The Phare de Walde was first lit on December 15, 1859. It is visible from Plage des Hemmes de Marck when visibility allows; since June 22, 2022, it has been fully listed as a historic monument. Together with the religious buildings, the lighthouse offers two perspectives on Marck: coastal landscapes and architectural history.
Coast, tidal flats and wind
Plage des Hemmes de Marck lies in a protected natural landscape between dunes, marshland and broad tidal flats. This mix of landscapes is just as defining when choosing a travel focus as the activities on the coast: here, natural surroundings and wind sports can be considered as distinct interests.
Fort Vert complements the nature-related attractions on a larger scale. This 400-hectare natural area lies within the boundaries of the municipalities of Calais and Marck and includes typical North Sea coastal habitats: extensive tidal flats, salt marshes, dunes, brackish-water depressions, marshland and polders. At the beach, dunes, marshland and tidal flats take center stage; Fort Vert adds salt marshes, brackish-water depressions and polders to this thematic perspective. This lets you weigh up whether you are more interested in a specific stretch of coast or a variety of habitats.
Land sailing, kite flying and speed sailing are practiced at Plage des Hemmes de Marck. These activities offer a sporting focus alongside the landscape. The Base de Char à Voile lets you discover the coast by land sailing. Check the tides before visiting the beach. If you plan to visit the Base, you should also check its current operating arrangements in advance.
Lighthouse and architectural history
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes is a subsidiary place of worship in Marck. It was built in 1955–1956 to plans by Charles Parenty, an architect from Boulogne. Its construction took place considerably later than the first lighting of the Phare de Walde, providing another point of reference in the area’s architectural heritage.
Several historical events must also be distinguished in the case of Église Saint-Martin. The former Église Saint-Martin, dating from the 15th century, was blown up in September 1944 during the retreat of German troops. Église Saint-Martin was inaugurated on April 12, 1964, and is fully listed as a historic monument. The dates refer to different events: 1944 marks the destruction of the former church, while 1964 marks the inauguration of Église Saint-Martin.
A different focus at Étang des Dryades
Étang des Dryades has a walking path and a pier for safe fishing. This makes it different from the coast with its wind-based activities: here, the focus is on taking a walk or fishing. If you are planning a visit, check the current access conditions at Étang des Dryades in advance.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-Blangy, Saint-Georges, Carly, Anzin-Saint-Aubin, Troisvaux, Vieille-Chapelle, Maintenay, Samer
For the overview of the wider area: Pas-De-Calais.
