Eversam Abbey. The complex includes a farmhouse, stables and a barn arranged in a row; a brick bridge crosses a filled-in moat. Hoeve Kleen Eversam is designated as recorded architectural heritage. Its farmhouse has a 17th-century core on a low rise, while a pond remains as the last relic of the original moat.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Stavele, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on: short nature trails in Eversambos, a longer route through the IJzerbroeken, a cycling tour or historic sites such as the church and farmsteads. Dorpspunt in Stavele is a tourist information office; its operators provide information about leisure and tourism opportunities in the municipality and the region. Also explore Leisele and Hoogstade further.

Stavele is therefore suited to travel plans in which the landscape, physical activity and regional history stand on an equal footing. Choose your holiday apartment or holiday home according to which of these facets you want to define your holiday.

For the overarching travel overview: Alveringem.