The Marais de Bruges National Nature Reserve covers 265 hectares and is home to more than 3,500 species across 69 habitats. It is a major nature destination for a trip to Bruges; nearby, you’ll also find paths by the water, parks and weekly markets, each with its own character. You can plan your trip around what matters most to you, whether that’s wildlife watching, a particular market day, or parks and culture.
Nature reserve, walks and water
A 2.5-kilometre visitor trail leads to three observation points. Two of them are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Guided visits are also offered in the reserve throughout the year. This gives you practical options for exploring the natural area, either on a trail or as part of a guided visit.
At Lac Lamothe, you can walk along the water. It is also the only body of water in Bruges where fishing is permitted. Since fishing regulations may change, it’s a good idea to check the current information before you go fishing.
Another option by the water is the “Bruges, Étang et Bassins” route: its two trails run through the town centre, one around a pond and the other alongside a basin. These routes differ from the walk at Lac Lamothe in their locations and bodies of water. If you’re looking for waterside paths, you can choose between the lakeside walk and the two central routes.
Parks and cultural sites
The parks each have their own character, too. Parc Treulon opened to the public in 1980. The fully renovated Parc Treulon became home to the Ludo-Médiathèque de Bruges in 2022. Parc Ausone offers a different kind of green space: its design preserved the old oak grove. Together with the nature reserve, the parks offer a range of themes for your stay, from landscape design to cultural history.
The dates put the two developments at Parc Treulon in chronological order: the park’s opening was followed by the opening of the Ludo-Médiathèque. By contrast, preserving the old oak grove is a defining feature of Parc Ausone’s design. If you’re including nature and culture in your trip plans, you can take these different features into account without needing to combine them into a single walk.
Weekly markets on different days
Bruges’ central Saturday market has been held on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle for more than 40 years. It has around 60 vendors, including butchers, charcutiers, fishmongers, vegetable growers and florists. This is an approximate figure; vendors and what they sell may change. Check the market schedule before your trip if visiting is important to your plans.
The Tasta open-air market is held every Wednesday at Place Jean Moulin. Producers, traders and food trucks offer goods for sale and tasting. The selection includes a butcher, a cheesemonger, a fruit and vegetable producer, a rotisserie chicken vendor, caterers and food trucks serving international cuisine. The schedule and vendors at this market may also change. Comparing the market days can help with planning: the central market takes place on Saturdays, while Tasta’s market is on Wednesdays.
First, consider which of these experiences matters most to you on your trip to Bruges.
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Go to the main travel overview: Gironde.
