BERGUES– FORTIFIED TOWN

Even if the “essential” Vauban worked towards making the square invulnerable, he was not the only one, giving this fortified town with its ochre walls a very particular appearance. Fortified by its inhabitants as far back as the 7th century, it was in fact reinforced up until the middle of the 19th century, with the arrival of the railroad!

The other “Bruges des Flandres” is still surrounded by ramparts over more than five kilometres. With its crown of greenery, the structure offers a walk that is as magnificent as it is instructive. Once you have gone past one of Bergues’ four town gates, one displaying the full glory of the Sun King, proceed to Groenberg or the “Green Mountain.”

This natural 22-metre hill is a good starting point. There is no doubt you will quickly be won over by its attractive old houses and mansions, its medieval belfry and inland canal.