Discover Gravelines: fortifications, trails and maritime heritage

Gravelines offers several distinct themes to explore: its star-shaped fortifications, walking and hiking trails, maritime heritage and activities on the water. Some experiences focus on the fortified town itself; others centre on a particular route, climb or type of boat.

Belfry, fortifications and lighthouse

The Chemin de ronde offers walkers a circular route around Gravelines’ star-shaped fortifications. The route makes the fortifications the central focus of the walk. The belfry dates from the 19th century, stands 27 metres high and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. The visit ends with a 360-degree view of the fortified town and its surroundings. Opening dates may vary; check them before your visit.

The Phare de Gravelines offers a maritime focus. It houses an exhibition on the history of maritime heritage and can be climbed via 116 steps to enjoy views over Gravelines. The lighthouse illuminated the channel from 1843 to 1979; since 2010, it has been listed as a Monument historique. Access is regulated and may vary by season.

When choosing between the two viewpoints, the differences lie in the views and themes: the belfry offers an elevated view of the fortified town and its surroundings, while the lighthouse combines views, an exhibition and maritime history.

Walking routes with different itineraries

Length is a clear point of comparison when choosing a walking route. The 3-kilometre “Forteresse Maritime” route takes you to monuments and gardens in the fortified town. The 9-kilometre “De Vauban aux Islandais” route follows the river, crosses a beach, passes through polders and runs along the green belt around the fortified town. The options are therefore a shorter route with destinations in the fortified town and a longer circuit featuring several types of landscape. You can take both the stated route length and the described destinations and landscapes into account when making your choice.

Activities on the water and on land

The PAarc des Rives de l’Aa offers water-based and landscape-oriented activities, as well as instruction in several disciplines. These include rowing, indoor rowing, kayaking, dragon boat and canoeing, as well as mountain biking, biathlon, combined disciplines, roller sports and orienteering. The mix therefore extends beyond water sports. Individual activity passes and schedules may vary; if you have a particular discipline in mind, check the relevant details.

At the Embarcadère Vauban Promenade, you can take self-guided boat trips along the waterways beside the Gravelines fortifications, which are entirely surrounded by water. You can use a rowing boat, pedal boat or electric boat. Opening times and prices may vary; check the latest information before your visit.

Art and printmaking

The Musée du dessin et de l’estampe originale introduces visitors of all ages to printmaking techniques. This adds a distinct cultural focus to the architecture, routes and water-based activities. Programme details may vary.

Discover more destinations: Proville, Artres, Grande-Synthe, Sémeries, Le Favril, Hazebrouck, Quaëdypre, Ghyvelde.

For the broader travel overview: Nord.