Gravelines is a town on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of northern France, between Calais and Dunkirk and north of Saint-Omer.
Exploring Gravelines
Gravelines has been a fortified town since as early as the 12th century, although these fortifications have been improved and extended several times over the centuries, by Charles Quint (a 16th century Spanish Prince) and then later by Vauban (the 17th century French military engineer).
It is these defensive walls, along with various associated historical military additions such as the arsenal and barracks, that define the character of the town and are the major attraction of Gravelines. The most interesting way to see the walls is to either follow the walk around the ramparts or to hire a boat and explore from the moat that surrounds the walls.
In a powder room inside the arsenal you can visit the Museum of Drawing and Engraving, which explains the techniques involved in preparing an engraving.
Another interesting site in Gravelines is the Espace Tourville where volunteers are building a sail boat using the exact methods that were used hundreds of years ago.
Several other monuments of interest can also be seen in Gravelines, such as the belfry, the town hall and the lighthouse (all dating from the 19th century). The belfry is one of several across northern France and Belgium that are together classed as a UNESCO heritage site.
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.
Gravelines is also home to one of the largest nuclear power stations in France - guided visits are available.
Market day in Gravelines is a Friday.
Attractions nearby
Enthusiast of modern art will want to visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist at Bourbourg (a couple of kilometres south of Gravelines) to see the substantial work of 15 sculptures by Sir Anthony Caro that are installed in the choir of the newly restored gothic style church.
Explore elsewhere in the North East France. You can find more travel ideas in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais guide.
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Hotels in Gravelines
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Map of Gravelines and places nearby
Visit near Gravelines with France This Way reviews
Esquelbecq
At Esquelbec you can admire the Flemand style town centre with its Chateau and church, and visit an important war cemetery
Esquelbecq guide
Saint-Omer
The attractive centre of Saint-Omr is one of the best towns to see houses built in the Flemish style typical of the region
Saint-Omer guide
Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez
The Cap Blanc-Nez and the Cap Gris-Nez are classified as Grand sites de France for their beauty.
Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez guide
Cassel
The town of Cassel is built on the highest hill in the Flanders region and has extensive views
Cassel guide
Wissant
Wissant is a small seaside town in the north of France which is very popular for surfing and kitesurfing.
Wissant guide
Aire-sur-la-Lys
Now officially listed as a 'recommended detour' town, the highlight in Aire-sur-la-Lys is the bailliage, an ornate renaissance style building built in 1600
Aire-sur-la-Lys guideTourist classifications for Gravelines
Gravelines is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Gravelines, Dunkerque, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 59820, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 50.9858, longitude 2.1283
Plan your visit to Gravelines, Nord
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Beffroi de Gravelines (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site
- Réserve naturelle du Platier d'Oye: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Loon-Plage: ville fleurie 4* (6 km)
- Grande-Synthe: ville fleurie 4* (13 km)
- Beffroi de l'église St-Éloi de Dunkerque (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (18 km)
- Beffroi et hôtel de ville de Dunkerque (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (18 km)
- Beffroi de Calais (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (19 km)
- Bergues: recommended detour (22 km)
- Beffroi de Bergues (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (22 km)
- Réserve naturelle nationale des étangs du Romelaëre: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Réserve naturelle de la Dune Marchand: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Saint-Omer: town of art and history (28 km)
Market days in Gravelines, France
Regular market(s) are held in Gravelines each Sunday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Gravelines (Francais)