The students had the opportunity to sail on the “Castelnau” (French aristocrat and soldier who died at the Battle of the Dunes in 1658), a boat which uses the canal between Coudekerque and Bergues, 7.8 km long, created in 12th century by Philippe de Flandres.

Explanations were given by a presenter on the history of the canal, but also on the wateringues system, a network of canals dug to protect the Flemish polder, as well as on the fauna which benefits from this exceptional environment.

The morning continued with a visit to the fortified town of Bergues. The French students gave their correspondents information on the history of the city, linked to King Louis XIV and Vauban, its ramparts, its canals, its cattle market and its belfry listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

The students particularly enjoyed the short boat cruise. They were made aware of the risks that climate change can have on an area developed by man. Thanks to the information given by the French, they were able to understand whycertain towns were fortified by Vauban in the 17th century and why it is important to protect them, in particular thanks to UNESCO.

FR24BV - CAE – Joy Bergues, a heritage town in the heart of the Flemish polder
FR24BV - CAE – Joy Bergues, a heritage town in the heart of the Flemish polder
FR24BV - CAE – Joy Bergues, a heritage town in the heart of the Flemish polder
FR24BV - CAE – Joy Bergues, a heritage town in the heart of the Flemish polder
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