Excellent and affordable healthcare. With up to 75% of healthcare costs reimbursed in Flanders, healthcare isn’t simply excellent – it’s affordable too. We are known for university-level health care. There is always a doctor and hospital nearby.

Excellent local and international education. In Flanders, education is government-supported, so it is very affordable. You’ll discover many internationally top-ranked schools in West Flanders.

Belgium is known for its chocolate and West Flanders is too, as you will find more than 100 chocolatiers in the province. They excel in creativity and exceptional flavour. No wonder many of them are mentioned in the Gault&Millau food guide.

Belgian beers are world-renowned, but did you know West Flanders itself has over 40 local breweries? Not to mention the numerous small ones. Everywhere you go, you will encounter the rich beer culture of West Flanders.

In Flanders, cycling is part of our DNA. Leisure cycling is done on our enormous cycle route network. And everybody knows the Flanders Classics and our many Flemish cycling champions.

In West Flanders, we like to discover new horizons. Sometimes, you can take this quite literally. The first Belgian in space? You guessed it right … he is from West Flanders.

West Flemish people are often depicted as stubborn, humble and hard-working. This results in remarkable achievements, like in sports. Did you know the female world boxing champion lives in West Flanders?