The willow-lined canals, lush green pastures and extensive soft, sandy dunes of Flanders need no introduction ; their beauty has been captured for centuries by some of the world's greatest artists. The Meetjesland, however is known only to a discerning few, yet it has much to offer anyone seeking peace and quiet. Its one of those rare corners of Western Europe where time has virtually stood still and man has barely changed the face of nature. Today its a land of creeks and polders, tall fields, «sleeping» dikes and old smugglers routes in the north and woodlands in the south which contain beautiful castles and castle farms. The region is ideal for cycling, walking, relaxing and fishing and of course to discover the historical towns of Ghent , Hulst ( NL) 17 km - Bruges, Antwerp, Damme, Middelburg, Goes en Veere ( NL ) 35 km.