Heading towards the North Sea

The central square in Lille, a favorite gathering spot, showcases architectural styles from the 17th to the 20th century and features the Goddess statue, honoring the city's resistance against the Austrian siege in 1792. The Old Stock Exchange, built between 1652 and 1653 and considered the town's most exquisite structure, consists of 24 small houses surrounding an arched courtyard, where a second-hand book market and chess players are often found. The Grand Garde building, historically used to accommodate soldiers from the sentry guard, now serves as the Théâtre du Nord.

The Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's richest museums due to its extensive permanent collections, is housed in a grand building completed between 1885 and 1892, exemplifying the monumental architecture of the late 19th century. Renovated in 1997, its 22,000 m² space showcases prestigious European paintings by artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and Delacroix, alongside significant 19th-century French works, a vast collection of drawings including 40 pieces by Raphael, a sculpture gallery featuring Carpeaux, Rodin, Claudel, and Bartholdi, as well as ceramics from the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, the museum presents an impressive collection of 18th-century relief maps of fifteen fortified towns in Northern France and Belgium, historically used by French Kings during wars.

This post mill was built in 1629 by the Saint Pierre Collegiate in Cassel. It was destroyed by fire in 1911 and was never rebuilt. Thirty-seven years later, the Brande Staeckmeulen from Arnèke was purchased from its former miller and reconstructed on the site of the Casteelmeulen, a prominent peak in the Monts de Flandres with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Damaged by a severe storm in 1978, it was restored by the city with the help of ARAM Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Since 1992, it has been producing flour, distributed to visitors in small packets. The mill is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments.

These old-fashioned cafes, which enjoyed their heyday in the 19th century, are being revived today, much to the delight of food lovers and epicures. Culinary specialties with unpronounceable names, wooden furniture, traditional games, abbey beers... To ensure the authentic spirit of these inns, the Estaminet Flamand® brand was created, bringing together about fifteen ambassador establishments.
The Kasteelhof, meaning 'the castle inn' in Flemish, owes its name to the castle upon whose foundations the building is constructed. The location was wisely chosen, as this splendid vantage point offers a view of the Flemish countryside stretching 80 kilometers. Indeed, a strategic location! Approaching it, one can sense the strong regional attachment and identity that permeates this small village. Flemish flags in the gardens, a yellow and black façade for the inn: there's no doubt you're about to taste not cassoulet or sauerkraut, but rather a medley of Potjevleesch, carbonade, or endives au gratin. Equally hearty, but decidedly more local.

Before continuing your journey, enjoy the tranquil view of the surroundings from the observation deck.

The belfry, a symbol of both civic freedom and the city itself, stands as the third construction on its site. Originally built in 1112, over 900 years ago, it was first destroyed in 1383. A second belfry, erected in the late 14th century and often hailed as "the most beautiful belfry in France," was demolished during the last world war. Reconstructed for a third time in 1961, it retains the silhouette of its predecessor. Since 2005, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Housed in a converted 19th-century tobacco warehouse on the quai de la Citadelle, the Musée Portuaire showcases collections that provide an intriguing glimpse into the life of a major port, blending historical and modern viewpoints.
Adjacent to the museum, three vessels are anchored: the Duchesse Anne, a three-masted ship; the Sandettie lightship (both recognized as historic monuments); and the Guilde barge. These ships enhance the museum experience on the quayside, allowing visitors to deeply engage with the maritime world of sailors and boatmen.

Begin your journey in Dunkirk at Place du Mink, where you'll find several quaint shops and fish restaurants in close proximity, offering the opportunity to purchase the freshest seafood catches.

In Dunkirk's historic center, within a royal square crafted by Vauban, stands a statue erected in 1845 by sculptor David d'Angers. This statue depicts Jean Bart, the renowned Dunkirk pirate who was knighted by Louis XIV.

The Dunkirk belfries, including the Saint Eloi Belfry and the City Hall Belfry, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For a spectacular view of the city, ascend to the top of the Saint Eloi Belfry and enjoy a panoramic vista over the town. Originally built in 1440 as the bell tower for Saint-Eloi church, it became a separate structure after a devastating fire in 1558. The belfry's bells, located on the fifth floor, were renovated in 2009 and now include a 50-bell carillon that animates the town every fifteen minutes with melodies like "la Cantate à Jean Bart" and "Talire Taloure". Begin your historical journey with an elevator ride to the bells, followed by a climb of sixty steps to the viewing platform. At 58 meters high on the Terrace, a toposcope displays photos of Dunkirk's key monuments and cultural sites.

Prior to checking into your hotel, take a stroll through Dunkirk to experience its historic areas, delve into the fishermen's lifestyle, and book a table at one of the numerous restaurants in the area to sample the unique flavors of local cuisine.