Toespraken

Dear Mr ambassador

As mayor of Oudenaarde, I’m very honoured to welcome you in Oudenaarde.

Oudenaarde is a small city situated in the south of East-Flanders on the banks of the river Scheldt, surrounded by the green hills of the Flemish Ardennes. Its glorious past was due to the flourishing tapestry industry from the 15th until the 18th centrury and of international fame. This welth is still reflected in the late Gothic town hall.

As said, 

The region used to be entirely focused on textile, but over the past decennia other industrial branches and high tech-companies also found a home in Oudenaarde and they still have a future here.

High tech is also the key word in the archeological site Ename and the Center Tours of Flanders. The high technology used in both museums guarantee that a broad audience can be interested for otherwise subjects as history, archaeology and the history of cyclism.

Highlight is of course a visit to our museum located in the historic town hall.

The collections, mainly tapestries and silver, tells us the history of Oudenaarde in an agreeable way and, if possible, collections are brought to life in an illustrative way.

At his very moment we are partly closed for renovation and hope to reopen the museum in june 2011.

Oudenaarde is famous for tapestries and we have our own restauration workshop.

In the restoration and weaving workshop House de Lalaing you can see how a tapestry is woven and how the restoration process progresses. This House is unique in Flanders and should be visited in combination with the collection of tapestries.

As Oudenaarde lies in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes it is also the ideal starting point for walking and cycling tours in picturesque landscapes.

Oudenaarde is the cycling town of the Flemish Ardennes, inviting you for a holiday full of activity.

Oudenaarde is also linked to the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders), the most important Flemish cycling event. Here, in the “Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen” you can experience the race and what cycling is all about.

Oudenaarde offers more than just cultural and natural beauty. If you stay here for one or several days you can taste and sample a variety of regional culinary specialties and Burgundian dishes.

Cosy eating-houses, trendy restaurants, traditional kitchens and gastronomic temples: you will find them in Oudenaarde.

Oudenaarde is especially well-known for its rich brewing history and its many brown ales and cherry beers.

And Last buth not least:

Oudenaarde has plenty of outdoor cafés. Coming to the Grand Place is traditonal in Oudenaarde: the lively crowd in the outdoor cafés enjoys a lovely and tasty traditional beer and the breathtaking view of the town hall.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in Oudenaarde.

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