Day 11 of cycling to Italy — Belgium might be the best surprise yet

Day 11 of my cycle to a friend’s wedding in northern Italy 🚴‍♂️

Today I crossed the border from France into Belgium, riding from Dunkirk into Nieuwpoort. It felt like such a milestone moment — one more country down, and the landscape and vibe instantly changed. France had been beautiful but tough at times, while Belgium greeted me with cycle paths everywhere, fellow cyclists on the road, and a kind of energy that instantly made me feel at home.

One of the highlights was stopping in Veurne, a gothic town with incredible medieval architecture. I took the drone up to see the towers from above, and it honestly blew me away. This is the kind of moment that reminds me why I chose to take on this bike journey instead of a quick flight. You see so much more when you move slowly.

I’m keeping things pretty simple on this trip: bike, tent, and the essentials strapped to my panniers. Minimalist travel forces you to cut down to what you really need, and it makes every small comfort feel like a luxury. Whether it’s finding a smooth cycle lane, a good spot to camp, or just sharing the road with other riders, these little things become the highlights of the day.

From here, the road continues deeper into Belgium, and the closer I get to the Alps, the more I can feel the challenge building. There are still plenty of long climbs ahead, but the adventure is what keeps me pedalling. Every day is different, every border feels like a victory, and every town adds something new to the story.

If you’re into cycling adventures, bikepacking across borders, or just love the idea of minimalist, slow travel, then you’ll definitely connect with this journey. I’ll be sharing every stage of the ride, from the flat paths of Belgium to the mountain passes that eventually lead me into Italy.

Thanks for following along — drop a comment and let me know: would you cycle more often if there were safe cycle paths where you live?

#bikejourney #tentlife #minimalisttravel #bikepackinglife #cyclingbelgium