This place is very popular among locals on warm summer days. This is one of the very rare locations in Belgium where it is allowed to swim in a natural body of water. This water used to be the Leie (Lys) river before it was cut off in the 19th century. Now it is a very curly, long lake. The water quality is very good and the experience more than unique.
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Sluice of Astene
This sluice was constructed in 1876, 16 years after a large bent in the Leie river was cut off. This sluice had to prevent the lower areas from floods. Nowadays this iron constructions is one of the prettiest of the village of Astene. The bridge that runs over this sluice connects the residential village with the natural meadows and forests on the other side of the river.
Filliers jenever distillery
The Filliers jenever distillery started in 1880 and is nowadays one of the most famous Belgian jenever brands. The liquor is sold all over the country and even beyond the country's borders. Group visits and workshops are possible.
The Ooidonk Castle is one of the touristic hits of the commune of Deinze and is located close to the village of Bachte-Maria-Leerne. The origins of this moated medieval castle date back till the 12th century. The original complex completely burned down in 1579 but it was rebuilt in renaissance style by Maarten della Faille in 1592. Thanks to conservation works that took place since 1864 the interior of the castle is surprisingly well maintained in its original state.
The city hall features an interesting historical facade. Unfortunately most of the original historical city hall has been demolished and replaced by more modern buildings and offices.
Church of Our Lady
A picturesque 14th-century church built in the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic. The interior of the church mostly dates from the 18th century.
Museum of Deinze and the Leie River
The museum's extensive and impressive collection is housed in a simple white building close to the Leie river. Almost all painters of the Leie river region are represented in this museum, such as Claus, Minne, Van den Abeele, Servaes, Permeke, Van den Berghe, Van de Woestijne, De Smet and Raveel. Besides the art collection there is also a historical department offering the visitor information on the historical, industrial and folkloric heritage of the town.