In France, Berg was once an ordinary fishing commune, which was not particularly popular. But one day the area fascinated painters with its landscapes, stunning beaches and clean air. And now Berg (France) attracts with its climate, the beauty of European streets and historical sights.
General information
Berg is a city in France, which is located in the region called Hauts-de-France, Nord department, canton Cudkerk-Branche. It is located ten kilometers south of Dunkirk and fifteen kilometers west of the Belgian border.
The population of the town is almost four thousand people. All people communicate not only in French, but also in Flemish (the reason for this lies in historical origins).
The name itself has Flemish roots and translates as "green hill". The Dutch translation varies slightly and means "Mountains of the Holy Wine". The locals call their native side the Other Bruges in Flanders.
The moderately warm maritime climate of the city of Berg (France) pleases. Thanks toregular rainfall, the area does not suffer from drought, and the air here stabilizes the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
History
The beginning of the existence of Berg (France) is associated with the first century. Legend has it that the son of the Breton king named Saint Vinok decided to isolate himself from everyone on the hill. The same place later became a shrine
In 882, Count Baudouin II of Flanders began building fortifications as the Normans were encroaching on the territory. The successful defense left the area in Flanders' hands. Forty years later, Baudouin the Fourth founded the Church of Saint Vinok, which later became the basis for the construction of the monastery.
The city developed thanks to the presence of the abbey and proximity to the sea. In 1240, Berg (France) received the status of a city, and the townspeople embodied their independence in the creation of a bell tower. A good geographical location has had a great effect on the trade sector. The town served as a port and textile center of the regional level. The wool that was made helped keep Berg afloat and maintain his own autonomy.
City Fall
But still Berg failed to maintain an independent status. Already in the sixteenth century, the territory was besieged and conquered by Alessandro Farnese. In 1668, the First Treaty of Aachen resulted in the port Berg becoming part of France. But this did not benefit the city, because Dunkirk overshadowed all the potential.
Further events only spoiled everything. The bombings of the two world wars destroyed about eighty percent of the city. From once beautifulbuildings, only ruins remain. The remaining monuments help to return to the past and feel the we alth of Berg.
But it's not all bad. Since the twenty-first century, the city has regained its former popularity. The filming of the French comedy La Beaver (2008) played into the hands of its inhabitants. In the film with good humor and in all colors they show the townspeople, their unusual accent and way of life. So, Berg in France became a kind of bridge between a good comedy and interested tourists.
Attractions
Despite the terrible events of the last century, some of the heritage of past centuries has remained in good condition. Therefore, the list of "mast-si" includes:
- The bell tower. This building survived invasions, fires, and bombings. On July 16, UNESCO classified the building as a World Heritage Site. Carillon melodies can be enjoyed on Mondays or holidays.
- Earth ramparts that stretched for more than five kilometers. A majestic medieval building designed by Sebastien le Pretre in the seventeenth century.
- Abbey Saint-Vinoc. Or rather, what is left of it is two towers and a marble portico. But here you can turn on your imagination and design the scale of the monastery yourself in your thoughts.
It is also worth visiting the monument to the “Grieving Widow”, or in translation “Marianne all alone”. This woman lost her husband and four children during the plague and, despite her condition, helpedother sick babies to be cured.
The described city should be visited in order to meet real life. Here you will not be able to see skyscrapers and neon signs, but you can easily feel the sincere people and the difficult history of a small European town.
