If you pass through the town of De Haan or Le Coq, you cannot miss this architectural gem where time seems to have stood still along the coastline. Built under the influence of Leopold II, the “Builder King,“ the Concession district is distinguished by its unique architecture.
Comparable to those in the town of Arcachon, the Belle Époque villas of the seaside resort have been attracting a large number of personalities in search of a moment of tranquility by the sea for over a century. A unique stopover that has become the ultimate refuge of Anglo-Norman elegance in Belgium, just 1.5 hours from Brussels.
The history of La Concession: from royal heritage to the golden age of Belle Époque villas
The very existence of this historic district is based on the vision of German urban planner Josef Stübben, under the orders of the former King of Belgium, Leopold II. In 1889, the wild dunes of De Haan were transformed into an exceptional seaside resort.The Belgian government imposed strict conditions to ensure the preservation of the coastline, including a ban on high-rise construction and respect for the natural landscape. These regulations gave rise to the name “Concession” for this neighborhood, which today stands as the guardian of the architectural and natural protection of the area.
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This marked the beginning of the neighborhood’s golden age, thanks to the creativity of the country’s most talented architects. Inspired by the Anglo-Norman style, the half-timbered villas built between 1890 and 1930 stand as true symbols of the Belle Époque. Like the Villa Savoyarde,Albert Einstein’s secret refuge, or Vaerwyck’s creations, the Concession bears witness to the elegance of Belgian holiday resorts.
Between historical secrets and prestigious hotels: the neighborhood’s unique art of living
Strolling through the Concession is like immersing yourself in an atmosphere where only the sound of the waves and the breath of the wind disturb the calm. It was an ideal haven for the genius Albert Einstein, who sought peace and quiet after his exile from Germany. The neighborhood was also a playground for the royal family, who enjoyed the anonymity it offered, fleeing the hustle and bustle of Ostend. A hushed identity permeates every alleyway with the intimacy of the world’s greats.
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But the journey continues today thanks to the prestigious establishments that line this setting. The Grand Hotel Belle Vue, with its majestic silhouette, offers its visitors a striking contrast between authentic charm and contemporary luxury. A few steps away,the Hotel Dunepanne, recently transformed into a modern youth hostel, allows guests to experience the unique soul of the Concession of the last century. An essential stopover for a cultural and soothing break in a neighborhood literally frozen in time.