Koksijde through the eyes of the Zouaves (guided tour)

The first villas in the protected village view 'quartier sénégalais' were built starting from 1910. The beautiful cottages were mainly inhabited by wealthy Bruxellois who spent their vacations there. Tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog the vacant villas were occupied by the Zouaves. Deze Franse soldiers from the colonies in Africa with their bright red baggy trousers and headwear, left a deep impression on the inhabitants of Koksijde. The uniqueness of the 'quartier sénégalais' consists in the fact that the villas have largely preserved their authenticity. Many were signed by architect Gaston Lejeune whose œuvre is defining for the architectural history of Koksijde. Dutch-speaking guide