GR128 Hiking Belgium to France 🇧🇪🇫🇷 | 3 Days Through Flanders Fields to Mont des Cats

We continue our long-distance hike on the legendary GR128 (Vlaanderenroute) — a 680 km trail from Wissant (Opal Coast, France) to Aachen, Germany.

This time we walk a beautiful 3-day section in Flanders and French Flanders, starting near Ypres (Ieper) and finishing in Steenvoorde.
Before setting off, we experience the emotional Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, a daily tribute to the missing soldiers of WWI from the Commonwealth countries. Even after 100 years, it remains deeply moving.

🥾 Day-by-day overview:

Day 1 – Ypres to Kemmel (25 km)
21 km on the GR128 + 4 km access route from Ypres
We walk through the historic Flanders Fields, passing WWI cemeteries and memorials before climbing the iconic Kemmelberg.

Day 2 – Kemmel to Saint-Jans-Cappel (20 km)
We cross the Belgian-French border, explore the Conservatoire Botanique National de Bailleul, and take a break in charming Bailleul. Sunny skies make it feel like spring — even though it's still winter.

Day 3 – Saint-Jans-Cappel to Steenvoorde (21 km)
Rolling hills, the Abbey of Mont des Cats (home of Trappist beer), war memorials, and finally… rain. From drizzle to steady afternoon rain, we experience all seasons in one hike.

🚆 This section is very accessible by public transport: normally you can take a bus and train from Steenvoorde back to Belgium. We were lucky to have a friend drive us to Kortrijk.

🏡 We stayed in cozy B&Bs along the way.

If you enjoy long-distance hiking in Belgium and Northern France, WW1 history, and authentic slow travel adventures — this section of the GR128 is absolutely worth it.

👉 Watch the previous GR128 section here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7p28v2vkT8

Видео GR128 Hiking Belgium to France 🇧🇪🇫🇷 | 3 Days Through Flanders Fields to Mont des Cats канала Steps by Kaatje