Spring is one of the nicest times to visit De Panne. These are the most popular activities in spring :
Wellness in the hotel
At the hotel, you have direct access to the extensive wellness facilities. You will find a gym with spinning bikes, treadmills, and more. In the swimming pool, there is a sauna, infrared lamps and steam bath. The ice machine and various showers provide the necessary refreshment after a sauna or steam bath after which you can relax around the pool in the loungers. In warm weather, you can also enjoy refreshment on our terrace.
Seafront, beach and terraces
The seafront of De Panne is a nice walk. It stretches from the Esplanade, where the Leopold I monument is to more than 1.5 kilometres further the end of De Panne. On the dyke there are several terraces. The offer is very diverse and has expanded nicely in recent years so that there is something for everyone : tapas, traditional brasserie, Mexican,...
The beach remains one of the main attractions for guests of Hotel Donny. De Panne has the widest beach in Belgium. The nice thing is that there are no breakwaters 'compartmentalising' the beach.
Bike ride through the nuts
The Moeren have featured in countless cycling classics. The uniqueness: long, straight roads, unprotected by wind and weather, right through the Flemish fields. If you don't feel like making such a big effort as our racers, you can easily rent an electric bike in De Panne. If you have your own bike, bring it along without hesitation. We have a special bike garage in the hotel that you can use for free as a hotel guest.
Tip : cycle to Dunkirk or to the Westmalle Fathers.
Visit to the Duinpanne and Oosthoekduinen nature reserve
De Dunepanne is the visitor centre located in the middle of the Calmeynbos. Among other things, there is a permanent exhibition and a cafeteria with a terrace and a children's playground. It is a nice stop during a walk in the forest. You will pick up some fun 'good to know' facts about the interaction between forest, dunes and beach. At the hotel reception, we can map out a walking route together to the Duinpanne.
Domein Duinpanne in De Panne | Province of West Flanders
Walk across the border to Bray Dunes
For the smugglers among us. This route used to be widely used for smuggling goods between France and Belgium. It is today a nice, brisk hike. You don't have to walk back along the same road especially. There are some nice natural areas and hiking opportunities between the Belgian-French border.
Gastronomy in the area
The region of De Panne - Veurne - Koksijde - Nieuwpoort is known for its gastronomy. The concentration of well-regarded restaurants here is very high. If you like to see gastronomy viewed differently, you are spoilt for choice in the Westhoek. Think for example of 'Bomma's shrimp croquettes' at Hostellerie Le Fox, a Chef's Choice menu at restaurant Carcasse in Koksijde with meat specialities from the Dierendonck workshop, the fish specialities at restaurant M-bistro where you have a 'slightly different' lunch. The menu is very varied and the food is very varied.
Plopsaland
The Plopsaland De Panne amusement park is open every day in spring. During the week, you can also go there for a day full of fun. In recent years, the park has not only focused on the little ones. The new 'rides' are there for the real daredevils. The 'Ride to happiness by Tomorrowland' ride is currently rated as the best roller coaster in Europe by experts.
