Calendar of meetings and events

Gravelines

TOURS
“Harlequin, Matelot au Court Cours (Short-Run Sailor)”
Mr. Pantalone, a small ship-owner, would like to recruit a crew to set out for Iceland. Too stingy to find such a team, he is duped by Harlequin, who pretends to be a great navigator, going by the name of Olivier de Kersalaison. Taken in but still a bit wary, Mr. Pantalone asks the musician to spy on the so-called “great sailor”. Harlequin proves to be totally incompetent, and given the criticism of his lovely mother who observes him, he is hastened to the Kingdom of Neptune, the Sea God. Harlequin, following a stay in his kingdom, receives from the divinity, the power to command over fish hooks. When he comes back to earth, he takes advantage of his new gifts to bring Mr. Pantalone and the public into his fishing campaign.
Times: 25, at 3pm and 9pm, Sun. 26, at 10am and 4pm | Limited seats, book at + (0)3.28.51.94.00. Free strolls.

Boat Tours of the Fortifications
This activity enables the public to navigate around the town’s ram­parts in a guided or unaccompanied tour. Exploration of an extre­mely well preserved heritage. Truly unique in France, that of being able to make a complete turn on board the boat.
Times: Sat. 25, from 2pm to 7pm and Sun. 26, from 10am to 7pm | Departure: Vauban Promenade

UNACCOMPANIED TOURS
Guided and unaccompanied tours of Saint Willibrord Church
Times: Sat. 25 and Sun. 26, from 3pm to 6.30pm. Free entry
The Echos et Nouvelles des Rives de l’Aa Association takes pleasure in enabling you to discover the Gravelines church’s architecture and history through its materials, furnishings, etc.

Audio guided tours:
Times: Sat. 25 and Sun. 26, all day long, on hire at the Tourist Office. Duration: 1 hour and 1/2, in French, English and Dutch. | Departure: Tourist Office. | Rate : 4€
Visit of the town and its fortifications, in complete freedom.
Sites Open
Maison de la Mer (House of the Sea), Maison du Sauvetage (House of Lifesaving), Phare de Petit-Fort Philippe (Lighthouse), Prison de Bourbourg, etc.

EXHIBITIONS
“Belfries, from the Renaissance to Reconnaissance”,
from 1st to 30 April With 68 panels, this exhibition has been broken down into several themes: History of the Identity of the Belfries, The Belfries as World Heritage, in different architectural styles, The Damage brought to the Local Belfries, the Reconstructions to which the belfries were entitled, The fun portrayal of the belfries through music, as the bells and chimes ring out, The Festive Flavour of Belfries, on special occasions, in which the belfry often plays a role. It is often the actor for staging, such as for the arrival of Father Christmas, a cake or herring launch, or for a firework display, and more.
Free entry | Location: Maison du Patrimoine (Heritage House), rue Léon Blum, Free entry.
Museum of Drawings and Original Engravings
(03 28 24 99 72)
Times: Sat. 25, from 10am to 6pm and Sun. 26, from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 6pm
Guided tours of this Museum
Times: Sat. 25 and Sun. 26, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm – free entry A History of the Besieged City - guided tour
Location: Salle du Pilier
Engraving History and Techniques
guided tour and prints on presses
Location: Lower level of La Poudrière
François Béalu, The Anatomy of a Landscape
guided tour
Location : Sous sol de la Poudrière
Bread under the Ancient Regime
Location: Bread oven

EVENTS
“Writing of the 14th to the 18th Centuries”
Archives will be presented to the public, above all focusing on prac­tice in order to recognise the written word as well as the writing. An encounter with our written heritage does indeed require curio­sity and a highly active ability to read different alphabets according to the period. Discoveries, demonstrations and practical exercises will abound, in a truly convivial atmosphere.
Ancient document transcription workshop on documents from the Municipal Archives of Gravelines and pen and quill writing from models of alphabets (Gothic, Caroline, etc.) in the presence of Mrs. PECKEU, Lecturer in Palaeography.
Times: Sat. 25, from 10am to noon and from 2pm à 17h | Location: Médiathèque (Media Library)
Ancient document transcription workshop on documents from the Municipal Archives of Gravelines and pen and quill writing exhibition of archives and a detailed presentation of the Archives Department through publications, workshops, etc.
Times: Sun. 26, from 10am to 6pm, within the scope of the Historic Book Fair | Location: Scène Vauban,
Contact, for information: Municipal Archives – Gravelines Town Hall. Tel: 03.28.23.59.00, extension 5412.
7th Regional and Genealogical History
In partnership with the town of Gravelines, the Gravelines Genealogical Association Times: Sun. 26, from 9.30am to 6pm – free entry
Location: Scène Vauban, for all publics
Information: + (0)3 28 23 96 55. Contact Mr. Raymond Gellé on
+ (0)3.28.23.28.76 – raymond.gelle@wanadoo.fr
“Armament in the Middle Ages”
Artisan’s stall: the armourer (tools and introduction to the manu­
facture of arms) Exhibitions on the gun-room: bundles of weapons and helmets and shields, coats of mail and swords
Archery camp: demonstration and introduction to archery and knife throwing Combats with presentations before demonstrations
Times: Sat. 25 and Sun. 26
The Troubadours of Gravelingues
As it is the case each year, actors and dancers from the CAAC Association take part in the weekend dedicated to fortified towns. On the programme are strolls through the covered way and dances in period costumes, Porte aux Boules and the Arsenal.
Times: Sun. 26, from 3pm
Small Train and Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Guided tours on a small train – Departure: Vauban promenade Strolls in horse-drawn carriages in the fortified town – Departure: opposite the Tourist Office
Times: Sat. 25, from 2pm to 6pm et Sun. 26, from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 6pm | Rate: 1 €/pers
Flemish Games of the ‘‘Wellouej’’ Association

TOURIST OFFICE OF THE RIVES DE L’AA (SHORES OF THE AA RIVER) Tel: 00.33. (0) 3.28.51.90.00