Between the Platier d'Oye nature reserve and the fortified town of Gravelines

Friendly greeting from a sailboat in the Aa Channel, seen from the Gîte Bouteille at sea

Photograph taken from the Gîte Bouteille à la mer (located in Grand-Fort-Philippe), capturing a lively scene on the Aa channel. A white pleasure boat, with three men on board, lists slightly as it passes nearby. Two crew members, visibly cheerful, wave friendly to the photographer located in the gîte. The man at the bow, in a red jacket, observes the scene. The background is marked by the long jetty of Gravelines (Petit-Fort-Philippe) which runs along the beach. This image perfectly illustrates the friendly atmosphere and the privileged view of maritime activity offered by a stay at the Gîte Bouteille à la mer, an ideal vantage point on the mouth of the Aa.

Grand-Fort-Philippe Rescue Museum (Former Shelter House)

Inaugurated in November 1937, this building on stilts was the former lifeboat shelter, located on the Aa channel. Today, it presents, through photos, old objects, and press articles, the history of sea rescue, from the first line-throwing cannon and its seat buoy to modern SNSM boats. The red brick structure with its stepped gables is accessible via a wooden footbridge where birds can be seen.

Entrance to the Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve

Photograph of the entrance sign to the Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve, a famous protected area on the Opal Coast coastline. A wading bird, typical of wetlands, perches on the top of the post, illustrating the site's ornithological vocation. The Platier d'Oye, located between Gravelines and Oye-Plage, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, its dunes, its wetlands, and its numerous species of migratory birds.

Meeting of two sailboats in the Aa channel

Photograph taken at the level of the Aa channel, illustrating the coexistence between maritime heritage and modern pleasure boating. In the center, a traditional dundee with ochre gaff sails crosses a modern sailboat with white sails, both sailing in the channel between the jetties of Gravelines and Grand-Fort-Philippe, with the beach and the sea in the background. This scene symbolizes the diversity of nautical practices and the friendly atmosphere of the coast.

View of Gravelines Beach and the DC 951 sailboat from the Gîte BouteilleAlamer

Photograph taken from the first floor of the BouteilleAlamer cottage, offering a view of Gravelines beach (Nord, France), a seaside resort on the Opal Coast between Dunkirk and Calais. In the foreground, a traditional Dundee, registered DC 951, with a black hull and ochre sails, sails on a slightly choppy sea. In the background, Gravelines beach is bustling with kitesurfers. The seawall and the beach's characteristic kiosks are visible, structuring the horizon. The scene illustrates the coexistence of traditional and modern nautical pleasures, observable directly from the cottage.

Explore the Gravelines Ramparts from the Gîte Bouteille A la Mer

Stay at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge, near the Platier d'...

Stay at the Bouteille A la Mer gîte, near Platier d'Oye, and explore the exceptional historical heritage of the Gravelines ramparts, an architectural gem of the Opal Coast.

A thousand-year-old fortified heritage
From your Bouteille A la Mer accommodation, easily reach the ramparts of Gravelines, witnesses to the strategic history of this fortified town. Philippe and Thierry of Alsace were the first to fortify Gravelines in the 12th century, taking advantage of its strategic position at the mouth of the Aa River.

The legacy of Charles V and Vauban
During your visits from the gîte, discover how Charles V rebuilt the old county castle in 1525, creating a citadel ahead of its time. Later, Vauban improved these fortifications, constructing various military buildings that now house the prestigious Museum of Drawing and Original Prints, unique in France.

Remarkable defensive architecture
Explore the ingenious defensive systems from Bouteille A la Mer: the castle entrance through a gate framed by two horseshoe towers, the bomb-proof vaulted tunnel, the powder magazines, and weapons rooms. These architectural highlights make Gravelines an exceptional heritage site on the Opal Coast.

The famous Porte aux Boules
Admire the Dunkirk Gate and its advanced gate adorned with pyramidal balls, a remarkable example of 18th-century defensive art. This unique decorative design illustrates the evolution of fortification techniques, easily accessible during your walks from your cottage.

An exceptionally preserved ensemble
The entire Gravelines fortifications and its water-filled moats still exist and are open to the public. The 1756 relief map, preserved at the Lille Museum of Fine Arts, testifies to the magnificence of these fortifications, which you can explore from Bouteille A la Mer.

Your preferred cultural base
The Bouteille A la Mer cottage offers you the ideal location for exploring this UNESCO heritage site and the architectural treasures of Gravelines. Between the unspoiled nature of the Platier d'Oye and the historical richness of the ramparts, experience an exceptional cultural stay.

Book at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge and explore the Gravelines ramparts, a remarkable military heritage site on the Opal Coast.

Discover the Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve from the Bouteille A la Mer Gîte

Stay at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge and easily explore...

Stay at the Bouteille A la Mer gîte and easily explore the magnificent Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve, located between Calais and Gravelines on the Opal Coast.

Guided walks every Tuesday
From your Bouteille A la Mer accommodation, you can join the guided walks organized every Tuesday in this 400-hectare nature reserve in just a few minutes. Whatever the weather, these tours allow you to discover the exceptional richness of this natural space.

Remarkable wildlife to observe
During your outings from the lodge, you can observe the Scottish cows that naturally maintain the reserve's 391 hectares. These animals, resistant to cold and humidity, contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem, easily accessible from Bouteille A la Mer.

Exceptional flora and botanical discoveries
Nature guides will introduce you to an exceptional flora with more than 360 species of flowers. Learn to recognize ragwort and its properties, discover the edible plants around you, and build your own "nature market" during these enriching walks accessible from your cottage.

A birdwatching paradise
The reserve is home to over 230 bird species, making Platier d'Oye a prime destination for birdwatchers staying at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge. Each season offers different sightings in this natural sanctuary.

Unique sensory experience
These hikes become true sensory journeys where "from land to sea there is only one step." Discover seaweed and its uses in our daily diet, explore the hidden treasures of this wild coast.

Your preferred exploration base
The Bouteille A la Mer lodge offers you the ideal location for regularly exploring this exceptional nature reserve. Take advantage of the proximity to join the Tuesday walks and discover the secrets of this preserved natural heritage.

Book at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge and enjoy the unique experience of the Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve, right on the doorstep of your accommodation on the Opal Coast.

Discover the Port of Gravelines from your Bouteille A la Mer Gîte, near Platier d'Oye

Discover the Port of Gravelines from your Gîte Bouteill...

Discover the Port of Gravelines from your Bouteille A la Mer Gîte, near Platier d'Oye
Stay at the Bouteille A la Mer gîte, ideally located near Platier d'Oye, and explore the Gravelines Marina, the third largest marina on the Opal Coast after Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Three exceptional pools to explore
The port of Gravelines consists of three remarkable sites totaling 430 berths. The Bassin Vauban, anchored in the heart of Vauban's historic fortifications, has 200 moorings, 25 of which are reserved for visitors. Protected from the winds and located 4 kilometers from the channel entrance, it houses the port offices, the "Au Cap Compas" restaurant, and all essential services.

Modern and accessible facilities
Anse des Espagnols, located near the seaside resort of Petit-Fort-Philippe and its historic lighthouse, offers 78 moorings on three floating pontoons. The Quai des Islandais, in a preserved natural setting, completes the ensemble with 152 moorings and a magnificent view of the Vauban ramparts in the background.

Labels of excellence and international recognition
Gravelines boasts the prestigious "France Station Nautique 4 étoiles" label and the "4 Ancres d'Or" certification from the Yacht Harbour Association. This international recognition attracts many European boaters, particularly from the Netherlands and Belgium, who make Gravelines a popular tourist stopover.

Your gateway to discovery
From the Bouteille A la Mer lodge, near Platier d'Oye, easily explore this exceptional port. Between the unspoiled nature of the nature reserve and the maritime bustle of Gravelines, enjoy a unique stay combining heritage and modernity.

Book at the Bouteille A la Mer lodge and discover the treasures of the port of Gravelines from your accommodation near Platier d'Oye.

🏊 Gravelines Nautique: Channel + Beach + PAarc de l'Aa Exceptional nautical territory accessible from the Gîte Bouteille A la Mer

filmé avec un drone dji phantom et une gopro hero3 silver sous un vent léger.