Ostende Hotels

Though not quite on the Côte d'Opale or lovely La Manche coast, Ostend is a mere 55 km from Dunkerque and only 100 km from Calais. As such, the West Flanders gem has a lot of the same charisma that entices so many to the north of France every year. The small city was little more than a small village in the 13^{th>/sup> century when a market hall was built to foster commerce and trade. As a vital port throughout the late medieval period, Ostend was often the focal point of violent and bloody tug-of-war skirmishes for control of the North Sea waterway. Today, Ostend is a popular day trip from Gent, some 65 km away. The beach and seaside resort is also a short high-speed rail ride for Paris (1.5 hours) and Amsterdam (2 hours). Passenger ferry access from Ramsgate, England is another option.}

Attractions

• Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
• James Ensor House
• Art Museum by the Sea
• North Sea Aquarium
• De Plate Oostend Historical Museum

Activities

• Hippodrome Wellington
• Ostend Beach
• Modern Dance Festival Dansant
• Ostend Christmas Market
• Ostend Film Festival

Restaurants

• Brazza Tex Mex
• Au Vieux Port
• Chex Freddy
• Le Chevalier
• De Blauwe Paprika

Nightlife

• Promenade Brasserie
• Knapp
• Panos
• Taverne Koekoek
• Club Valentino

Climate

Ostend has a temperate oceanic climate, with moderate to heavy rain throughout the year and temperatures between 1°C and 21°C.