Places to visit on the Opal Coast

Arc International

Arques

It is the pride of the city and the world leader in tableware: the Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques welcomes you to its stunning facility in the Audomarois region. Founded in 1825, the Arques Glass and Crystal Factory pioneered the automated production of crystal using tank furnaces. This technological revolution was inspired by the United States, and glass-blowing machines were gradually introduced. Around 1950, innovations continued as decorating machines were introduced, leading to the creation of the company’s first brand: Luminarc. Thanks to the First Industrial Revolution, machinery was refined, and the very first stemmed glasses began to appear. The products were marketed under the Cristal d’Arques Paris brand around 1968. It was not until 2000 that Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques became Arc International, after establishing sales and production subsidiaries, notably in the United States, Italy, and Spain. Today, Arc International is a world-renowned group—a designer, manufacturer, and distributor—that is increasingly innovative and committed to sustainable development. Discover the design process behind these elegant products during a guided tour of this welcoming facility. You’ll first be introduced to the company and its history; then, a film will reveal all the secrets of glassmaking; finally, you’ll get a hands-on experience with a tour of an authentic production facility. Don’t forget to stop by the store in Arc, which offers its own products, fresh out of the kiln.

Art & Culture Interpretation Center - CIAC

Bourbourg

A space for discovery and exchange, this venue offers numerous events and activities centered around a rich cultural program that blends various artistic disciplines and media. Throughout the year, it hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of gatherings, readings, and lectures, as well as hands-on art workshops. All of these events allow the public to become familiar with the work “Chorus of Light” by artist Anthony Caro, installed in the church in Bourbourg.

Espace Tourville - Jean-Bart Construction Site

Gravelines

The Espace Tourville in Gravelines focuses on the full-scale construction of the Jean Bart, a 17th-century first-rate ship (57 m long, 12 to 17 m high, 6 m draft). Set within its artisan village on the edge of Gravelines’ historic harbor, the ship was built by the Association using the same methods and materials as in the past.

Hondschoote City Hall and Municipal Museum

Hondschoote

Built in the 16th century (1558, the date visible in the center of the cornice) of sandstone and white stone, City Hall features elements from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The imposing façade catches the eye with its gables adorned with “pas de moineaux” and the coats of arms of the families who have shaped the town’s history. Inside is the former courtroom, decorated with panels depicting the town’s history. In the city council chamber, one can see, among other things, the painting of the Battle of Hondschoote (1793)—a gift to the city in 1852 from Alphonse de Lamartine, then a member of the National Assembly—as well as a portrait of Baron Coppens, husband of Marie Bart, niece of the famous Dunkirk privateer Jean Bart. Their grandson was married to Lamartine’s sister.On the first floor, a small museum houses several paintings from the church as well as a series of “Neufs Preuses.” Unlike the façade, the rear of City Hall is constructed of brick. The illusion of seeing bottles in certain places is due to the presence of the Bruges arch. This rear section is also distinguished by a tower and a bulbous bell turret covered with slate. For information and tours (by reservation only), contact Terre de Flandre Tourisme.

The International Center for Lace and Fashion

Calais

Formerly the Boulart factory, the Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode welcomes you to the heart of its history and cultural offerings in the St-Pierre district, the historic center of Calais lace-making. As you stroll through its galleries, you’ll discover the various methods of lace-making, from the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century through the advancements in looms to the present day—and even beyond, as there’s a gallery showcasing future technological innovations in lace. Featuring architecture designed by architects Alain Moatti and Henri Rivière, the site has undergone numerous expansions that blend authenticity with contemporary design; the long facade of screen-printed glass attached to the original building is a true nod to the Jacquard cartoons of the Leavers looms. This former factory, which remained in operation until 2000, now houses a restaurant overlooking the Cité’s inner courtyard, a boutique on the canal side, an auditorium for hosting cultural events, and a documentation center featuring a specialized library and a lace archive. The Cité also offers workshops to visitors eager to learn the techniques of this art form, allowing them to create their own lace pieces. Finally, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and fashion shows are regularly organized there, allowing everyone to experience the world of the greats—Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and many others.

La Maison de la Beurière

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Built on the side of the cliff, Boulogne’s fishing district, La Beurière, has always been a very unique community. Moreover, it is a magnificent place where stair-step streets wind down toward the shore and the harbor. During World War II, the bombings that struck this densely populated neighborhood scattered the community. Only one street has been preserved almost in its entirety: Rue du Mâchicoulis. It is on this street that the Maison de la Beurière is located, an eco-museum that traces the life of a 20th-century Boulogne seafaring family. As you step inside this authentic fisherman’s house built in 1870, you’ll be moved as you discover: * on the ground floor, the living quarters of a family of sailors around 1900, where the furniture and objects bear witness to a hard and simple life, * on the first floor, the atmosphere and faded colors of this neighborhood: photos, artifacts, and traditional costumes transport you back to the heart of Boulogne’s fishing history, the development of its techniques, and its port, * on the top floor, the library and media center.

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Religious building 14

Calvary

Saint-Aubin

A covered wayside shrine made of brick, featuring a small gate with blue wrought-ironwork. It is set within a small enclosure containing two other shrines and a tree. A remarkable tree stands opposite it, marking the crossroads.

The Carillon of the Bourbourg Church

Bourbourg

Featuring 50 bells, the instrument plays automatically or when struck by the carillonneur. Today, it is one of the most beautiful carillons in France.

Notre-Dame des Flots Chapel

Gravelines

The chapel stands proudly amid the dunes of Petit-Fort-Philippe. Built in the 18th century and destroyed in 1789, it was rebuilt on the seashore in 1829. The 18th-century statue of the Virgin Mary is brought out onto the forecourt—an exceptional occurrence—for a Mass in memory of those lost at sea and for the Icelanders every September.

St. Joseph Chapel

Saint-Aubin

A square-plan chapel built of brick and blue stone (base and facade).

St. Paul's Abbey

Wisques

Located in the small village of Wisques, 7 kilometers from Saint-Omer, Saint-Paul Abbey offers a fascinating tour, both historically and architecturally. The abbey, also known as “the great castle,” was built on the site of the former Wisques Castle, which was constructed after the Hundred Years’ War. All that remains from that period is the keep, crowned by two turrets and four towers (late 15th century), a small courtyard to the west, and the large Saint-Bertin Tower (early 15th century). The building was later expanded in the 18th century with a residence and a porch that are quite characteristic of the region. The Benedictine brotherhood settled there in the 19th century. In 1930, a series of modern elements were added. The “poet of brick,” Dom Bello, a Dutch architect heavily influenced by the Amsterdam School, added a cloister and a refectory with elegant proportions, making subtle use of the building materials. Joseph Philippe completed the complex with a chapel (in 1957) and then a guesthouse (in 1968). Originally intended to be a monastic library, Joseph Philippe’s chapel is remarkable for its choir, which features a magnificent brick drapery. In addition to guided tours, visitors can admire the ceramics crafted by the monks and sold in the shop located near the pottery workshop. Finally, visitors can attend Masses sung in the Gregorian chant tradition.

Notre-Dame Church

Calais

Having survived bombings and several construction projects, Calais’s oldest building now stands on Rue de Croy. When construction began in the 13th century, Adrien de Wissant had the church built on the site of the current transept. Extensive expansion projects were then undertaken through the 16th century, and it was during the English occupation that the upper sections of the nave, the choir, and the bell tower were built. Built in the Tudor style, this church drew on its British influences to reach its final form in the 17th century; a chapel and a Baroque altarpiece were added at that time. A testament to medieval architecture, the Church of Notre-Dame de Calais also features a massive tower supporting the bell tower at the intersection of the transept and the nave. As you head toward the north side of the nave, you’ll notice a cistern with a capacity of 1,800 m³ that was used to collect rainwater; it was built by Vauban in 1691 to meet the population’s needs in the event of a siege. It was in this building that General de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux were married in 1921. Nothing could prevent the Allied bombings during World War II, which occurred one week before the city’s liberation; as a result, the bell tower collapsed onto the transept, and the altarpiece sustained severe damage. Since then, the church has undergone extensive restoration, which will allow visitors to appreciate the full originality of its architecture.

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Castle 3

Castle

Hardelot Castle

Condette

Located on the outskirts of Condette, the Château d'Hardelot overlooks the Lac des Miroirs and stands in the heart of a forest teeming with game. Built in the 9th century to defend against German invasions, it was restored in the 13th century by Philippe de Hurepel. At that time, it consisted of nine medieval towers and had a polygonal shape. Now damaged, only part of the outer wall remains, along with the guardrooms, which are now occupied by the current tavern. In 1848, Sir John Hare purchased it and had it redesigned in the Tudor Revival style. His friend Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor to this residence, which he admired so much. In the early 20th century, the castle became the property of John Whitley, who devised a plan to develop a seaside resort centered around the castle. However, tourists’ preference for the sea prevailed, and the resort was relocated. From 1958 to 1975, the castle served as a residence for the Sisters of St. Agnes of Arras. Today, a medieval tavern is located in the former guardrooms. A discovery trail marked with signs recounting the site’s history has been created so that visitors can admire the castle’s ramparts. Its prisons, dungeons, watchtower path, and underground passages still bear witness to the harsh and epic life of that era.

Castle

Fressin Castle

Fressin

The village of Fressin is a former medieval estate. It once belonged to the most prominent Créquy dynasty. Its Gothic church features a seigneurial chapel. The castle was built by Jean V de Créquy, one of the principal advisors to the Duke of Burgundy and a Knight of the Golden Fleece. This figure plays an important role in French history, as he participated in the capture of Joan of Arc and helped France secure victory over England during the Hundred Years’ War. His 15th-century castle served as both a great defensive fortress and a richly decorated residence. Its numerous towers and bastions provided its primary defense. Designated a Historic Monument in 1997, this feudal fortress now welcomes visitors with exhibitions and screenings that bring to life daily life at the castle, its construction techniques, and its evolution. Don’t miss the gardens, which span 3 hectares and allow you to discover the wonders of botany in a picturesque setting. The site also offers fun scavenger hunts with puzzles for children and audio-guided tours for adults. The village has preserved a beautiful collection of historic civilian architecture, including mansions, monumental porticos, a forester’s house, dovecotes, and more, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Castle

Pont de Briques Castle

Saint-Léonard

Built around 1640, the Château de Pont-de-Briques served as Napoleon I’s headquarters from 1803 to 1805, during the Camp de Boulogne. Converted into an orphanage around 1900, the castle was repeatedly damaged in an effort to make way for a new road. In 1974, the building was preserved after being designated a Historic Monument. After being neglected for a long time, the Château de Pont-de-Briques has been undergoing restoration since 2000. The site, which has been converted into a museum, traces the castle’s history from its origins to the present day, covering the war between France and England and Napoleon’s life during that period. The goal is to raise public awareness of the castle’s history. The creation of the Legion of Honor and the Column of the Grande Armée are also highlighted here. Furthermore, this site serves as an educational resource, allowing children to discover a forgotten part of their history, the symbolism of monuments, and the evolution of urban planning in the Boulogne region through numerous maps of the Camp de Boulogne.

Fortification 11

Vauban Fortified Complex

Gravelines

Gravelines has preserved its entire bastioned wall, a fortress rebuilt in 1558 on top of a 14th-century medieval wall. This architectural gem is designated a “Historic Monument” within the grounds of the beautiful Porte aux Boules. A stroll along the rampart walk allows visitors to explore the 17th-century guardhouses, the cistern—whose vaulted chamber naturally stored and filtered water—and the Varennes and Uxelles barracks. The entire complex has been transformed into a cultural space, housing the Museum of Original Drawings and Prints and serving as the city’s cultural hub. A collection of contemporary sculptures by Charles Gadenne offers a poignant moment of emotion during the walk.

Mimoyecques Fortress

Landrethun-le-Nord

A secret underground base from World War II designed by Hitler to house the V3 supergun aimed at London. A poignant memorial site that also serves as a preserved nature reserve.

The Citadel

Calais

Built on the ruins of a medieval castle, the citadel is located at the northwest corner of the city (Avenue Pierre De Coubertin). It was Philippe le Hurperel, Count of Boulogne, who, in 1229, decided to build a medieval castle consisting of a square enclosure with six towers and a keep to protect the city. Initially inhabited by the counts of Boulogne and Artois, it later became a residence for the kings of England until 1558: Edward III resided there and fortified it for the first time. Since the medieval castle no longer met the needs of warfare, it was decided to build a citadel. Many houses were razed to make way for the construction site. Vauban (already known for Fort Nieulay) oversaw the restoration of the fortifications. Ultimately, the castle was completely destroyed in the 19th century. Visitors can still see the medieval ramparts, the emergency gate known as the “Porte de Boulogne,” and the Neptune Gate, also called the “Porte Royale.” Some of these gates have been designated as historic monuments, as have the moats and curtain walls. Today, the Citadel is surrounded by a neighborhood built in the regional style (red brick) dating from World War II and features a walking area and sports facilities. In fact, electric boats are available to cruise along the walls and explore the ruins in a different way. Now converted into a multi-sport and school stadium, the citadel features soccer fields, rugby fields, tennis courts, and more, allowing everyone to enjoy sports in a stunning historic setting.

La Coupole

Helfaut

From November 1943 to March 1944, the Nazis began construction of the launch silo for the V2 rocket near Saint-Omer. This revolutionary secret weapon was developed by the Germans with the aim of destroying London and turning the tide of the war in their favor. Today, the dome serves as a history and memorial center chronicling a period of World War II: the space race, German secret weapons, and the German occupation of northern France... Thanks to historian Yves Le Maner, who oversaw the development of the historical program, you can relive the relationship between war and science, the Nazi system, the violence of the Blitzkrieg, the “gray” days of the occupation, the anonymous battles of the Resistance, as well as the joys and sorrows of liberation, through numerous exhibits such as films, documents, models, and eyewitness accounts. To construct the concrete dome, German engineers developed an innovative process that allowed for the rapid construction of this colossal structure. Using massive excavators, they drilled into the chalk on the surface of the plateau. Next, this mold was covered with earth to perfect its shape and reinforced with a strong steel framework. Then, the engineers poured concrete using pumps. Today, this 55,000-metric-ton structure has become a memorial, a testament to Nazi madness. Infrared audio guides (available in four languages: French, English, German, and Dutch) and video discs are at your disposal. Allow two and a half hours to explore this fascinating site at the heart of history and science. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, which offers books, souvenirs, and regional products.

The Eperlecques Blockhouse

Éperlecques

Located on the edge of the Eperlecques Forest, this 22-meter-long blockhouse was originally intended for the launch of V2 rockets designed to destroy London during World War II. Between 1943 and 1944, more than 35,000 prisoners helped build the blockhouse, but during the 1943 bombings by the British “flying fortresses,” the project was repurposed, and the structure became a plant for producing liquid oxygen, intended to power the engines of a new generation of rockets. You’ll enter the blockhouse—designated a historic monument in 1985—through a 2-meter-thick reinforced door. The vastness of the halls and the jagged structures create an eerie atmosphere. During the tour, you’ll see terrifying “secret weapons” of the Third Reich and notice the thickness of the walls (5 meters). The upper slab, 7 meters thick, was raised using a system of jacks that lifted the roof as construction progressed, allowing the project to be completed while protecting the prisoners from bombing raids. The guided tour of this site and an audio tour (featuring documents, commentary, sound effects, etc.) presented inside the fortress will allow you to relive, with great emotion, the history of the structure, the technology behind the V2 rockets, and the construction techniques used for the bunker... all while allowing for a leisurely stroll through its parks. The site offers audio tracks and audio guides in 8 different languages, a visual guide in sign language, and is accessible to wheelchair users accompanied by an assistant.

Fort Risban

Calais

Located on the coast, Fort Risban is one of the last coastal forts on French territory. Designated a historic monument in 1990, this fort was long a strategic stronghold for the city and has undergone numerous modifications since its construction during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1346, upon the arrival of the English in the Calais region, King Edward III decided to build a heavily armed wooden tower on top of Calais’s existing fortifications. The sole purpose of this was to prevent any supplies from entering from outside and thus to besiege the city through starvation. Having taken control of the city, the English replaced the wooden tower with a tall stone tower equipped with cannons, the Lancaster Tower. Situated on a sand spit, the fort was gradually separated from the dunes by ocean currents, eventually becoming entirely surrounded by the sea. After 1450, the Lancaster Tower took the name Risban and was enclosed by a polygonal wall that also included two other towers. In 1558, Risban returned to French control, and the governor of Calais decided to lower the height of the Lancaster Tower, which at the time posed a threat to the city. Two bastions were added, and in 1622, the fort served as the starting point for the construction of a seawall extending to Sangatte. In 1799, a gunpowder depot exploded, causing significant damage, but this did not prevent the fort from serving as the port’s main defense in the 1850s. During World War II, it sheltered many residents of Calais fleeing the bombings. Beginning in 1950, the fort’s ruins were opened to boaters; today, it serves as the headquarters of the Calais Yacht Club.

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Monument 29

Former Municipal Prison

Bourbourg

This building was designated a prison in 1550. Its facade, roof, and dungeons are listed as Historic Monuments. The building has served as a prison since the 16th century. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it still contains the jailer’s quarters, as well as the prisoners’ cells and dungeons. A unique and authentic place that immerses you in the prison world of days gone by.

Les Fontinettes Boat Elevator

Arques

Located in the town of Arques, this boat lift is the only one of its kind in France. Built between 1881 and 1887, it was designed to replace a series of five locks on the Neufossé Canal, as it was impossible for boats to navigate the 13.13-meter elevation difference between the Aa and the Lys rivers.Designed by engineers Bertin and Edwin Clark, the hydraulically operated lift consisted of two water chambers that balanced each other out, allowing barges to be raised and lowered. The last boat passed through the lift in 1967. Designated a Historic Monument in 2014, the site was saved from demolition twelve years after it ceased operations, thanks to an association from Arques. Now open to the public, the museum features three rooms—an exhibition hall, the blacksmith’s shop and video room, and the repair workshop—that are sure to delight visitors.

Bergues Belfry

Bergues

This is the third belfry built on this site. It was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire (May 30, 1940) and then by dynamite (September 16, 1944) by the Germans. It largely follows the design of the previous belfry. As you climb the 206 steps, you can visit four themed exhibition halls. At a height of 47 meters, it features a magnificent open belfry housing the carillon’s 50 bells. At its summit stands Nicolas, the lion from the city’s coat of arms, serving as the weather vane. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 15, 2005, and featured in the 2008 film “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis,” the Belfry now houses the Tourist Office, the Espace Beffroi, and vacation rentals. It is open to visitors in small groups of up to 19 people at a time, by scheduled time slot. For those who do not wish to climb the 206 steps, a virtual tour is available. Exceptional closures on the morning of December 2 and the afternoon of December 5.

Dunkerque Belfry

Dunkerque

Built of a combination of red brick and stone, the belfry stands 75 meters tall. Above the central balcony stands an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who repurchased the city from the English in 1662. A large stained-glass window depicting Jean Bart’s triumphant return after his victory at the Battle of Texel in 1694 illuminates the belfry. One elevator ride and 65 steps up, you can admire the carillon.

Gravelines Belfry

Gravelines

Fully integrated into City Hall, the belfry is visible only from the outside. It once housed the city’s dungeons, which have fortunately been replaced today by the municipal museum. The building, which stands 70 meters tall, rests on a very simple square tower. At the platform level, the first scrollwork decorations appear, and the fourth floor is adorned on each side with a mullioned window decorated with friezes. An octagonal lantern crowns the top and houses a two-metric-ton bell named Danièle, Marie, Pauline, Henriette—the first name of the donor’s mother, who funded the belfry’s reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.

Temple Tax

Saint-Aubin

This blue stone farmhouse is believed to date from the late 12th century, based on the masonry of its walls, which is similar to that of the church in Dimont and the tower in Saint-Waast-la-Vallée.

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Lighthouse 4

The Lighthouse

Calais

Located just a few minutes from downtown, specifically in the Courgain neighborhood, the Calais Lighthouse rises 59 meters above sea level. Built in 1848 to replace the beacon of the ancient Guet Tower, it now guides ships with its automated white flashing lights. Originally powered by oil, then by kerosene, the lighthouse was electrified in 1883 before being automated in 1992. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Calais Lighthouse withstood the destruction of northern Calais during the wars and today towers over the city. The lighthouse regularly hosts exhibitions and events dedicated to the history of lighthouses and maritime signaling, as well as the preservation of the natural heritage of the Opal Coast. Visitors brave enough to climb the 271 steps can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the lantern. Today, its smooth operation is thanks to lighthouse and beacon technicians.

The Gravelines Lighthouse

Gravelines

Completed in 1843 and designated a Historic Monument in 2010, the lighthouse located in the former town of Petit-Fort-Philippe stands 29 meters tall. At its base, you’ll find the lighthouse keepers’ house, and after climbing 116 steps, you’ll reach the top, where you can admire the Opal Coast with its beaches—such as Oye-Plage— the mouth of the Aa River, and many other scenic views. Its black-and-white color scheme stems from the fact that sailors were unable to see the lighthouse; it was therefore adorned with a black spiral, which makes it so unique. Decommissioned in 1935 following the retirement of its last keeper, the lighthouse is now open to the public.

The Canche Lighthouse

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Listed as a Historic Monument since April 9, 2011, the Le Touquet lighthouse overlooks the entire luxury resort. Considered the most “landlocked” lighthouse—due to its location set back from the sea and its orange-colored bricks—it stands nearly 58 meters tall and has a range of 46 km. It was commissioned in September 1951, but the Canche Lighthouse is not the town’s first; in fact, nearly 100 years earlier, two lighthouses were put into service to prevent the numerous shipwrecks along the coast. Blown up during World War II, it took six years before the new lighthouse’s light could be seen again. Its unique octagonal tower was designed by the famous Louis Quételart, a prominent local architect responsible for more than 30 villas in Le Touquet, including Pomme d’Api and Les Mutins. After climbing 274 steps, Le Touquet unfolds before you in a 360° panorama, taking you from the Bay of La Canche to the Normandy Cliffs, passing by the ramparts of the town of Montreuil. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the lighthouse house, a building that first housed the masters and later the keepers of the Canche Lighthouse; today, it serves as the lighthouse museum and offers a wealth of anecdotes about the seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.

Risban Lighthouse

Dunkerque

A landmark of the Dunkirk landscape, the Risban Lighthouse—the northernmost in France—stands on the ruins of a fort built by Vauban. Designated a “Historic Monument,” a visit to the lighthouse includes an exhibition on maritime signaling housed in the former keepers’ quarters. Visitors must climb 276 steps to enjoy a magnificent view of the harbor, the city, and the Flemish plain.

Nature and gardens 28

St. Jean Bay Botanical Garden

Wimereux

A botanical garden located just a stone's throw from downtown. Worth visiting any time of year!

Garden of Honey Plants and the History of Bees

Bouin-Plumoison

The "Histoire d'Abeille" Honey Plant Garden in Bouin-Plumoison is an educational and ecological space dedicated to the conservation of bees and pollinators. This garden sanctuary invites visitors to discover local biodiversity through a collection of honey plants carefully selected for their appeal to foraging insects.

Grande-Synthe Public Park

Grande-Synthe

Take a stroll through these small gardens, which are open to everyone. They feature four playgrounds as well as collections of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that are refreshed every year. It’s sure to be a lovely family outing.

Gardens of Liberty

Gravelines

The Jardin de la Liberté is a former 19th-century private garden that has retained all its charm. It features all the hallmarks of late 19th-century gardens: the gazebo, boxwood-lined paths, old rose bushes, the gloriette, and white arbors. The traditional floral displays give this site the air of a “guardian of traditions.”

Poudrière Gardens

Gravelines

The Jardin de la Poudrière, with its walkways, strikes a harmonious balance between the mineral and the vegetal. Designed on the layers of a former vegetable garden, in a historic setting where contemporary and traditional materials blend, this garden combines techniques, flowers, vegetables, and plants

The Dewulf Dune

Leffrinckoucke

Located on the northern coast east of Dunkirk, the 300 hectares that make up the Dewulf Dune make it one of the coast’s most remarkable natural sites, typical of the Dunes of Flanders. A mix of wooded dunes, wet dune slacks, and dry dunes, this area holds significant ecological value, despite its peri-urban location. Near the site’s entrance, the Fort des Dunes (a former fortified camp) showcases the area’s military history, with significant remnants still visible deep within the dunes themselves.

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Leisure park 5

The Dunkirk Aquarium

Dunkerque

The 20 tanks at the Dunkirk Aquarium showcase fish, corals, and turtles.

The Dragon Company

Calais

The Compagnie du Dragon presents its mechanical bestiary! Embark on an adventure aboard the Dragon of Calais, a majestic creature 12 meters tall and 25 meters long, or become an apprentice machinist and bring our Sentinel Iguana to life. Come meet these amazing creatures imagined by artist François Delarozière and discover the treasures of the Opal Coast, starting with the new “Calais la Plage.”

Dino Parc Disc Golf

Coudekerque-Branche

In addition to mini-golf, pedal boats, the bungee trampoline, rides, and the Pirate Fort, you can go meet the dinosaurs! Have a wonderful summer in Coudekerque-Branche. The Dinos, the new attraction at Fort Louis Park In a surprising setting, surrounded by T-Rexes, triceratops, and velociraptors, come enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Our Rangers will welcome you at our gift shop located at the entrance to Dino Park. Both children and adults will find plenty of Dino Park souvenirs suitable for all ages. This new facility, located near the mini-golf course, allows us to continue offering new outdoor activities in the lush green setting of Fort Louis Park. Immerse yourself in the world of the Jurassic Period as you discover some fifteen giant dinosaurs—without the risk of being devoured! Dino Park Disc Golf, Season 2 Dino Park Disc Golf has gotten a makeover and welcomed new dinosaurs that are more lifelike than ever! There are plenty of new features to discover in this world straight out of Jurassic Park… For example, a roaming dinosaur will surprise even the most daring visitors! The 4-meter-by-10-meter T-Rex will amaze you with its lifelike movements. Visitors can discover a new dinosaur, the Carnotaurus—also a robotic model—to learn even more about the giants that shaped history. You’ll be able to admire one of the most famous and impressive prehistoric animals in life-size form: the mammoth. Your children (or even the adults) can take photos of themselves inside dinosaur eggs.

The Fort Mardyck Zoo

Fort-Mardyck

Originally a children’s playground, Fort Mardyck Park gradually welcomed more and more animals until it became the zoo it is today, with a focus on European wildlife. After four years of renovation, the park reopened its doors in June 2005, featuring improved facilities for both visitors and animals. The park then set itself the mission of raising public awareness through the zoo’s animals. Suitable for the whole family, the approximately 2-hectare park welcomes you with a variety of activities and exhibits on diverse and varied themes. You can’t visit the park without seeing its stars: the famous brown bears Dominique and Kiwi—the latter of whom appeared in Jean-Jacques Annaud’s 1988 film *The Bear*. You’ll also find flamingos, Carpathian lynx, and majestic reindeer. It’s a fun outing where you can chat with the staff and admire the diverse wildlife that inhabits our continent!