A day in Bergues
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A day out in Bergues

The fortified town of Bergues is perhaps most famous for the filming of ‘Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis’ (or ‘Welcome to the sticks’), a 2008 French comedy film directed, co-written by, and starring Dany Boon.  Much of the shooting took place in Bergues and you can follow a guided tour to visit some of the sites, such as the belfry , the post office and the house of ‘Mrs. Bailleul’.

However, Bergues is also a beautiful, walled town and its bell tower, which possesses 50 bells is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a beautiful view from its roof.

A day out in Bergues

Bergues is just 40 minutes from Calais, so it’s a perfect place for a day trip to France or for a first stopping point if you’re driving through France.

I recently spent a day there, but it was so bitterly cold, that although I visited a few of the sites, my hands were too numb to take many photos!

Bergues
Bergues

 

Bergues
Bergues

So first, a little about Bergues, which is situated in the ‘Nord-Pas-de-Calais’ region and which is nicknamed  “the little Bruges of the North“, thanks to its canal. As mentioned above, it grew in popularity after the release of the 2008 film ‘Bienvenue chez les ch’tis’ (for those who do not come from Northern France, a ‘ch’ti’ is a slang term for a northerner). If you have seen the film, there is one scene that sticks in my mind, where Danny Boon is driving up from the South of France, and when he gets to the signpost for the North, the previous blue sky turns black and its starts raining heavily (chucking it down!)! As this invariably happens when I drive up from the South, it always reminds me of this scene! Today, however, the sky remained a beautiful blue, but it was freezing cold!

If you have seen the film, then you may want to follow the ‘ch’ti’ guided tour (See here for more details).

So, for a little history – Bergues was founded on a small hill and took its name accordingly – groene berg” means “green hill” in Dutch. The town was fortified in 885 to protect itself from the Vikings, and the relics of Winoc, a Patron Saint who converted the region to Christianity at the end of the 7th century, can be found at the Saint Winoc Abbey.

A few of the things to do in Bergues are:

Visit the belfry

The belfry is the most well-known attraction and a good starting point for a visit, as the tourist office is housed here. You can also pick up the tourist train here, which gives a guided tour to start your visit to Bergues.

The belfry was classified as a historic building in 2004 and, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.  There are fifty bells which are rung on Mondays (market day).

The belfry itself is open Monday to Saturday (from 10 am to 11:30 am and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm) and on Sundays and public holidays (from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 3 pm to 5.30 pm from April to October.). To visit the bell tower, you have to go up 193 winding steps,  which I didn’t do, but I have been told that the view from the top is well worth the effort! Next time maybe…..

Take a walk around the ramparts

A day out in Bergues

The fortified enclosure of Bergues has been preserved in its almost totality, and you can walk all the way round starting from the belfry. You enter the ramparts just before the ‘Porte de Cassel’ then follow the circuit round until you arrive back at the ‘Porte de Cassel’.

The Ramparts, Bergues

On the way round, look out for the old abattoir, the lock gate, the canal, the various gates and towers and Saint Winoc’s abbey.

 Visit Saint Winoc’s abbey 

St Winoc's Abbey, Bergues

The Benedectine abbey of Saint Winoc was built on the highest point of the town by Count Baduoin IV in 1022 on the ruins of the old monastery to house the bones of Saint Winoc.

The abbey was subsequently destroyed in 1789 during the French Revolution and only the marble gate and two towers (the square and the pointed tower) remain on the land, which is now a public garden. The majority of the photos were taken on this site.

Visit the town centre 

Bergues

Inside the walls, you will find the town hall (‘mairie’), as well as St Martin’s church, the belfry, and of course, the gardens of Saint Winoc’s abbey. You can just see the church in the background of some of the photos.

Stop for lunch or dinner

Le Bruegel Bergues

One of the best known places for lunch in Bergues is “Le Bruegel“, which is also one of the oldest properties in Bergues. You can find it in the Rue du Marché aux Fromages, by the side of a canal bridge. This inn or tavern dates back to 1597 and specialises in flemish cooking, served by staff served in period dress (16th century clothes).

You can find more details, photos and the menu here.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about A day out in Bergues.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,

 

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With love,

116 Comments

  1. It looks like a gorgeous little place, you look stunning too… I love the scarf! You have a really lovely blog here by the way, keep up the amazing work lovely lady! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Adele! It’s one of my favorite scarves!

  2. A great post and some interesting hot spots to visit. You look beautiful too! Really do like your scarf.

    Laura xo
    http://www.shehearts.net

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Laura xo

  3. Jecky says:

    This looks so much like the perfect weekend getaway! Gosh, I need to do summin like that myself soon 🙂 Hopefully in an outfit as stylish as yours!

    XX from Germany
    Jecky

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Aw, thank you so much Jecky! 🙂

  4. Yana says:

    What a beautiful place. You look amazing. 🙂

    http://www.lifeofardor.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Yana 🙂

  5. Cynthia says:

    Thanks for the guide! Looks like a lovely little space! Love that plaid scarf too cutie, scarfs are such a fun accessory…. hope that you have a great night girlie, and a wonderful weekend.

    xx,
    Cynthia

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Cyn! Glad you enjoyed the post xo

  6. What a beautiful city. Beautiful blue skies. Great history!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Idu! Hope you had a great birthday xoxo

  7. Angelie says:

    Such a majestic place! Love the architecture <3

    Angelie

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I love the architecture too xo

  8. love your outfit!
    xoxo
    style frontier

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xoxo

  9. Filipa Jackson says:

    I love this gorgeous scarf

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Filipa! Me too xxx

  10. You look gorgeous my love, I love your scarf xxx
    https://yukovablog.co.uk/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Yuliya xx

  11. Floortje says:

    Looks like you had a lovely time!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, I did, thank you xx

  12. Bergues looks absolutely gorgeous!! I love everything about your outfit!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Courtney xoxo

  13. Loving that gorgeous scarf, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ashley! I love it too xoxo

  14. Patinka says:

    looks like a fantastic day
    xoxo
    Patinka

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, it was fun xoxo

  15. Natallia says:

    Superbes photos! On dirait qu’il a personne la bas…
    Bonne journee,
    Natallia

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Merci Natallia! En effet, il n’y avait pas beaucoup du monde! Je pense qu’il faisait trop froid! xo

  16. Gretch says:

    Oh my goodness, everything looks so grand, it reminds me of those movies about knights and castles. The ambiance, the structures, everything looks like it belongs to an old country with rich cultures and history. I would love to visit Bergues someday! I’ll definitely include it in my bucketlist.

    – Gretch

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Gretch! Hope you visit one day! xo

  17. I loved this post! Your style is gorgeous and this place looks amazing 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  18. Hillory says:

    Sounds like such a fun day! Also, super cute outfit for travelling babe.

    xo,

    H

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xo

  19. I looks wonderful there! The bell tower is amazing, and I love your look too! The Burberry scarf is so chic!
    Happy Monday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Vanessa! The bell tower is a definite landmark and a good place for photos! xoxo

  20. I’m not at all familiar with Bergues, so this was an interesting read! I like learning of different cities in other countries that aren’t so tourist-y because it I think it makes for a better experience with less people and you get to explore a place that’s less known or popular before it actually hits the radar, thanks to social media! Thanks for sharing your experience with us, beauty, these photos are gorgeous! I hope you have a great week ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jalisa. I’m glad you found it interesting xo

  21. Such a great post and beutiful outfit:)

    https://venswifestyle.wordpress.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  22. Stephanie says:

    All the pictures are awesome really like it all

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  23. this looks awesome 🙂 thanks for sharing!

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you for reading 🙂

  24. Camila says:

    You look absolutely fabulous girl, I love your entire outfit and that place looks gorgeous!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Camila xo

  25. wow you always visit the prettiest places Julia! i’m jealous! take me with you next time haha. love your outfit! xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sharon! I would love to visit the places you go to around LA!! xo

  26. Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee ~ says:

    Lovely photos ❀

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  27. Wow!! You look beautiful dear <33 lovely photos 🙂
    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xo

  28. Siffat Haider says:

    Wow, Bergues looks amazing! I love this simple and chic look too!
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Siffat xo

  29. kenza says:

    This seems like a nice daytrip to do 🙂

    Kenza

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, it was fun 🙂

  30. wow love this blog post- scarf is amazing!!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  31. Natalie @ Passport Out Asia says:

    Love your outfit!! Perfect for the day out!

    Natalie

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Natalie 🙂

  32. Nati says:

    This is such a beautiful place! Really love your scarf, super trendy 😉
    Nati xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Nati 🙂

  33. Bergues sounds like a such a cute little town! Your photos are beautiful! I love your winter layers!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Jill! Bergues is a really pretty town xo

  34. MimaMochi says:

    Thank-you for sharing so much history about this beautiful town. Definitely a place to keep on my radar when I visit France. Omg and how good are French comedies? I love them so much and will definitely have to watch the one you mentioned.

    Adrianna xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Adrianna! I must admit I had doubts about the film, but I really loved it! xx

  35. I absolutely adore your outfit!!!
    Much love, Hadasah
    http://www.styletolove.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hadasah xo

  36. Lola says:

    Great photos .)

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  37. You took amazing pictures and loving the outfit.
    Lippie143.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xo

  38. This looks like the perfect spot to enjoy the weekend! Hope you’ll had the best time! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Susanne! xx

  39. I love how you dressed for your day out in Bergues. That Burberry scarf is such a classic print, I love how you styled it and mixed prints with your leopard bag! I hope you have a lovely weekend babe!

    xoxo
    Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rina! I love this Burberry scarf! xoxo

  40. what a cool place to be!

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, it was a fun day out! xo

  41. Marta Carvalho says:

    Bergues looks like a beautiful place!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, it is very beautiful 🙂

  42. Thanks for sharing a little history and photo tour of Bergues! You would never guess it was so cold in your photos! Your lace skirt is so pretty, love the red and black!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Carrie! It was a beautiful day, but soooooo cold!! xo

  43. Tamara says:

    What a cute and charming place!

    XoXo,

    Tamara

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, it’s really pretty! I want to go back in the Summer when it’s a bit warmer to walk around and explore more! xo

  44. Lucrezia Candelori says:

    This place looks so cute, and I’m totally in love with your Whole look!

    Love,

    Lucrezia ♥

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Lucrezia! Hope you’re having a great week so far xo

  45. MOLLY says:

    Wow! You lucky girl you! Not only do you look amazing but I want to go here ASAP! Looks so beautiful, just like you!

    Keep smiling!
    Molly

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Molly! Hope you’re having a great start to the week xo

  46. What a wonderful post! I have never visited here but would love to. So quaint and peaceful is the vibe I’m getting. Love your Maje coat with it’s leather details!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kathrine! It’s one of my favourite coats xoxo

  47. Neha says:

    Wow…absolutely gorgeous photos luv..! Bergues is very beautiful and amazing place indeed….Kisses, NEHA

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Neha! Bergues is very beautiful xo

  48. Violette says:

    It looks so nice and beautiful, plus the sun was out! I hope you had a great day!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Violette! The sun was out, but it was still freezing! xo

  49. Rosy says:

    I really loved this post, I’ve never even heard of Bergues before but it looks really pretty, I’m currently looking up the menu from Le Bruegel too 🙂

    Rosy

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rosy! Let me know if you ever come to Bergues 🙂

  50. What a gorgeous town, and landscapes! :love all the photos of the abbey and cobblestone roads. You look so chic in that black coat , burberry scarf, and perfect leopard bag!
    Thanks for sharing this!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Elle! xx

  51. The scenery and old historic buildings are so beautiful.
    LaToya
    http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you LaToya, I love historic buildings – so much more aesthetically pleasing than modern ones! xo

  52. I would like to see the bell tower in Bergues, I would love to hear those 50 bells chime through the town, it sounds magical. I like the pop of print with your animal print bag.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mary! The bell tower is very impressive!

  53. I’m impressed by your trip. Wonderful! So much new touristic experience. And you look great and relaxed! Nice time!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Lana! It was just a day trip but it’s still a nice break! xo

  54. I’ve never seen the movie but it sounds like you had a lovely time there! You managed to see a lot and you got some nice photos.

    Your outfit looks cosy too with the scarf and the black coat 🙂

    Away From The Blue Blog

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mica! 🙂

  55. It’s a beautiful city and I love the images you captured. I look forward to more pics when u return in the summer. Lovely scarf, you look lovely!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Idu! Hope you’re having a great start to your week xo

  56. Wonderful post and pics!
    Have a nice week-end!
    Gil Zetbase

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Gil xo

  57. Your scarf is amazing!!!

    X Merel

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Merel x

  58. Sharon says:

    That looks beautiful! I’m lucky enough to get to visit France a couple of times a year, but unfortunately I haven’t been to Bergues yet. I should definitely check it out! It looks like you had a great time 🙂 You look pretty and stylish as always too!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sharon! 🙂

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