Frequently asked questions about the beach in De Panne

Can you make a campfire on the beach in De Panne?

No, as in all Belgian coastal municipalities, lighting a fire on the beach in De Panne is forbidden unless the municipality gives permission in advance.

• Barbecue: barbecues on the beach are not allowed without permission either.
• Permission: apply in good time to the municipality of De Panne.

Where is there wheelchair-friendly beach access in De Panne?

The best wheelchair access to the beach in De Panne is at the Pierre Bortierplein, where a ramp leads smoothly from the sea wall to a paved beach path.

• Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos: from mid-June to mid-September, assistance and electric beach wheelchairs daily from 10.30 to 18.30; tel. +32 58 42 97 15.
• Changing Places: at Pierre Bortierplein 10, 50 metres from the sea wall: accessible toilet, height-adjustable bed, hoist and showers; free to use all year.
• Beach wheelchairs: including chairs that go into the sea, free all year; book online at depanne.be.
• Toilet: there are also accessible facilities at the Canadezenplein.

Are restaurants, beach pavilions and shops in De Panne open in the low season?

Most shops, beach clubs, bars, terraces and restaurants remain open during the weekends in the low season. Many are also open throughout the week.

Each year the low season in De Panne begins after the autumn holidays till the beginning of the spring holidays. Several shops, beach clubs and restaurants use this period to rebuild, renew or for vacation. As a result, during this low season period, not all stores are opened every day.

Furthermore there is no general period when all the restaurants, bars and shops are closed. All entrepreneurs determine the temporary closure individually. Therefore is there are, also in the low season, enough shops and restaurants opened for you to enjoy.

Are dogs allowed on the beach in De Panne?

• From the Canadezenplein towards Koksijde dogs are allowed on the beach on a lead all year.
• Between the Canadezenplein and De Rampe (Zeedijk) dogs are not allowed from 15 June to 15 September, not even on a lead; from 16 September to 14 June they are allowed on a lead.
• Between De Rampe and the sand-yacht centre dogs are allowed on the beach on a lead all year.
• From the sand-yacht centre (Verhaerenlaan) towards France dogs may run free from 16 September to 14 June; from 15 June to 15 September on a lead between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm and free at other times.
• Dogs are welcome on the Zeedijk terraces and in the concession areas if the operator allows it.

Please also read the information board with the local beach rules at the beach entrance.

Can you fish from the beach in De Panne?

Yes, shore angling from the beach in De Panne is allowed without a permit, but not in the supervised bathing zones while lifeguards are on duty.

• Tip: fish outside supervised hours or outside the bathing zones and be considerate of other beach users.

Is there a naturist beach in De Panne?

No, De Panne has no naturist beach; the only official naturist beach in Belgium is in Bredene.

• Where: on the beach of Bredene, on the border with De Haan.

Display Nudistenstrand Bredene
on the map

Where can you find information about the quality of the sea water in De Panne?

Current information on bathing water quality on the coast near De Panne is available from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) (in Dutch).

• Bathing season: in summer the VMM and the Departement Zorg regularly test the water in the bathing zones along the coast.
• Swimming: preferably swim in a supervised zone and follow the flags and instructions of the lifeguards.

Is the beach in De Panne free to access?

Yes, the beach in De Panne is free to access.

• Costs: for example parking and renting a sunbed, windbreak or beach cabin.

Can you borrow or rent a beach wheelchair in De Panne?

Yes, in De Panne you can borrow a beach wheelchair for free in summer.

• Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos: free beach wheelchairs and help from assistants, mid-June to mid-September, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm; tel. +32 58 42 97 15.
• Where: Changing Places, Pierre Bortierplein 10; by reservation also outside the season.
• Use: you need someone to push, except with electric chairs.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

Can you ride horses on the beach in De Panne, and where can you book a beach ride?

Yes, but in De Panne horse riding is banned between 10:00 and 19:00 from 15 June to 20 September between the Hendrik Consciencelaan and the border with Sint-Idesbald; at high tide you may not go onto the beach.

• Beach rides: Manege De Drie Vijvers in Adinkerke organises rides through dunes, woods and along the beach, for experienced riders aged 12 and over.
• Rules: an identification number on the saddle cloth is compulsory (from the tourist office) and the minimum age is 14, or 12 when accompanied; see depanne.be for the bridle paths.

Can you rent a beach chair, sunbed, parasol or windbreak on the beach in De Panne?

Yes, at beach bars and beach equipment rental points in De Panne you can rent sunbeds, beach chairs, parasols and windbreaks by the day.

• Booking: usually you rent on the spot; on busy summer days it helps to arrive early or book ahead.

Where is kitesurfing allowed in De Panne?

Kitesurfing is not allowed everywhere on the Belgian coast, only in designated zones, usually near a water sports club.

• Club: Side Shore Surfers, Zeedijk, De Panne, www.sideshoresurfers.be.
• Rules: follow the local clubs' rules and the lifeguards' instructions; during the bathing season kitesurfing is banned near the swimming zones.

Display Side Shore Surfers
on the map

Are there public showers on the beach in De Panne?

Yes, several beaches in De Panne have free outdoor showers in season.

• Including: Leopold I Esplanade, Centrum De Panne.
• Season: the beach showers are in place from early May to late September.

What does the Blue Flag on the beach in De Panne mean?

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, granted annually to beaches and marinas that participate in the campaign and have proven to be clean and safe.

The goal of the Blue Flag programme is to continuously involve governments, entrepreneurs, and recreational users in the care for clean and safe water, beautiful nature, and a healthy environment. Holding a Blue Flag is a recognition of the efforts made by the beach municipality or marina operator in this area. For tourists, the Blue Flag is internationally the recognition and quality symbol for good beaches and marinas.

What are the criteria for the beaches?

• The bathing water is of excellent quality.
• The beach is kept clean.
• There are enough toilets and waste bins on the beach.
• Rescue materials and a first aid post are available on the beach.
• Information activities are organized to protect the natural environment of the sea, beach, and dunes.

More information: https://www.blauwevlag.nl/

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