The Belfry was originally built in the 16th century as a fortified watch tower. Dynamited by the Germans in 1940, it was rebuilt after the war. When it was captured by France in 1668, Bergues' old medieval town walls were strengthened and developed by the famous military engineer, Vauban . He channelled the river to make defensive moats round the town. Bergues became part of a chain of forts designed to ensure that France's north-east border lands could not be recaptured.
Local cheese is a speciality.
Reflects the peasant agriculture of coastal Flanders a century ago. Built as a pawnshop to help the poor, it is now the Museum of Bergues.