The city of Gravelines has a rich ancient heritage, including superb fortifications and various defensive elements. From the sky, the coastal town reveals a perfectly preserved fortified star that can be visited by boat during a peaceful and original walk.
The city of Gravelines has often been besieged and had several occupants before its definitive annexation to France in 1659.
Thierry and Philippe d'Alsace were the first to fortify the city because of its strategic location on the seafront, at the mouth of the Aa. The county castle, which Charles V had rebuilt in 1528, is the centrepiece of the fortification.
In the 17th century, Louis XIV commissioned Vauban to complete the city's defence with a series of half-moons, counter-steps and locks. Later, the architect decided to build military buildings inside the ramparts.
The castle then became the sanctuary of the garrison, where weapons and ammunition were enclosed, as well as facilities to consider a siege: oven, store, tanks....
To discover these fortifications, composed of ramparts, bastions and potter's halls open on the ditches, what could be better than the use of another typical heritage of the region: a "bacôve", this traditional wooden boat which was used, in the Middle Ages, to transport goods.
In this flat-bottomed boat with a clapboard, you can sail peacefully around this set of ramparts in a natural environment and green landscapes.
Imposing, robust, stable (and of course approved for passenger transport): several bacôves await you in Gravelines for a unique way to visit these fortifications, classified as a Historical Monument since 1936.
Want to continue to get some fresh air in Gravelines, check out our other stories:
- The lighthouse
- The city center and its remarkable gardens
- The Museum of Drawing and Original Prints
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Valérie from Comme des Français
