De Panne (French La Panne) is attractively situated in a sandy valley near the French frontier.
It was originally a fishing village, very popular with artists, which quickly developed into a modern holiday center. It is much favored by the French, and has many attractions and all kinds of leisure activities
The township and its surroundings became famous during the First World War as being the only unoccupied part of Belgium and the residence of King Albert and Queen Elizabeth, whose government had moved to Le Havre. The king's military headquarters were in Veurne.
On the far side of the frontier lies the French town of Dunkerque (English Dunkirk), heavily fought over in both world wars.