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Museum

Maritime Museum

Grand-Fort-Philippe, Opal Coast

About this place

It is, of course, in the former fishing school that the museum tells the maritime history of Grand-Fort Philippe and, naturally, the epic story of “fishing in Iceland.” For centuries, the Icelandic coast attracted fishermen who braved storms, the risk of shipwreck, and terrible living conditions to hunt whales but, above all, to fish for cod. The men would set out between February and April on long fishing trips that wouldn’t bring them back to shore until September. The model boats, antique artifacts, and various documents on display offer insight into this traditional fishing industry, which shaped local life for generations.

Source : DATAtourisme — Hauts-de-France Tourisme, mise à jour du 2019-12-19. Licence Ouverte 2.0.

What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Grand-Fort-Philippe.

Family 15 August

Blessing of the Sea - Grand-Fort-Philippe

Grand-Fort-Philippe

The Blessing of the Sea in Grand-Fort-Philippe will take place on August 15, 2026. The ceremony begins with a Mass, followed by a procession to the Calvary. Participants wear traditional costumes and are accompanied by ceremonial boats. The blessing is then followed by a boat procession through the channel. The occasion also marks the opening of the Maison de la Mer, allowing visitors to explore the site. The Blessing of the Sea is a family-friendly event that celebrates the sea and the community of Grand-Fort-Philippe.

Other places to discover

Museum

Arc International

Arques

It is the pride of the city and the world leader in tableware: the Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques welcomes you to its stunning facility in the Audomarois region. Founded in 1825, the Arques Glass and Crystal Factory pioneered the automated production of crystal using tank furnaces. This technological revolution was inspired by the United States, and glass-blowing machines were gradually introduced. Around 1950, innovations continued as decorating machines were introduced, leading to the creation of the company’s first brand: Luminarc. Thanks to the First Industrial Revolution, machinery was refined, and the very first stemmed glasses began to appear. The products were marketed under the Cristal d’Arques Paris brand around 1968. It was not until 2000 that Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques became Arc International, after establishing sales and production subsidiaries, notably in the United States, Italy, and Spain. Today, Arc International is a world-renowned group—a designer, manufacturer, and distributor—that is increasingly innovative and committed to sustainable development. Discover the design process behind these elegant products during a guided tour of this welcoming facility. You’ll first be introduced to the company and its history; then, a film will reveal all the secrets of glassmaking; finally, you’ll get a hands-on experience with a tour of an authentic production facility. Don’t forget to stop by the store in Arc, which offers its own products, fresh out of the kiln.
Museum

Art & Culture Interpretation Center - CIAC

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A space for discovery and exchange, this venue offers numerous events and activities centered around a rich cultural program that blends various artistic disciplines and media. Throughout the year, it hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of gatherings, readings, and lectures, as well as hands-on art workshops. All of these events allow the public to become familiar with the work “Chorus of Light” by artist Anthony Caro, installed in the church in Bourbourg.
Museum

Espace Tourville - Jean-Bart Construction Site

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The Espace Tourville in Gravelines focuses on the full-scale construction of the Jean Bart, a 17th-century first-rate ship (57 m long, 12 to 17 m high, 6 m draft). Set within its artisan village on the edge of Gravelines’ historic harbor, the ship was built by the Association using the same methods and materials as in the past.
Museum

Hondschoote City Hall and Municipal Museum

Hondschoote

Built in the 16th century (1558, the date visible in the center of the cornice) of sandstone and white stone, City Hall features elements from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The imposing façade catches the eye with its gables adorned with “pas de moineaux” and the coats of arms of the families who have shaped the town’s history. Inside is the former courtroom, decorated with panels depicting the town’s history. In the city council chamber, one can see, among other things, the painting of the Battle of Hondschoote (1793)—a gift to the city in 1852 from Alphonse de Lamartine, then a member of the National Assembly—as well as a portrait of Baron Coppens, husband of Marie Bart, niece of the famous Dunkirk privateer Jean Bart. Their grandson was married to Lamartine’s sister.On the first floor, a small museum houses several paintings from the church as well as a series of “Neufs Preuses.” Unlike the façade, the rear of City Hall is constructed of brick. The illusion of seeing bottles in certain places is due to the presence of the Bruges arch. This rear section is also distinguished by a tower and a bulbous bell turret covered with slate. For information and tours (by reservation only), contact Terre de Flandre Tourisme.
Museum

The International Center for Lace and Fashion

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Museum

La Maison de la Beurière

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