Northern Coast's Treasure: The Flanders Dunes

Unesco-designated French Grand Sites, the Flanders dunes stretch across a 15-kilometer coastal strip between Dunkirk and the Belgian boundary. This unspoiled and preserved region, welcoming over half a million visitors annually, has recently been awarded a national shield to conserve its...

, and Administrator

2025 September 11 . 4:21 PM

2 min read

Northern coast's prized gem: the Flanders dunes

Northern Coast's Treasure: The Flanders Dunes

The Dunes of Flanders, a stunning 15-kilometer stretch of sand dunes located between Dunkirk (Nord) and the Belgian border, has recently been granted the prestigious title of a Grand Site de France. This recognition comes from the Ministry of Culture of France through its Grand Site de France program.

Florence Vanhille, vice-president of the Dunkirk urban community in charge of tourism, expressed her pleasure with the labeling, describing the Dunes of Flanders as an exceptional and unique landscape of their territory. The Dunes of Flanders (Nord) join a list of other territories such as the Sanguinaires Islands, the Gorges du Tarn, and the Auvergne volcanoes, all recognized as Grand Sites of France.

This state recognition is a source of pride for locals and a delight for walkers. One regular visitor feels refreshed when they go back home after visiting the Dunes of Flanders. The site welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, with many coming to walk and breathe in the fresh sea air.

The labeling of the Dunes of Flanders is expected to bring new funding for environmental protection and heritage. The new funding is intended for the protection and enhancement of the site, which may lead to increased investment in the protection and enhancement of the site's natural and cultural heritage.

Local residents are delighted about the state recognition of the Dunes of Flanders. The labeling may also attract more visitors due to the potential funding for tourism development. This could further establish the Dunes of Flanders as a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Florence Vanhille believes that the labeling may contribute to the continued growth of the Dunes of Flanders as a source of pride for locals and a delight for visitors. The labeling may help to further establish the Dunes of Flanders as an exceptional and unique landscape, not just for the people of France, but for the world to enjoy.