The Dune Fossile in Ghyvelde traces the shoreline as it was 5,000 years ago. Circular walks and traces of drainage history offer different ways to explore it: you can take in the landscape or learn about water management and local history. Ghyvelde is a destination to discover if you want both nature and heritage to be part of your trip.
Dune and Circular Walk
The Dune Fossile is also defined by its landscape features: it has short-grass areas, lichens, mosses and several lakes. The low-growing vegetation and water add tangible impressions of the character of this natural environment to its geological history.
The Circuit de la dune fossile is a nature trail that passes through a nature reserve and can be visited year-round. It starts at Place du Berck in Ghyvelde. Its features include a constructed path and a broad view of the fossil dune. If you want to make the natural environment the focus of your outing, this circular walk offers a clear connection to the landscape. Check current trail information before setting out.
Water Management and Routes Through the Landscape
Another way to explore the area's history is via the Ringsloot. This elevated ditch was built by Wenceslas Cobergher in the 17th century to drain Les Moëres. The Musée des Pompes displays three pumps that were also used to drain Les Moëres. The ditch and pumps illustrate two different aspects of water management: reshaping the landscape and the technology used for it.
The Route de Cobergher also takes in this landscape. Ghyvelde is a stop on the route, which runs through the dunes and Les Moëres. This offers a different perspective for planning your visit than focusing on the dune alone: the route takes in both landscapes, while the Circuit de la dune fossile is described as a nature trail.
Church and Local Remembrance
The parish church of Saint Vincent was rebuilt on the dune ridge from 1872 onward. During the Second World War, it was 94 percent destroyed and subsequently restored. Its history encompasses several clearly distinct phases: the 19th-century rebuilding, the destruction during the war and the later restoration.
The Stèle du Père Frédéric in Ghyvelde is another form of remembrance. It was built using bricks salvaged from the birthplace of Father Frédéric Janssoone. In the town, you can therefore find different ways of making the past visible: a restored church building and a stele whose building material came from a birthplace.
Plan a Circular Walk and Discovery Outing
The Circuit du Ringsloot et des watergangs starts in Ghyvelde, is 8 kilometres long and takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is accessible year-round. This duration can help you set aside a dedicated block of time for the walk in your day’s plans; it is also a good idea to check current trail information before setting out.
A discovery visit to the Dune Fossile starts at the Parking du Stade Deboes car park in Ghyvelde. The visit introduces unusual fauna and flora and also explores 20th-century history. Dates and booking requirements may change, so check the latest information if you plan to include the visit in your trip.
When looking for a hotel in Ghyvelde, you can first consider what will shape your trip: the natural environment of the fossil dune or the history of drainage and the town. This can help you choose a destination based on the experiences that interest you locally.
Discover more destinations: Bondues, Mons-En-Baroeul, Ennevelin, Bray-Dunes, Louvignies-Quesnoy, Hordain, Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel, Sars-Poteries
View the wider travel overview: Nord.
