The Chemin de ronde allows walkers to follow a circular route around Gravelines’ star-shaped fortifications. The Beffroi adds a striking historical feature: the tower dates from the 19th century, is 27 metres high and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. A visit to the Beffroi concludes with a 360-degree view of the fortified town and its surroundings.
Culture
The Phare de Gravelines also combines history and views. It houses an exhibition on the history of the maritime heritage and can be climbed via 116 steps to enjoy a view of Gravelines. The lighthouse illuminated the navigation channel from 1843 to 1979 and has been listed as a Monument historique since 2010.
The Musée du dessin et de l’estampe originale offers all visitor groups an introduction to printmaking techniques. The wider area around Gravelines is also home to the Artothèque de Saint-Pol-sur-Mer, a museum. The Abbaye de Ravensberg, a historic site, the ruins of the Ancien Fort de Bonne Espérance de Dunkerque, Fort Vallières, a fort, Île Jeanty, an island, and Mont d’Hubert, a hill, are also located there.
Paths and Water
The “De Vauban aux Islandais” circular hiking trail is 9 kilometres long and runs along the river, across a beach, through polders and along the green belt surrounding the fortified town. The “Forteresse Maritime” hiking route is 3 kilometres long and leads to monuments and gardens in the fortified town.
The PAarc des Rives de l’Aa offers water-based and nature-related activities as well as lessons in rowing, indoor rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, canoeing, mountain biking, biathlon, combined disciplines, roller sports and orienteering. On the waterways around the fortifications of Gravelines, which are completely surrounded by water, the Embarcadère Vauban offers leisurely boat trips in rowing boats, pedal boats or electric boats.
Surroundings
In the immediate vicinity of Gravelines is the Plage de Petit-Fort-Philippe, a beach.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Gravelines can include this request as a separate item in their travel plans.
Other destinations: Méteren, Le Doulieu, Mortagne-du-Nord, Annœullin, Hondschoote, Bas-Lieu, Douai, Proville
