OSTEND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 59, 5 November 1914, Page 7

OSTEND.

QUEEN OF THE BELGIAN SEA

SHORE.

A recent writer states; —

Usteud, a centre of great splendor and great mirth, the queen of the Belgian sea-shore is one of the finest the most important and most frequented bathing places in tho world ; every year more than one hundred and thirty thousand strangers come to its splendid sea-side. Osteud dates from tho Xth century: it then was only a poor fishing village. its history only mentions a remarkable siege, which lasted three years. The actual town was built on the site of the ancient lortihcations, demolished in 1870; on neighboring grounds and especially by the sea side. Its splendid dyke presents several lirst-class hotels, magnificent villas, a sumptuous Kursaal, where the high-life is aud tho fashion meet, not far from the gracious Chalet Royal. Thanks to the betterment aud extension of its maritime installations due to plans of Engineer de May, this seaport is quite up to date as regards modern navigaton. Every year three thousand vessels of all nations enter the harbor.

Ostend owns two beautiful' paiks: the Parc'Leopold and the Rare MarieHenriette, both having charming ponds. The church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul; entirely reconstructed after plans of M. de la Censerie; Sainte-Catheriue and Saint-Joseph are well worth a visit. Ostend does not luck amusement and distractions: at the kursaal concerts and spectacles with sensational numbers, the Races of the Hippodrome Wellington, tho flowery procession, nay fetes of all sorts contribute to render life both charming and pleasant.