Exploring French Flanders: Beaches, History, and Hidden Gems

In the summer of 2024, we traveled 375 kilometers west from Germany to reach a charming city called Bray-Dunes in the northwest of France. This region, part of French Flanders, is steeped in history and characterized by its distinctive culture, shaped by its proximity to Belgium and the North Sea.

Here are the top highlights of the area:

Bray-Dunes

This was our base for the short stay. The name "Bray-Dunes" originates from the extensive sand dunes that surround the beach. The beach became bustling when the sun was out but was far quieter on cloudy days. Although the evenings were chilly, we enjoyed sitting on the beach after dinner, watching the seagulls and witnessing sunsets that, for us, were among the most stunning of 2024.

Zuydcoote

We made a stop here to explore the war ruins, which I had previously marked on Google Maps. The area features remnants of bunkers and a couple of shipwrecks scattered along the beach. The history embedded in these ruins was both fascinating and sobering.

Dunkirk

Walking along the Dunkirk coastline, I couldn’t help but recall the intense and harrowing scenes from the film Dunkirk, which depicted the evacuation of the British and French armies stranded on these beaches. The reminders of the war are ever-present, with memorials and historical markers every few hundred meters.

We visited the Operation Dynamo Museum in Dunkirk, which vividly recounts the events of the Dunkirk evacuation. Museums like this serve as poignant reminders and invaluable educators.

Calais

The highlight of our visit to Calais was the magnificent Calais Town Hall, an architectural gem. Luckily, the weather was glorious and sunny, and the garden in front of the town hall was in full bloom. I could have easily spent the entire afternoon admiring the flowers with the stunning building as a backdrop.

Next, we climbed the lighthouse tower near the beach. With the 50x zoom on our mobile camera, we managed to spot the White Cliffs of Dover in England! It was surreal to think that we had traveled from Germany through the Netherlands and Belgium to France, and yet, we could see England from there. Calais is also a hub for ferries heading to England, adding to its charm.

Food

We thoroughly enjoyed indulging in delicious crepes and waffles during our stay—vacation calories don’t count! As vegetarians, coastal areas can be challenging due to the prevalence of seafood dishes on most menus. When we couldn’t find suitable vegetarian options, fries and pizza became our reliable backups.

This trip was a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and delicious food. French Flanders offered us a window into a unique cultural heritage and a deep sense of history. Walking through the landscapes that bore witness to pivotal moments in history was humbling and thought-provoking.

As we reflected on the journey, we realized how travel continues to expand our perspective and deepen our appreciation for the resilience of humanity. From the tranquil beaches of Bray-Dunes to the poignant war memorials of Dunkirk, every moment of this trip felt meaningful. If you’re ever in northern France, make sure to explore these gems and immerse yourself in their stories.