A very present military architecture
If there's one tourist activity that's growing on the Côte d'Opale and Baie de Somme, it's "remembrance" tourism. Monuments, war relics, museums, cemeteries and military memorials still populate the coastline, keeping alive our duty to remember. The region's coastal location, proximity to the Belgian border, unique geography and ease of access have made it a place that was very much affected by the two great world wars of the last century.
Although blockhouses can still be found just about everywhere on the coast and inland, they are tending to disappear. What remains, of course, are those that have been rehabilitated, as at Éperlecques or Mimoyecques, and now house museums or memorials. A former missile base in Helfaut, La Coupole, hosts exhibitions and presentations of the scientific advances made by both sides in the arms race.
Belfries, World Heritage of Humanity
Belfries are an essential part of our heritage. They were erected in the Middle Ages and offer a breathtaking view. On the Opal Coast, Dunkirk is the only city in France to have two belfries listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the belfry of the Saint-Eloi church (located in front of the church) and the belfry of the city hall. The first one was erected in 1440 to serve as a bell tower for the church and dedicated to Saint-Eloi. The panoramic view from the terrace is breathtaking. When the weather is good, you can see Mount Cassel! The second one, the one of the city hall, was built by the architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier (1901) and culminates at 75 meters. It is by the way by the balcony located at its base that the traditional smoked herrings during the carnival of Dunkerque.
Other belfries also point in our landscapes. The belfry of Bergues rebuilt identically after being destroyed twice, the belfry of Gravelines, the belfry of Aire-sur-la-Lys and its 236 steps, the one of the town hall of Calais classified as World Heritage by Unesco in 2005, the one of Hesdin and the one of Boulogne-sur-Mer, one of the oldest belfries in the region, because it has never been destroyed
Numerous fortified cities
The region has always been exposed to invasions and its military history can be seen in the architecture of its cities. On the Opal Coast, several fortified cities offer brick and stone, massive silhouettes and ramparts preserved over the centuries. These cities with their atypical architecture attract history buffs.
The famous Vauban has left his mark everywhere, from Gravelines to Montreuil-sur-Mer. Not all the fortified towns of the past have preserved their walls, but some pearls remain. Bergues has preserved its entire fortified enclosure. The ramparts of Gravelines, built by the Count of Flanders Thierry d'Alsace and later reinforced by Vauban, can be admired today from a boat. The city of Gravelines is the only one entirely surrounded by water. Further on, the 3,400 meters of walls of Montreuil-sur-Mer have remained intact. The old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer is also accessible only through four entrances. From city to city, the visitor can play at spotting the military remains of these ancient medieval cities.
Seaside resorts
The Côte d'Opale and Baie de Somme are also characterized by their numerous seaside resorts along the coast. The seaside resort of Bray-Dunes is the first in France when you follow the coastline from Belgium. Continuing along the beach, you'll come to Malo-les-Bains, a particularly lively and pleasant place to visit, with its Belle Époque or Art Deco villas, ice creams and Swiss couques to be sampled at least once.
A chic seaside resort located in the heart of the Caps et Marais d'Opale regional nature park, Wimereux was the resort of choice for the wealthy from Lille and Paris in the Belle Époque, and it's easy to see why. Attractive villas dating from the early 20th century can still be seen on the seafront. Further afield, Hardelot captivates with its natural setting and its famous fairytale castle.
But among our best-known seaside resorts, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage's reputation is well established, and the Années Folles had a lot to do with it. The chic Rue Saint-Jean, with its well-established first stores, delicacies and pretty boutiques, has established Le Touquet's upmarket character. Further south, on the way down to the Baie d'Authie, Berck and its kite festival are also worth a visit.
To the south of the Baie d'Authie, Fort-Mahon-Plage is the first seaside resort in the Marquenterre natural region. In the Baie de Somme, you can also enjoy Le Crotoy, the medieval town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer, one of France's oldest seaside resorts.
