Flanders Opal Coast is a land of conquest: for long the victim of wars and invasions, it is now able to take advantage of its strategic situation to promote its natural, historic and maritime heritage in a manner that is, to say the least, original…

The moats and rampart walls at Gravelines can be seen by pedalo, whilst the world of ocean-going sailing ships is recalled by the famous three-masted Duchesse Anne, the only large sailing vessel open to visitors in France. And on th sea-front in malo, holidaymakers continually wonder at the Art Deco style seaside villas in the resort.


The happy revellers at Dunkerque's carnival are an nnual reminder that even the fishing industry's difficulties cannot dampen their infectious joie de vivre, especially when mayhem breaks out accompanied by the sound of bands.