Things To Do
in Gravelines
Gravelines is a small fortified town on the northern French coast where star-shaped ramparts, a navigable port, and slow-paced streets give a strong sense of history and maritime life. The town sits at the meeting point of the Aa river and the North Sea, offering promenades, beaches a short walk away, and easy access to the wider Côte d'Opale. Gravelines is known for its well-preserved 17th-century Vauban fortifications, a compact old town with cafes and seafood restaurants, and a working ferry/maritime atmosphere.
It makes a peaceful base for exploring nearby Dunkerque, Calais, and the coastal nature reserves while remaining quieter than the larger nearby cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Gravelines, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture. Stop by the town hall, a stunning example of Renaissance design, and take in the intricate details. Don’t miss the local bakery for a fresh croissant paired with a café au lait to fuel your exploration.
Visit the Gravelines Museum, where you can delve into the town's rich history and maritime heritage. Enjoy lunch at a café overlooking the canal, savoring some local seafood specialties. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the old ramparts, soaking in the views of the surrounding landscape and the vibrant harbor.
As the sun sets, head to the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the lively atmosphere is perfect for dinner. Choose from a variety of restaurants offering regional dishes, including the famous carbonnade flamande. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk around the square, perhaps stopping for a dessert at a nearby patisserie.
Kick off your beach day at the nearby Gravelines Plage, where the golden sands invite you to relax and soak up the sun. Settle in with a good book or rent a beach chair to enjoy the views of the North Sea. Take a refreshing dip in the water to start your day off right.
After working up an appetite, grab lunch at a beachfront café, sampling some freshly caught fish or a classic French tartine. Spend your afternoon trying out various water sports, from paddleboarding to windsurfing, with equipment available for rent. The beach's vibrant atmosphere is perfect for enjoying games of beach volleyball or simply lounging while listening to the waves.
As dusk approaches, enjoy a seaside barbecue organized by the beach club, where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers. Watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors while you indulge in grilled delicacies. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the promenade, taking in the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi start + short ride | $6-15 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, well-preserved Vauban fortifications and historic center
- Close to beaches, dunes and nature reserves for outdoor activities
- Quieter and more relaxed than nearby larger towns like Dunkerque or Calais
- Good base for exploring the Côte d'Opale and regional culture
- Limited late-night nightlife and fewer dining options than bigger cities
- Public transport options are modest; a car makes exploring easier
- Weather can be windy and changeable even in summer
- Fewer specialized dietary options (vegan/gluten-free) compared with large urban centers
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Gravelines
Visit one of these nice places.
Star-shaped Vauban fortifications offer dramatic angles, green grassy glacis and great sunrise/sunset views over the town and river.
Picturesque moored boats, reflections in the water, and working port activity make for authentic maritime shots.
Narrow streets, historic facades and the stone church interior/exterior are excellent for architectural and street photography.
Coastal dunes, long sandy beaches and wide skies just a short drive away provide expansive landscape and birdlife opportunities.
Diverse landscapes including marshes, cliffs and wetlands — ideal for nature photography and seasonal migratory birds.
Food in Gravelines
Gravelines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels steamed in white wine, cream or beer served with crispy fries; widely available in portside restaurants and bistros.
Must-Try!
A Flemish-style beef stew slow-cooked in beer and served with mashed potatoes or fries; comforting and common in northern France brasseries.
Fresh scallops from the region, often served in cream or as pan-seared plates in quality seafood restaurants.
A savory tart made with Maroilles cheese, a strong local cheese from the region — best tried in a traditional restaurant or bakery.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where locals buy fresh fish, cheeses, baked goods and produce — perfect for tasting regional products and picking up picnic items.
Larger weekend markets in nearby towns (Dunkerque, Calais) with street-food stalls offering crepes, frites, oysters and other local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and service staff with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after 6pm) when entering; politeness is valued and using a few French phrases goes a long way.
Keep your hands visible on the table, wait for the host to start eating if invited, and don’t expect rapid table turnover in restaurants — meals are a social affair.
Northern French towns can be quieter in the evenings; be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas and near historic sites.
Attempting some French phrases is appreciated even though many locals speak some English; start conversations in French and switch if necessary.
Safety
Tipping in Gravelines
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills (“service compris”), but it's customary to leave small change or round up for good service (5–10%). For taxis, rounding up is common; for excellent guided tours, a small tip is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, but small cafés, markets and rural shops may prefer cash. Contactless payments are common; carry some euros for market stalls and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest time with long daylight hours, busiest tourist season, local festivals and outdoor cultural events; beaches and boat trips are at their best. Expect crowds on weekends and book accommodation in advance.
Milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and dramatic skies for photography; migratory birds in the marshes make this a good season for nature watching. Some seasonal businesses begin to close, but restaurants remain open.
Cold, windy and often grey with occasional frosts; very quiet with lower prices and a peaceful atmosphere. Some attractions and seasonal boat services may be limited; dress warmly for coastal winds.
Gradually warming weather, blooming landscapes in nearby parks and more frequent sunny days; ideal for cycling and hiking before peak summer crowds return.
Gravelines at Night
Hiking in Gravelines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive coastal trails along the Opal Coast offering cliff-top views, beaches and varied terrain — suitable for day hikes and photography.
Network of marked routes through marshes, dunes and countryside with opportunities for birdwatching and observing regional flora and fauna.
Easy, scenic walks across coastal dunes and wide beaches; popular for sunrise/sunset walks and nature observation.
Flat, pleasant riverside walks along the Aa and connected canals, ideal for gentle hiking, cycling and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Gravelines by plane.
The nearest major regional airport (about 1–1.5 hours by car) with domestic and European connections; larger range of flights and good road links to Gravelines.
Smaller regional airport (roughly 1–1.25 hours by car) serving some domestic and seasonal flights; convenient for arrivals to the Opal Coast.
International hub (about 2–2.5 hours by car or train) offering many international flights and rail/bus connections into northern France.
Calais and Dunkerque have smaller airfields and ferry connections; many visitors arrive by ferry to Calais (then drive or take train/bus) or use regional transfers from nearby airports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding local residents involved in maritime trades, small businesses and family-run shops contributing to the town’s working character.
People who commute to nearby industrial and commercial centers such as Dunkerque or work in logistics and port-related industries.
A noticeable population of retirees attracted by the slower pace of life, low-key amenities and proximity to the coast.
Visitors from other parts of France, Belgium and the UK who come for beaches, festivals and day trips, particularly in summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally with local clubs and enthusiastic community support; matches and youth clubs are common.
Due to the coastal location, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, especially in summer near Dunkerque and along the coast.
Cycling is popular for both recreation and commuting; flat terrain and dedicated paths make it accessible for all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gravelines.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities; look for cheese-based dishes, salads, omelettes and vegetable tartes. Inform staff (say “Je suis végétarien(ne)”) and many restaurants will adapt a dish or suggest suitable items.
Vegan dining can be challenging in small northern French towns. Self-catering, markets, bakeries with fruit and some vegetable dishes are options; larger nearby cities offer more vegan-specific restaurants.
Gluten-free awareness is growing; ask for “sans gluten” and avoid pastries and bread-heavy dishes. Seafood, plain grilled meats and certain salads are usually safe but always confirm cross-contamination with the kitchen.