Bergues, Bruges of Northern France - city guide

The possibly Merovingian-period Sint-Winoksbergen or Bergues is situated on the two hills of the Groenberg and because of its location formed part of a primitive fortification against the Normans . The city got its name after the transfer of the remains of Saint Winok from Saint-Omer.

The foundation of a Benedictine abbey and its favourable location by the sea for trade made Bergues the scene of many battles and attacks. As a result, it grew into a fortified town, the remains of which are still attractive to visitors today.

The aim of this walk is to visit all the sights , including of course the Belfry, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage , and can therefore be seen as a city guide.

Start at the station where there is also a car park.

We walk via the Porte de Bierne along the ramparts to the Porte de Dunkerque and through the Porte du port to the marina. Along and on the ramparts we arrive at the former slaughterhouse.

We take a short detour to La belle jardinière , a piece that testifies to the abundance of water that was in the city. We continue along the city walls and pass the Tour des Sept Baraques. This is how we arrive at one of the highlights of the walk: the Jardin de Groenberg where the old abbey of Sint-Winoksbergen stood.

We arrive again at old ramparts with a few towers and so at the Porte de Cassel where we enter the city again. At the cattle market, the statue of the Flemish cow bears witness to the history of the Flemish red breed.

On the Place Henri Billiaert the Belfry and the town hall are the eye-catchers. A little further we find the ruins of the old St. Martin's Church with the new church building and tower.

We pass the Citerne militaire again to the ramparts . Passing the Nekerstor, the lair of the monster that scares unwary children, we arrive at the Porte de Bierne and so back to the starting point.

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights on site. It will explain what you will see.

08/2024