Places to visit on the Opal Coast

🏛️ 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

Espace Tourville - Jean-Bart Construction Site

Gravelines

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.

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The International Center for Lace and Fashion

Calais

Formerly the Boulart factory, the Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode welcomes you to the heart of its history and cultural offerings in the St-Pierre district, the historic center of Calais lace-making. As you stroll through its galleries, you’ll discover the various methods of lace-making, from the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century through the advancements in looms to the present day—and even beyond, as there’s a gallery showcasing future technological innovations in lace. Featuring architecture designed by architects Alain Moatti and Henri Rivière, the site has undergone numerous expansions that blend authenticity with contemporary design; the long facade of screen-printed glass attached to the original building is a true nod to the Jacquard cartoons of the Leavers looms. This former factory, which remained in operation until 2000, now houses a restaurant overlooking the Cité’s inner courtyard, a boutique on the canal side, an auditorium for hosting cultural events, and a documentation center featuring a specialized library and a lace archive. The Cité also offers workshops to visitors eager to learn the techniques of this art form, allowing them to create their own lace pieces. Finally, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and fashion shows are regularly organized there, allowing everyone to experience the world of the greats—Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and many others.

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La Maison de la Beurière

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Built on the side of the cliff, Boulogne’s fishing district, La Beurière, has always been a very unique community. Moreover, it is a magnificent place where stair-step streets wind down toward the shore and the harbor. During World War II, the bombings that struck this densely populated neighborhood scattered the community. Only one street has been preserved almost in its entirety: Rue du Mâchicoulis. It is on this street that the Maison de la Beurière is located, an eco-museum that traces the life of a 20th-century Boulogne seafaring family. As you step inside this authentic fisherman’s house built in 1870, you’ll be moved as you discover: * on the ground floor, the living quarters of a family of sailors around 1900, where the furniture and objects bear witness to a hard and simple life, * on the first floor, the atmosphere and faded colors of this neighborhood: photos, artifacts, and traditional costumes transport you back to the heart of Boulogne’s fishing history, the development of its techniques, and its port, * on the top floor, the library and media center.

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The Medieval Historic District

Azincourt

In 2001, Azincourt acquired a major historical, cultural, and tourist attraction... Indeed, the French defeat on October 25, 1415, on the Azincourt plateau against the English army led by King Henry V has been transformed into a major tourist attraction: a chance for redemption... More than just a commemoration of a battle, it is about turning a page in France’s living history as it enters the medieval era. The tour, based on various concepts presented in English and French, combines scenography with talking mannequins, display panels explaining the causes and consequences of the Hundred Years’ War and the Battle of Agincourt, and an interactive exhibit where visitors enter a space where they can get up close to, touch, and handle weapons and armor, imagining themselves as knights on a battlefield. A multimedia area will allow visitors to immerse themselves in sound and images, thanks to infrared audio guide headsets that enable self-guided tours. The center also serves as a hub for documentation, research (photo library, book collection), work and meetings (educational room), cultural events (exhibitions, lectures), and educational services (open to teachers, students, and school groups). Finally, you’ll find a bookstore and gift shop. This tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. A covered picnic area that can accommodate 50 people is available by reservation.

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The Castle Museum

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Founded in 1825, the museum is now housed in the count’s castle, built in the 13th century by Philippe Hurepel. Through the Gallo-Roman underground passages, the Guard Room, and the Barber’s Room, you can admire rich collections, some of which are unique in Europe. The collection of ancient Greek vases is the largest in France after that of the Louvre. The first fortified castle without a keep, it was converted into a barracks under Francis I. Later used as a prison, the city purchased it in 1974 and opened its municipal museum there in 1988. Designated a historic monument, the castle-museum offers more than 5,000 m² of galleries displaying magnificent French and foreign earthenware, beautiful porcelain, paintings, and sculptures (Rodin, Barye, Carpeaux, etc.) from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as paintings by 19th-century masters inspired by the Opal Coast (Boudin, Corot, etc.). Also worth exploring: * Egyptian antiquities: a mummy and the inner coffin of the boatman Néhemsimontou (8th century B.C.), the sarcophagus of the singer of Amun (20th and 21st Dynasties), funerary boats and statuettes... * Gallo-Roman antiquities: column bases, funerary bas-reliefs, stone sarcophagi, bronze statuettes, and more * The collection of explorer Alphonse Pinart, which includes tools, weapons, and exquisite carved wooden masks from various Eskimo and Aleut tribes of Alaska. * The glassware collection: display cases 12 and 13 in the museum contain heavy blue bottles from the High Empire and works of art from the Late Empire originating from workshops in Cologne and Trier. * The ceramics collection: glazed pottery and earthenware from Desvres, Boulogne, and Delft dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. * Objects from Oceania, including a Maori war canoe (New Zealand).

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Duchess Anne

Dunkerque

If you’re passing through Dunkirk… come aboard the Duchesse Anne. This three-masted square-rigged ship will take you on a journey through its history, allowing you to discover its ingenious structure, featuring 25 sails surrounding the mainmast, which rises 48 meters above the deck. Built to train officers and crew for the German merchant marine, this training ship sailed the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, and also made its way to the Caribbean and South America. Formerly known as the Grossherzogin Elisabeth (in honor of the Duchess of Oldenburg), the Duchesse Anne was launched on March 7, 1901, from Esfleth, its home port, with approximately 150 cadets and apprentice sailors on board, supervised by a highly skilled crew. Already damaged by a fire and then by a major collision in 1931, the three-masted ship was unable to withstand the ravages of World War II. Now under French ownership, the ship served various purposes, including as a naval barracks, a dormitory, and a pontoon. Abandoned in Brest for many years, the ship—which had become a wreck—was restored by residents of Dunkirk who purchased it. Thanks to the support of the association “Les Amis de la Duchesse Anne,” the former German flagship was designated a historic monument on November 5, 1982. Today, as France’s only and last three-masted square-rigged ship, the Duchesse Anne welcomes you to discover its authentic character as a training ship. You’ll have the opportunity to experience life as a cadet and immerse yourself in their maritime world while admiring the magnificent sails and masts.

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The FRAC

Dunkerque

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Regional Contemporary Art Fund (FRAC) has been welcoming visitors since November 16, 2013, in a 9,000-square-meter space that combines a former shipyard building with an innovative structure designed by architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal. With the goal of promoting and supporting the creation of contemporary art, as well as raising public awareness of it, the FRAC offers a truly enriching experience featuring regular rotations of artworks and a commitment to continually inspiring artists to create. Immerse yourself in more than 1,500 works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, pioneers of Pop Art. You’ll also find designers and minimalist artists—all styles blend together to the delight of enthusiasts and the curious alike. With permanent and semi-permanent exhibitions—and even displays outside the FRAC—contemporary art welcomes you to Dunkirk.

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The LAAC

Dunkerque

A space entirely dedicated to contemporary art—ranging from Concrete Art to New Realism and Lyrical Abstraction—the Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine is a lively and dynamic venue committed to continually showcasing its permanent and temporary collections. We owe the building’s originality to architect Jean Willerwal, and the gardens—a true “meeting place”—to landscape architect Gilbert Samel and artist Pierre Zvenigorodsky. Since 1982, the museum has acquired works such as Karel Appel’s “Circus” series and Andy Warhol’s “Car Crash”… In total, you can admire over a thousand works! Open to everyone, the LAAC is an artistic destination for the whole family that’s not to be missed!

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The Jean-Charles Cazin Museum

Samer

Jean-Charles Cazin was born in the town of Samer, 17 km from Boulogne-sur-Mer. At age 21, he left to study drawing in the capital. There, he met his wife, Marie, a sculptor who would create a bronze statue of him for the Jardin Public in Samer. A painter who drew immense inspiration from landscapes such as the Boulogne waterfront and the dunes of Wissant, his works are now exhibited from the United States to the Netherlands, including Lille. He settled in Equihen with his small family, and this town would become the Cazin family’s primary source of artistic inspiration. Following his wife’s death, he sold his home and moved to Bormes-les-Mimosas in the Var department. Awarded the Legion of Honor and later promoted to Commander, he received the Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. The Jean Charles Cazin Museum opened in October 1939 and houses a large collection of works by the Cazin family; over time, the museum has sought to acquire ceramics, drawings, engravings, and paintings. It offers a true testament to the life of this family from Équihen, who drew deep inspiration from the landscapes of our Opal Coast.

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The Port Museum

Dunkerque

Located in the heart of a former tobacco warehouse dating back to 1868, the Port Museum showcases the history and evolution of the Port of Dunkirk, the major maritime gateway to northern France and the country’s third-largest port. A visit to this museum traces the origins of Dunkirk, from its beginnings as a small fishing hamlet, through the Age of Privateering and the exploits of Jean Bart, the famous privateer from Dunkirk, to the prosperous era of the Icelandic fishing industry. You’ll discover each major historical milestone in the port’s development, from its imposing fortifications designed by Vauban to its reconstruction after World War II and its commercial and industrial boom. You’ll get to know the people of that era and experience the lives—closely tied to the port—of the seafaring men and women. You’ll gain insight into the evolution of various maritime trades as well as that of ships over the centuries. You’ll explore the two light vessels, the Sandettie (1949) and the Dyck (1912)—both designated as historic monuments—the three-masted training ship Duchesse Anne (1901), also a designated historic monument, and the barge Guilde (1929) round out this tour. Educational activities are available for children. To gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the port, a sightseeing tour is available by bus or boat, as well as a visit to the Risban Lighthouse.

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The Roger Rodière Museum

Montreuil-sur-Mer

Housed since 1970 in the chapel of the Hôpital des Orphelins, the Roger Rodière Museum of Art and History underwent a renovation and moved in 2009 to the 18th-century Saint-Walloy mansion. The museum aims to showcase Montreuil’s rich history and artistic heritage. In particular, it features an exhibition dedicated to sacred art, whose collections illustrate the immense devotion that has enriched the city’s churches. Visitors can explore pieces of gold and silverwork, Gothic paintings, sculptures, and medieval reliquaries. Through a simple exhibition design, the display invites visitors to explore the museum’s new premises. You can also view numerous paintings by the “Etaples School,” a group of regional painters formed in the 19th century, as well as works by many Anglo-Saxon visitors. The Roger Rodière Museum in Montreuil-sur-Mer offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational workshops to introduce the public to traditional artistic practices and to preserve and promote the rich heritage of this medieval town.

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The Musée de France d'Opale Sud

Berck

Discover our Opal Coast through the eyes of marine artists or even through archaeological artifacts from the coastline. Featuring paintings that capture the spirit of Berck, the museum showcases scenes of shipwrecks, fishing, and the town’s architecture. These paintings are complemented by artifacts from the Gallic period, including jewelry and salt-making tools, some of which date back to the 3rd century B.C. Spanning 700 m² over two floors, this museum showcases the artistic and historical heritage of Berck-sur-Mer, housed in a magnificent traditional red-brick building with a modern interior. During your self-guided tour, you’ll have access to numerous information panels and explanations located near the works, but you can also take advantage of the services of guides who know the collection like the back of their hand. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also features temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of themes and artists.

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The 1939–1945 Memorial Museum

Calais

Located in the heart of the city, in a former blockhouse that once served as a command post for the German Navy, the 1939–1945 Memorial Museum offers a glimpse into the hostilities of World War II through its collections of period photographs, newspaper clippings, weapons, and everyday objects from 1939–1945. Built in 1941, the building withstood Allied bombing raids thanks to its 1.50-meter-thick walls and its strategic location, hidden among trees and ruins. As you explore its 20 exhibition rooms, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the painful history of that era through themes tracing the history of the city of Calais and its region from September 1939 until its liberation in 1944. Audio guides are available free of charge. The museum is fully accessible to people with limited mobility.

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The Abbé Delétoille Museum

Fruges

Abbé Delétoille, a history enthusiast, had collected a wide variety of objects throughout his life during his many travels. A museum located at the foot of the Grand’Place in Fruges—inaugurated in 1983 in memory of this generous man—displays a large portion of his collections of earthenware, brassware, and antique weapons. Born on February 1, 1887, in Preures, Father Nestor Delétoille was ordained a priest on July 12, 1912. In 1914, he was mobilized as a stretcher-bearer on the French front; he then taught for 18 years at Saint Bertulphe Middle School in Fruges. At age 50, he was put in charge of four parishes, where he restored not only the churches but also numerous chapels. He erected 21 Stations of the Cross. In addition to being a hard worker, he was also a great traveler. He made 39 pilgrimages to Lourdes and three to Santiago de Compostela. He also visited Rome, Greece, and Jerusalem. His collections of Christ figures, statues, and candlesticks were impressive (more than 3,000 pieces). He also amassed a large number of ceramics, pewter items, weapons, and artifacts from archaeological excavations, which he displayed in his home on Rue des Fontaines. He died on June 10, 1968. He bequeathed the religious objects from his museum to the Institution Saint Bertulphe and his other collections to the city of Fruges. Located on the first floor of the Boudenoot Foundation, the exhibition hall dedicated to Abbé Delétoille contains more than 600 objects from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. As you tour the exhibition, rediscover earthenware from 30 different regions, pewter dishes, plates, and candlesticks, utilitarian and decorative brassware, weapons, pipes, shoes, and tools that reflect local craftsmanship. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a trip back in time to the city as it was at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to more than 200 postcards and documents on display.

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The Hotel Sandelin Museum

Saint-Omer

The 18th-century mansion, built of Marquise stone, was constructed in 1776 by the Countess of Fruges. Purchased by the city in 1899, the mansion—built in the classical style—was converted into a museum and inaugurated in 1904. It features three thematic sections—Fine Arts, History, and Ceramics—and showcases a wide variety of collections dating from the 11th to the 19th century, displayed across 21 rooms. On the ground floor, the period rooms will transport you back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries through works of art. You can explore the full richness of the Age of Enlightenment, including the prestigious Teil Chaix d’Est Ange collection, donated to the museum in 1921 and 1933. You’ll also find artifacts from the excavations of Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Bertin Abbey, as well as a collection of 2,000 terracotta pipes from the Duménilleurs factory. For history enthusiasts, there is also a room dedicated to archaeology and prehistoric weapons. This charming venue, restored and refurnished in the period style, is accessible to people with limited mobility and also offers workshops for children.

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The Museum of Fine Arts

Calais

Originally located in City Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts is now on Rue Richelieu following numerous relocations. Designed by architect Paul Pamart and inaugurated in 1968, it focuses on local history and ancient art as well as contemporary art, and features sculptures—notably by Rodin—dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as British paintings and photographs. This museum was not spared during the German army’s attack in 1940 and was set on fire, destroying more than 300 paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Poussin, Lebrun, and others… It was subsequently rebuilt, comprising two departments: fine arts and lace. Indeed, it housed rich collections of lace, lingerie, and the machines and tools used in their creation, as well as numerous costumes and accessories. This section of the museum is now housed at the Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode, a restored former lace factory located in the St. Pierre neighborhood. However, you can still visit the rich art collections that await you at the Fine Arts section.

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The Atlantic Wall Museum

Audinghen

Audinghen, with its strategic location, had been heavily fortified by the Germans, which explains the presence of a blockhouse (one of their seven largest fortifications), now converted into a museum. This museum is located 1 km from Audinghen and is easily accessible via signs from Cap Gris-Nez. Inaugurated on January 20, 1942, the battery was very active for the remainder of World War II, firing shells as far as the English coast. Historical reenactments will give you a sense of the harsh life led by German soldiers during that time. The museum primarily features an impressive collection of weapons and uniforms (2,000 items), the highlight of which is a 280-mm German naval artillery gun, one of only 25 built by Krupp in 1942. It is one of the only such guns found in the world. Spread across ten rooms are numerous posters and various types of artifacts bearing witness to the atrocities of this dark period. Next to the museum, the panoramic restaurant “La Sirène” serves as the starting point for several trails exploring the natural environment of Le Cap.

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The Museum of Le Touquet

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Located in a villa built in 1925 in the typical architectural style of Le Touquet, at the intersection of Avenue du Golf and Avenue du Château, is the Musée du Touquet. Inside, there is a magnificent collection of paintings, as well as an entire section dedicated to the history of Le Touquet. The section devoted to painting features a collection of works from the late 19th century. Among the best-known painters of the Etaples School are Eugène Boudin, Fritz Thaulow, Henri Le Sidaner, Jules Dalou, Sarah Bernhardt, and Bourdelle. There is also a collection of works that are particularly representative of modern and contemporary art. Among the notable names featured here are Poliakoff, Vasarely, Debré, Hartung, and Mathieu. The historical section of the Le Touquet Museum contains a wealth of archives related to the Academic Society of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. These archives trace the history of the resort from its origins, including, among other things, a section on sports art and seaside posters. Finally, the museum aims to be an active center and a place for discovering contemporary art through its permanent and temporary exhibitions. With this in mind, it has already hosted contemporary dance festivals and hopes to increase the number of such events to introduce the public to the subtleties of an art form that is sometimes misunderstood.

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The Museum of Drawings and Original Prints

Gravelines

Located in the Château-Arsenal, the museum is divided into sections dedicated to its various collections. The château, dating from 1528, was a former weapons and ammunition depot built by Charles V. As the only French museum dedicated to prints, it explores five centuries of art; each time you visit, you’ll find different prints on display, as the exhibits are changed frequently, and you’ll also find a library with a collection of about 120 books. This vibrant museum offers guided tours, courses, and workshops; on certain days, you can even tour the site’s half-bastion. With its unique collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational activities, the Museum of Drawing and Original Prints is a must-see experience between Calais and Dunkirk.

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Le PLUS, Palace of the Universe and Science

Cappelle-la-Grande

Open since 2009 in Capelle-la-Grande, the PLUS (Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences) welcomes you to its 4,000-square-meter space and takes you on a journey into the heart of the life sciences, Earth sciences, and the universe. Above all, the PLUS aims to be a place for fun discovery and hands-on exploration of science in all its fields (biology, astronomy, physics, geology, etc.). With its permanent and temporary interactive exhibits, the PLUS also offers 3D film screenings in its amazing digital planetarium. Everyone will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of space and discover all its secrets in a thrilling way. From the origins of the universe to new technologies, including major scientific discoveries, the PLUS also focuses on raising public awareness about the future of the planet. It is also a key player in sustainable development. Thanks to the expertise and professionalism of its scientific teams, the PLUS offers an introduction to scientific practices through workshops designed primarily for children but also for adults. Finally, the must-visit gift shop lets you take home a small souvenir of your visit, rich in both excitement and knowledge.

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House of the Icelander

Gravelines

Discover the traditional homes of 19th-century fishermen in Iceland: coal stoves, kerosene lamps… The Icelandic House has been restored to serve as a memorial. Here, you’ll learn how our ancestors lived. The house consists of a hallway, two adjoining rooms, an attic accessed by a steep, narrow staircase, and a small bedroom. At the back, there is a courtyard and a garden.

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House of the Archers

Watten

The Maison des Archers showcases the history of archery using a vertical target pole. Spanning three floors, the exhibition features numerous documents and artifacts that trace the history of this ancient sport, typical of Flanders (both French and Belgian) and the Artois region. But what exactly is it? Armed with a bow and arrows, the archer must knock down “the birds” (small cylinders adorned with feathers) hanging from a grid at the top of a vertical pole (the “perche”) standing 30 meters high.Come meet the giant “Dédé the Archer,” who’s waiting for you there—a treat for young and old alike!

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Maréis

Étaples

In operation since 2001, discover the world of commercial fishermen at the Offshore Fishing Discovery Center. A source of great pride and a testament to Étaples’ expertise, the entire building is dedicated to this profession, which requires tremendous courage and knowledge. Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, your visit will take place in the “Corderie,” a former fishing net factory built in 1921. All guided tours are led by retired fishermen or their families, making each tour unique and fascinating. It’s a fun experience—you can tie your own sailor’s knot or explore the aquariums using an underwater camera. From mollusks to fascinating echinoderms, more than 500 animal species are featured alongside collections of fishing techniques and photographs. Take the helm at the Maréis bridge, a full-scale replica of a fishing boat’s bridge. You can also attend the educational and awareness-raising exhibits, each of which, of course, relates to the marine world. And why not try your hand at cooking at Maréis? The center welcomes you every month to prepare delicious dishes featuring local flavors.

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Dunkirk 1940 Museum

Dunkerque

Battle of Dunkirk – Operation Dynamo This museum is housed in the casemates of Bastion 32, which were built in 1874 as part of efforts to strengthen coastal defenses. Bastion 32 served as the headquarters for French and Allied forces during the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo. The Dunkirk 1940 Museum tells the incredible story of this battle and the evacuation of more than 340,000 Allied soldiers from the “Dunkirk Pocket.”

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Mont de Piété Municipal Museum

Bergues

A jewel of Flemish Baroque art, the Mont-de-Piété in Bergues was built between 1629 and 1633, based on plans by the painter, architect, economist, and engineer Wenceslas Cobergher.The museum is housed in this elegant rectangular brick building with stone trim, windows with low arches, a slate roof with multiple openings, and two richly decorated gables.Listed as a historic monument in 1907, it houses a significant collection of paintings and drawings from the 16th to the 19th centuries, primarily from the Northern schools, as well as a natural history collection. Its centerpiece is “The Fiddler with the Dog,” part of the series of fiddlers painted by Georges de La Tour beginning in 1620. The museum also houses a significant collection of drawings (1,500). The museum is closed from November through the end of April.

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Maritime Museum

Grand-Fort-Philippe

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.

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Jean-Pierre PINCEEL Grape Harvest Museum

Hondschoote

This museum tells the story of a group of friends who one day had the idea—admittedly a bit outlandish—to plant a few grapevines and make wine in the land of beer!The first vintage was more like vinegar, but that didn’t discourage them, and other companions joined this group of friends. Each contributed their skills and did their part through their connections, notably a winemaker from Vouvray—an Honorary Citizen of the City of Hondschoote since 2009—who advised them on planting, pruning, and winemaking.They needed to find a name for this cheerful and friendly team. That’s how the “Les Tastewijn” Association (wine tasters) was born, also known as the “Confrérie des Compagnons du Vin de Flandres.” Thanks to generous donors, they were able to establish the Harvest Museum in the cellars of Hondschoote City Hall. Tours and tastings are available by reservation for €5 per person.

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Rescue Museum

Grand-Fort-Philippe

In this former lifeboat house—now converted into a museum—photos, historical artifacts, and newspaper clippings tell the story of rescue operations, from the first line-throwing cannon and its ring buoy to the modern vessels of the SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer). One lifeboat still stands as a testament to the last rescue missions at sea before Dunkirk took over.