 Fietsroutenetwerk maps
These are the Fietsroutenetwerk maps issued by the regions that have the cycle networks. This one is from the Limburg region network and is at a scale of 1:65,000. The network points are well marked and the map is accurate and could be used to navigate without using the cycle network points. It includes the usual tourist information which is clearly marked on the map, as well as accommodation,campsites, cycle cafes and places of interest.
The map comes with two small information booklets one giving information on all the local attractions. The other one explains the cycle network and gives more contact detail on the accommodation, campsites and cycle cafes marked on the map. Our copy was in Flemish and German, however we found it reasonably easy to work things out from the symbols used. The pack came in a handy plastic wallet which included a credit card size card which gives a discount to some of the local attractions.
We found the accommodation information very useful on one occasion as we had under estimated the time it would take to get to a campsite and used the accommodation list to find a B&B for the night.
 Geocart Fiets Cyclotouriste Carte & guide
These are of a scale of 1:135,000 and are designed with the cyclist in mind. They do have the usual tourist information and campsites marked. They have the long distance RV's marked and where they cover the areas where there is a Fietsroutenetwork these are marked as well.
What is a little confusing is that the maps also mark circular mountain bike routes or day rides. These have route descriptions in a companion booklet which includes clearer individual maps often at a smaller scale. However these routes are not signposted therefore you must use the guide to follow them.
These maps and guide could be quite useful if you are based at a point and wanted routes for day rides. The mapping and scale of these maps are the same as the 'De rouck' maps but I preferred the 'De rouck' maps as they were clearer to read due to the colours of the roads being marked.
 'De rouck' carte de province maps
These are basic 1:135,000 road maps produced by de rouck geomatics they cover the whole of Belgium and are available from most book stores. They have all the usual tourist information marked but no information on any cycle routes.
There is a small booklet attached to the cover which has a list of most places of interest, museums, castles, parks, windmills etc. Details with contact information on youth hostels, and campsites and a place names index.
As I said above about the Geocart Fiets maps, they use the same mapping but these maps seem clearer to read as the A and B roads are marked with red and yellow respectively.
If you are not using the RV routes then these are reasonable for cycle touring, although personally I prefer a map with a bit more detail.
If you are cycling in Brussels there are some cycling maps that you can download and print ou here. |
Unfortunately Belgium has had some bad press about being boring, with people thinking only of Belgium for it's chocolates, Eddie Merchx and Hercule Poirot! Belgium has more to it than that and has some good cycling. From the flat lands and waterways of Flanders with the charming cities of Brugge and Gent, to ambling through the quiet rolling countryside of the Limburg and Brabant regions to the more tougher hilly areas of the Ardenne Forests in the south west where there are some steep hills to climb. The people are friendly and most welcoming, the climate is generally mild and the beer is superb! 
