CITY OF BERGUES

In the Flemish plain, just 9 km from the sandy beaches of Malo-les-Bains and 15 km from the Belgian border, Bergues opens its doors… Still entirely encircled by its walls, whether medieval or the work of the brilliant Vauban, the town nestles at the foot of its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the hill overlooking the town, which gave it the name “Groenberg”, the towers of an old Benedictine abbey seem to stand guard, while the Mont-de-Piété Museum showcases part of its rich collections in a stunning brick building with warm yellow tones.

From its facades to its squares and its traditions, Bergues is one of those Flemish towns where time seems to stand still. As in days gone by, the town is punctuated by the sound of its carillon, chiming every quarter-hour, or ringing all fifty bells for the Monday market. Walking paths meander along the base and the top of the ramparts, offering a unique way to explore this charming town.