FRJB25 PSLL HERITAGE City Tour Gravelines

The challenge for students was really simple: they had a map, some points on it to go and to answer or take pictures of their groups / A. Walk with your group and follow the number of the city trip

B. Answer to the questions about the city of Gravelines (Old powder magazine, Zouave Cody s house, the Mill, Military Cittern, Church)

C. Try to give the answers of the little games: Back to the port, city fortified by Vauban, secret message

D. Take 5 selfies of your group and send to WhatsApp: in the sculpture garden (imitate some statues), in front of the belfry, in front of the door of balls, in front of the canal which goes to the sea, in front of the cittern / E. Answer to the French questions

In 1658, Gravelines fell to the French, and Vauban took charge of completing the work. The city is an example of this military architecture: appointed governor in 1706 who completed the town's external defence with a series of half-moons, counterscarps and glacis, as well as a lock on the River Aa. The stronghold then stood out for its hydraulic system, which regulated the depth of the harbor, cleaned the channel and, in the event of an attack, effectively flooded the outskirts of the town. Those wartime days are long gone. The fortifications are part of the town's historical heritage. It was a real occasion to refind the atmosphere of that period.
Louis XIV commissioned Vauban to draw up a definitive plan for the town, which was to be implemented over several decades. It was

Vauban who designed the famous “Pré Carré”: an “iron belt” of star-shaped fortified citadels to protect the new borders of the

Kingdom of France from the Spanish Netherlands.

The students enhance their historical awareness of French heritage. They learn to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity, thus fostering tolerance and respect for different ways of life. Additionally, they have the opportunity to think critically about the significance and context of what they observe in an unfamiliar city environment. Through activities like reading maps and following directions, they improve their sense of direction and space orientation. Moreover, appreciating the architectural heritage and natural beauty of the old city center creates a sense of responsibility for its preservation and conservation. It was not so easy to find the answer of the questionnaire but it was a good opportunity to share discussions.