The beach of De Panne is the widest in Belgium and lies right on the French border at the western tip of the Flemish coast.
Exceptional dimensions: With an impressive width of up to 425 metres at low tide and a length of over 5 kilometres, this is the largest beach along the North Sea – perfect for those who love open space.
Natural beauty behind the dunes: Just behind the beach lies the protected De Westhoek nature reserve, an expansive dune landscape full of rare plants, birds and walking trails.
Adventurous activities: Thanks to its vast space, De Panne is a top destination for land yachting, kitesurfing and blokarting. The wide sand flats are among the best spots in Europe for these sports.
Vibrant seafront promenade: The spacious boulevard offers a mix of lively terraces, ice cream parlours, shops and restaurants – perfect for a stroll or a break with a sea view.
Close to France: From De Panne you can walk straight into the French village of Bray-Dunes, making it an ideal cross-border outing.
A day trip or holiday in De Panne means sun, sea, sand, and an exceptional sense of space. Thanks to its combination of stunning nature, wide beaches, active sports and family-friendly facilities, it’s the ultimate seaside destination for anyone who wants to make the most of their day at the beach.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of De Panne are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned to ensure you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – perfect after swimming or playing.
Lifeguards & First Aid: During the summer season, the lifeguard service and beach patrols ensure your safety. At the busier beach entrances, first aid stations are available to assist in case of accidents or injuries.
Swimming safety outside patrol hours: When lifeguard stations are closed, a general swimming ban applies. This is clearly indicated by 'no swimming' signs and/or wind socks. For up-to-date information on patrolled zones and safe swimming areas, visit www.ikwv.be.
Comfort for everyone
Whether you're here to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy water sports – the wide beaches of De Panne offer peace, space, and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Nearby car parks make your beach visit even easier.
Food and drinks within reach: Along the beach you'll find inviting pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
De Panne is proud of its widest beach without wave breakers. This makes it the biggest and safest ‘playground’ of Europe. The beach facilitates its guests with showers, toilets, beach tents, surf equipment rental, beach chairs and wind screens. Furthermore there is plenty of parking space.
Orientation Poles on the Beach
On the main beaches of De Panne, eye-catching orientation poles are placed during the summer season. Each pole has a unique figure on top – like an animal or symbol – clearly visible from a distance. They are mainly intended as reference points for children.
For children: The recognisable figures help them remember where they are sitting or where their parents are.
For parents: Agree on a specific pole in advance as a meeting point to find each other again.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of De Panne, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Green Flag
Normal sea
Swimming is allowed.
Yellow Flag
Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices!
You may swim, but all floating and inflatable objects are not allowed in the sea due to offshore wind.
Red Flag
Do not swim! Very dangerous sea
Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are prohibited.
Swimming allowed
Swimming is permitted
In this beach zone, you may swim in the sea between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Swimming prohibited
Do not swim!
In this beach zone, swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited!
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of De Panne during the period 1 April till 1 October.
Outside of the above mentioned period are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of De Panne.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
Dogs are prohibited on the 
Leashed dogs are allowed all year: