Start your visit by exploring the town’s famous 16th-century fortifications. Here you can learn about the fascinating history of Gravelines, especially as a site of important battles. The fortifications are completely surrounded by water and can also be visited by boat.
Next, head for the beach at Gravelines. Next to the lighthouse, from where you will have a breathtaking panoramic view, the family beach of Petit Fort Philippe is well maintained and supervised during the summer months, offering a safe environment to swim and enjoy the sea. The beach is decked out with cabins from June to September giving it all the trappings of a seaside resort and is also equipped with showers, toilets and changing rooms for the comfort of visitors. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and other activities. This beach is classified as a 4-star nautical resort with its Jean Binard nautical base. Its very long driveable channel allows for a beautiful walk open to all, lasting about 1 hour.
Opposite is the beach of Grand-Fort-Philippe or rather the foreshore park equipped with picnic tables and duckboards for family walks in the heart of a preserved natural site leading to the beach of Escardines and the nature reserve of Platier d’Oye.
If you are a nature lover, don’t miss the Platier d’Oye nature reserve, an exceptional protected area offering a variety of unique natural landscapes.
Don’t forget to visit the Galamé Park at Loon Plage to enjoy a pleasant stroll in a green and peaceful setting.
For sportsmen and women, there is the Parc des rives de l’Aa, a water sports and training centre, where courses are organised for rowing, kayaking and paddling, see their website.
Finally, if you want to relive the history of the town, a “son et lumière” is organised every year at the end of August, retracing 1000 years of history. 350 extras, hundreds of period costumes, light shows and fights make this an amazing family show to end the summer in style.
All in all, Gravelines and its surroundings offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, from beaches and water sports to history and culture, festivals and special events throughout the year.
