History of Vauban in Veurne
Have you ever wondered about the striking star-shaped waterway pattern around Veurne? This pattern is not a natural phenomenon, but the result of the fortification works by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633 - 1707). The history of a city plays an important role in the way it looks today and Veurne is no different.
The beautiful green zone that is Vauban park is in fact a remnant of the defensive structures that walled Veurne in the 17th and 18th centuries. Several different fortifications have enveloped Veurne over the centuries. Each of these has left its mark on the city’s street layout. The most imposing fortification was added at the end of the 17th century, when Veurne was incorporated in the so-called Pré Carré, a double defence line of 30 fortified towns on France’s new northern border.
Veurne was part of the first line of defence together with cities such as Dunkirk, Ypres and Lille. Veurne fell to the French as early as 1646. However, the city's occupiers changed regularly in the following years, so it was not until 1692 that the renewal of the city's fortifications to the design of French fortress builder Vauban began and included structures such as bastions, ravelins, moats and ramparts. These city fortifications were completely demolished in 1783 under Austrian Emperor Joseph II. As a result, the only section that remains of the Vauban fortification works is the star-shaped pattern of the Nieuwpoort-Dunkirk Canal to the south of Veurne.
Vauban park today
Nowadays, the Vauban site - to the west of the city centre - is a place where sports, play, tranquillity, nature, and history come together. As part of the European ‘Green Wedge’ project, a green zone was created that spans Sint-Walburga park and Vauban park. History and a natural green environment are at the heart of both city parks. Despite the disappearance of the Vauban citadel, the past is very tangible in Vauban park - in the literal sense of the word, as the slopes and water features in park represent the erstwhile moats and ramparts of the Vauban citadel. The signature features of Vauban park are the natural surroundings, playful character and, above all, a big nod to the past Climb and scramble, rest and enjoy, run and jump, or stroll and have a picnic on a piece of the city’s history.
Vauban II and Marchand
Vauban park was opened in 2015. A natural environment, focused on activity, was chosen for the construction. The same pattern was continued in the Vauban II extension of the park. The existing walking and cycling path was extended, and the addition of various playful benches and green zones create excellent spots for a pleasant moment of peace or a lovely picnic. The results is two parks that fit together as a whole - where sports, play, tranquillity and nature are within reach for every Veurne resident and visitor.
The historical site is given a new, active and contemporary leash of life. The fact we can relax and have a picnic on the playful benches here is partly thanks to Mr and Mrs Marchand. The late Cyriel Marchand (1927-2021) held several political offices throughout his life, including mayor of Veurne from 1986 to 1998.
Art in Vauban park
The very same link between the present and the past that characterises Vauban park is exuded by the artworks here. The park is home to a creation by artist Francesco Fransera. This Belgian artist combines art, architecture and science in his work, resulting in the work entitled ‘Out of (H)arms way’.
The sculpture blends perfectly with its surroundings. It’s location across the walkway creates a gateway into Vauban park, so to speak. It forms a portal into a world where history, tranquillity and enjoyment come together in a natural setting. The narrow side of the work, finished in lead, refers to the use of arms. Like the barrel of a gun. Meanwhile, the unfurling wood structure relates to freedom and biodiversity.
What’s more, the work has dual meaning: ‘Out with Arms’ on the one hand, and ‘Shelter’ on the other. Such themes of war and peace, as well as insecurity and imperfection, are entirely in keeping with the history of the park. The space afforded to military fortification and decommissioning is now a place for free nature and recreation.
Greenery and biodiversity in Vauban park
Vauban park is not only a heavenly place for people to spend some time: a diverse array of flora and fauna also feel at home here, which is abundantly clear from the thriving biodiversity found in the park. This is not a rigorously maintained park with harsh lines. Its charm is the almost overgrown appearance, achieved by choosing ecological plant maintenance and impoverishment management. The result is no fertilisation and nature is virtually given free rein to grow and proliferate. A clever moving schedule promotes variation in flora and fauna. Pruning is only carried out twice a year, to support nature. Alternate mowing of the flowery meadows ensures there is always a habitat for animals and insects while rejuvenating the meadows and encouraging flowering.
The diversity of plants, formed by the various green zones (flowery grasslands, water features, and trees and shrubs) creates the ideal habitat for plenty of species. Green frogs, dragonflies, grasshoppers, beetles and bees are all enticed and attracted to make Vauban park their home. Butterflies also feel right at home here! As well as the common butterfly species, more unique species have already been observed, including the brown argus, clouded yellow and the endangered wall brown. To everyone’s amazement, a mallow skipper has even been observed on several occasions. This was a first in western Belgium. Other butterfly species spotted include: common blue, small copper, small heath, red admiral, peacock butterfly, map, comma, and the painted lady.
Of course, Vauban Park is equally popular with honeybees and solitary bees. These small insects are given a warm welcome at the bee hotel and the bee hall. With success, because the ivy bee is also a regular guest. The unspoilt design of all the greenery and water features also attracts larger animals. Bird species such as the chaffinch, blackbird, sparrow, grey heron, and different tits can all be spotted here, and with some luck you might even spot a kingfisher by the water. Hedgehogs and the rare garden dormouse have found a home in Vauban park too.
