Bellegem between forest and heritage

Bellegem combines woodland scenery, historic religious buildings and a long brewing tradition. The village centre is situated on Sint-Leonardusberg, a ridge 65 metres high. This geographical location provides a clear point of reference when choosing where to stay; other themes range from a trail reserved for hikers to churches and chapels. If you are looking for a hotel in Bellegem, you can first consider whether nature, architectural history or the local brewing tradition is more important to your stay.

Woodland and plant life

Argendaelbos and Bellegembos together cover 29.05 hectares of woodland, avenues and natural areas. They are located along the Doornikserijksweg between Argendaalstraat and Leuzestraat. Bellegembos is an oak-beech forest, where the Atlantic bluebell grows. Its varied plant life also includes several rare species. The area figure refers to both woodland areas together, while the forest type and plant characteristics describe Bellegembos more specifically. This distinguishes the shared area figure from the ecological description of the individual forest.

Bellegembos has a freely accessible walking trail. It is open exclusively to hikers; cycling is not allowed. This rule is important to bear in mind when planning a walk in the forest.

Churches and chapels

The parish church of Sint-Amandus was built in the 13th century on the remains of a Romanesque church dating from around 1180. Visible traces of the Gothic building survive in the choir, crossing tower and transept arms; these include standing masonry made from Tournai stone. A baptismal font, probably Gothic, made of bluestone dates from the 13th century. The timeline distinguishes the predecessor from the later building: around 1180 refers to the Romanesque predecessor church, while the 13th century refers to the Sint-Amandus church and the baptismal font. The Gothic classification of the font remains probable.

Montagne Chapel is located opposite the farm entrance to Hof Van Mortagne and is a protected monument. Mortagne Chapel is a rare example of a concrete wayside chapel: its floor plan is octagonal, and its zinc roof is shaped like a baldachin and adorned with fringe. The octagonal floor plan describes the shape of the structure; the baldachin-like roof and its fringe are further architectural features. According to historical folklore, Mortagne Chapel was built to ward off the ghosts said to roam Hof Van Mortagne.

The Neo-Gothic monastery chapel was built in 1857 and used until 1958; it is now a residence. A remnant survives of the wooden post mill Kattebergmolen, also known as Lonckes molen; most of the mill was demolished in 1952. The Omer Vander Ghinste brewery has been brewing in the picturesque village of Bellegem since 1892.

Walking trail and cycling route

For cyclists, the Goedendagroute runs through Zwevegem, Bellegem, Rollegem, the border with Mouscron, Aalbeke and Marke. It is marked with hexagonal signs. The route passes through the listed places beyond Bellegem, while the walking trail is located in Bellegembos: this sets a signposted cycling tour through several named places apart from a locally situated walking trail as two different ways to plan an outing. Route information may change; check the latest route details before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Heule

Go to the main travel overview: Kortrijk.