Watou

Watou is a village in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It is part of the municipality of Poperinge and lies in the rural countryside southwest of Poperinge, near the border with France. The area is characterized by small farms, hedgerows, and scenic cycling routes, and forms part of the broader Westhoek region.

The village is noted for its cultural and historical attractions. Abdij Sint Bernardus, the Saint Bernardus Abbey located in Watou, is associated with a local brewery that produces St. Bernardus beers, making brewing a prominent feature of the site's identity. Watou is also known for Poëzie in Watou, an annual poetry festival that draws poets and visitors from across Flanders and beyond. The festival features readings, installations, and related cultural activities held in and around the abbey, church, and other village venues.

Economy and accessibility in Watou are shaped by agriculture and tourism. The village attracts visitors interested in its monastic heritage, brewing legacy, and cultural offerings, particularly during festival periods. Transport connections are primarily via nearby Poperinge, which provides rail links and regional bus services; Watou itself is typically reached by road from Poperinge.

Overall, Watou is a small, culturally resonant locality in West Flanders, distinguished by the Saint Bernardus Abbey and its associated brewery, as well as by the Poëzie in Watou festival that highlights the village’s ongoing engagement with literature and the arts.