Knokke-Heist is a trendy, modern city located in a very pleasant area. It’s a Belgian seaside resort which offers a vast beach with five distinct areas, plus a beautiful nature reserve, lots of shops, a great variety of cultural attractions, architectural jewels, and sports facilities of the very highest quality. So here’s a brief summary of the highlights of this wonderful town.
Knokke-Heist occupies first place in the listing of the region’s top five cities where the most affluent choose to invest in luxury property. This places the town above the likes of Antwerp, Schilde, Sint-Martens-Latem and the Brussels municipality of Uccle. These statistics, recently reported in the region’s “l’Echo” daily newspaper, are based on data published by the Belgian Office of Statistics, Statbel. The summary also detailed a record property sales growth amounting to more than one million euros. Compared to 2010 figures, this represents a 58% increase for house sales and 91% for apartments.
Cultural and artistic heritage
This city has always attracted a variety of artists, sculptors and architects. So every arts connoisseur will find something which is sure to excite their passion. Furthermore, the town itself still continues to invest in art, so in Knokke it is quite common to come across enchanting artworks in unexpected places: Arne Quinze’s intricate "Dune" design serves as an archway leading to an underground car park, as well as Flanagan’s "Hospitality" sculpture, overlooking the coastal dunes, which is known locally as “Lièvre” (the Hare). Elsewhere, there are around 85 galleries which regularly exhibit works by renowned international artists such as Appel or Zadkine. Then there is Scharpoord, the cultural centre for Knokke-Heist, which puts on a comprehensive programme of cultural events of every kind: shows, musicals, theatrical events and art exhibitions. The Scharpoord also offers arts education and a range of outdoor activities.
A shopper’s paradise
In Knokke-Heist you will also find a range of reasonably priced shops, fashion stores and funky boutiques. There are also a number of upmarket establishments where major international brands exhibit their products, especially in the so-called Triangle d'Or – the area bounded by three streets: the Lippenslaan, Dumortierlaan and Kustlaan. The town’s shops are not only open throughout the week, but also on Sundays and during holiday periods. That means you can always shop wherever and whenever you choose; you won’t be restricted or feel obliged to rush out at set times.
A diverse choice of cuisines
Whether you just need a small snack or a chance to indulge your taste buds, with 200 restaurants and seating for 20,000, you are sure to find exactly what you want in Knokke. And the choice is just as broad as it is diverse. So you’ll discover gourmet restaurants and fine-dining options which are Michelin star rated or mentioned in the ‘Guide Rouge’, alongside fashionable, friendly places offering everything from a quick snack to a stylish lunch. Cafés, tea rooms and ice cream parlours contribute further to this rich mix, which also includes some smaller local restaurants and a number of establishments offering exotic, international menus.
Some events not to miss
There are several regular events on the calendar which are guaranteed to offer even more exciting experiences. Each February, on Valentine's Day, the International Festival of Photography provides the chance to browse the work of the top photographers. And likewise, the "Kneistival" – a free music event – will give all rock and pop fans the chance to enjoy the very best of live music. During the summer months you can witness the most beautiful pyrotechnic displays during the International Fireworks Festival. Meanwhile, the fashionable ‘Nuit du Zoute’ is the time everyone gets the chance to dress up in rhinestones and sequins to create a sparkling late-evening experience. On Monday nights, there’s an opportunity to watch a film screening while seated in the comfortable surroundings of the Cultural Centre. And in addition, the small church at Ramskapelle hosts a series of piano concerts during the Klassiek Leeft Festival. This rich and varied tapestry of events really does guarantee there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
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