Poperinge is a town in the west of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. It is the capital of Poperinge municipality. The town is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of the city of Ieper (Ypres), and is sometimes called the “last town before the sea” because it is the last town on the coast of West Flanders before the English Channel.
Poperinge is a town with a long history. Its name is derived from the Latin word “populea”, which means ” poplar tree”. The town’s coat of arms is a poplar tree. The town was first mentioned in 1066 in a document of the Abbey of Saint Bertin. In 1086 Poperinge was given to the Count of Flanders by Emperor Henry IV.
Poperinge was a prosperous town in the Middle Ages. It was a place of pilgrimage, and had two hospitals and six churches. The town’s prosperity declined in the 16th century, when the town was besieged and captured by the French during the Wars of Religion. The town was captured by the French again in 1708, during the War of the Spanish Succession.
In the early 19th century Poperinge was a thriving market town. It was known for its lace industry, and for the production of tobacco and cigarette paper. The town’s market square was one of the largest in Flanders.
The town was very badly affected by the First World War. It was located on the front line, and was occupied by the German Army from October 1914 until the end of the war. The town was almost completely destroyed, and its people suffered terribly.
After the war Poperinge was rebuilt, but it never regained its former prosperity. The town’s market square was not rebuilt, and the town’s lace industry never recovered.
Today Poperinge is a quiet town, with a population of about 15,000. It is a popular tourist destination, because of its history and its location on the coast. There are several kid-friendly things to do in Poperinge, such as visiting the War Memorial Museum, the Lace Museum, and the Tobacco Museum. There is also a large park in the town, and numerous pedestrian-only streets lined with shops and cafes.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Poperinge, Belgium
1. Visit the Talbot House.
This is a must-see for any WWI history buff. The Talbot House was a private club for British soldiers during the war and was known for its relaxed atmosphere. Today, the house is open to the public and has been turned into a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the house and the soldiers who frequented it.
2. Check out the Heuvelland Museum.
This museum is dedicated to the history of the Heuvelland region of Belgium. The museum has exhibits on the area’s prehistory, early history, and modern history. There is also a section on the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place in the area during WWI.
3. Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum.
This museum is dedicated to WWI and the Battle of Passchendaele. The museum has interactive exhibits, a film about the battle, and a reconstructed trench. Visitors can also view artifacts from the battle, such as weapons and equipment.
4. Go for a walk in the Hoge Voormezel Nature Reserve.
This nature reserve is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the outdoors. The reserve is home to a number of different plant and animal species, and there are also several hiking trails.
5. Visit the Poperinge War Cemetery.
This cemetery is the final resting place for many British and Commonwealth soldiers who died during WWI. The cemetery is beautifully landscaped and is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the war.
6. Have a picnic at the Menin Gate Memorial.
This memorial is dedicated to the soldiers from the Commonwealth countries who died during WWI. The Menin Gate is inscribed with the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who are listed as missing in action. Visitors can pay their respects at the memorial, and there is also a picnic area nearby.
7. Visit the Hill 62 Museum.
This museum is dedicated to WWI and the Battle of Hill 62. The museum has exhibits on the battle, the soldiers who fought in it, and the aftermath of the battle. Visitors can also view artifacts from the battle, such as weapons and equipment.
8. Take a walk through the Poperinge Old Town.
The Poperinge Old Town is a great place to explore on foot. The cobbled streets and historic buildings create a charming atmosphere, and there are several shops and cafes to stop at along the way.
9. Visit the Saint-Rembert Cathedral.
This cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Ypres and is one of the most important religious sites in the region. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is home to a number of notable works of art.
10. Go for a walk or bike ride in the countryside.
The countryside around Poperinge is beautiful and there are numerous walking and biking trails to explore. Visitors can take in the stunning scenery and get some fresh air.
