Located in the Hauts de France region, halfway between Dunkirk and Calais, Gravelines is connected to the Rives de l’Aa. The fortified town is full of character, history and a fantastic array of restaurants from gourmet to brasserie-style making it the perfect detour from the typical port towns.

Exploring Gravelines

Regular markets

Held in Gravelines each Sunday & Friday, typically held in the morning unless stated otherwise.

For active personalities

Head over to the Espace Tourville where volunteers can build a sailboat using the exact methods that were used hundreds of years ago. Meanwhile, on the coast at Gravelines there is a long sandy beach popular with sports enthusiasts – kite surfing, in particular, was a big attraction when we visited.

Remarkable parks and gardens

Visitors enjoy the botanical abundance offered by these public gardens- open all year round.

The Jardin de la Poudrière will often host various events that range from gardening and cultivation demonstrations to concerts in the garden!

Discover the Arsenal garden where a set of bronze statues, representing women, await you. This sculpted ensemble called the “Conversation” was notably designed, during the period 1977 – 1981, by Charles Gadenne.

A little bit of history…

The town was simply protected by a wooden wall though these fortifications have been improved and extended over a number of centuries, dating back as far as the 12th century!

Now listed as historical monuments (and one of the major attractions of Gravelines) these fortifications now form a network of hiking trails that are much appreciated by walkers.

Today you can take a guided boat tour around this impressive walled town (English speaking guides are available) or hire an electric, pedal or rowboat and discover the circuit for yourself with its nature reserves and fabulous views.

Tourist recommendations near Gravelines

• Natural Reserve of Platier Oye
• Saint-Omer: a fishing port town filled with art and history
• Bourboug: features a historical 16th-century prison

Contact for more information

Head to the Gravelines website for further details.

Tel: +33 03 28 23 59 00

• 

  Photo courtesy of Gravelines

 VISIT WEBSITE

 [email protected]

 +33 03 28 23 59 00

  Place Albert Denvers - Rue des Clarisses 59820 Gravelines