Villa Paquebot, one of the most evocative historic houses in Knokke-Heist, recently opened its doors to guests. The modernist villa was built in 1936 by Brussels architect Louis-Herman de Koninck. Owned by collector Hubert Bonnet, it is one of ten properties around the world available for rent under the Les Maisons CAB umbrella. Each house is decorated with pieces from his collections of contemporary art and vintage design. In addition to a swimming pool, Villa Paquebot offers private access to the Knokke golf course.
Those who set the bar high for interior design can visit Ovius kitchens for a personalised kitchen and Spectrum for custom lighting. In their showroom, you will discover the emotional power of different types of light.
For vintage furniture with a backstory, visit Passé Simple and Rénu. You might just find that one piece that gives your interior more personality. As with Villa Paquebot, contemporary art is also a must. At their joint offering, Christophe Glorieux of Rénu and Laurence Dauwens of Dauwens Gallery inspire customers with fascinating combinations of design and art. After nearly two years on the Albertplein, they are moving together to a permanent location in the St Jamescomplex on Kustlaan.
There are also a few new addresses on Zeedijk: Galerie Sept mainly showcases abstract art in which concept and materiality take centre stage, while Private Walls Gallery focuses on painting. Galerie NO Gallery has taken over the shop window of the former jewellery and art gallery Que Van on Dumortierlaan and is exploring the fine line between art and design with work by Studio DO, Morevi and Octave Vandeweghe.
Stylish shopping
After 35 years, Louis Vuitton has moved to a charming, quintessentially Knokke villa on Kustlaan. The residential setting hosts a wide range of clothing, accessories and handbags for women. Chanel is also setting up shop on the same avenue this summer. The iconic interior centres around watches, jewellery and the Chanel Coco Beach 2025 capsule collection, promising a sun-drenched, glamorous wardrobe. Former model Cesar Casier also returns to his hometown this summer with a pop-up on the same avenue, where he will be selling his men’s and women’s collections. Another local star is Optiek De Wilde, which is building on the solid foundation of Optica.
With a focus on quality, style and personal service, the shop offers an extensive collection of (sun)glasses for all ages.
Polomé’s art, design and architecture-inspired jewellery is making its debut on Albertplein, while the young jewellery brand daŭre is setting up shop in Les Petits-Pères at the beginning of August. With their choice to use 18-carat recycled gold and lab-created diamonds, founders Alix Battard and Julie de Cartier are embracing ethics and sustainability.
Culinary delights
As Gault&Millau’s ‘2025 Patio of the Year’, La Rigue on the Zegemeer provides a stylish setting for a relaxing dinner. Inspired by Panamarenko’s lakeside artwork, the restaurant pays tribute to the artist this summer with its line of exclusive cocktails, a signature dish featuring North Sea crab and caviar and their playful dessert, ‘Dancing Crabs’. On the sixth floor of La Réserve Resort, Nick Bril is set to open his pop-up restaurant Celestial by The Jane. Each service accommodates 26 guests, who can enjoy a four-hour culinary tribute to the North Sea. Liège chef Olivier Dniprowskyj helped La Rigue get started but has since opened his own restaurant. In a stylish interior, Constantin offers a mix of French and Italian cuisine. For Italian-inspired dishes, you can also visit L’abbiocco, which has found a new, welcoming home at the foot of the Heldentoren.
Knokke-Heist spoils the taste buds all day long. The artisan bakery Bob Artisan Bakery & Coffee offers sourdough bread, while Bunch is the place to go for an original lunch or takeaway, with seasonal dishes inspired by the spicy cuisine of the Middle East. For Italian takeaway dishes, Altromondo on Lippenslaan is the new place to be. Anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to enjoy the completely renovated Neuhaus shop for Belgian pralines. Newcomer Crème à l’aise is making a name for itself with a special combination: a scoop of vanilla ice cream with caviar. They also have a special ice cream for four-legged friends. Chez çois serves ice cream, pancakes and waffles, as well as more savoury dishes, tapas and refreshing aperitifs. At The Health Corner by RR, Rik Ruebens combines design with healthy snacks.
Irresistible must-haves
In summer, pop-up shops open their doors in Knokke-Heist, celebrating the good life with a selection of original lifestyle items. Zand, for example, offers Belgian brands for the whole family, while Booxxe has an extensive collection of drawing and art books. Books on the history of the coastal town and cars are also available. At Atelier Nina, you will discover colourful interior objects from all corners of the world.
The completely revamped Rocco features colourful interior items, books, gifts and beauty products. A slightly more impressive ‘must-have’ is the Vonk. Inspired by the British car brand Moke, which symbolised freedom and fun in the 1960s and counted The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Brigitte Bardot among its fans, Vonk Electric offers a completely redesigned, electric version of this iconic coastal car in Belgium. Ideal for discovering Knokke-Heist in style this summer.
