Destination: UNESCO!
UNESCO sites and ongoing nominations in the Cross-Channel Geopark Transmanche
The Cross-Channel Geopark, spanning France (Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale) and England (Kent Downs National Landscape), is an exceptional area shaped by millennia of history, stunning landscapes, and a unique geological heritage.
Several sites within the Geopark’s boundaries are already listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or are currently undergoing the designation process. These remarkable places offer abundant opportunities to discover the region’s cultural, natural, and commemorative heritage.
Set out to explore this land of a thousand facets!
🏛 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
🌿 The Audomarois Marsh Biosphere Reserve
Recognised by UNESCO since 2013, the Audomarois Marsh Biosphere Reserve—managed by the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale—is a living landscape where human traditions coexist with exceptional biodiversity. Shaped by generations of market gardeners, the marsh is now a place for walking, exploration, and environmental education.
👉 What to explore: nature trails, traditional “bacôve” boat rides, interpretation centers, and family-friendly activities.
©Isnor
🏰 The Belfry of Calais
This belfry is one of the 56 belfries listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised as symbols of urban autonomy in medieval Europe. Towering over its city, it offers breathtaking views and stands as a proud witness to the region’s civic and architectural heritage.
👉 What to explore: guided tours, educational booklets, children’s workshops, exhibitions, and historical signage.
©Office_de_tourisme_Calais XXL
🏰 The Belfry of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Like the Belfry of Calais, this belfry is also one of the 56 UNESCO-listed belfries symbolising medieval urban autonomy. It commands stunning views of the city and bears witness to the region’s civic and architectural legacy.
👉 What to explore: guided tours, educational booklets, children’s workshops, exhibitions, and historical signage.
©VilleDeBoulogne-surMer
⚰️Wimereux Military Cemetery
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 as part of the “Funerary and Memorial Sites of the First World War” series, this unique place of remembrance stands out for its harmonious integration into the landscape and the horizontal layout of its graves. It is notably the final resting place of Lord Edward Thomas Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
👉 What to explore: guided tours, educational programs, “Springtime of Cemeteries” events, and memorial trails.
©WW1Cemeteries
🔜 Ongoing UNESCO applications
🚶 The Via Francigena
This historic route connects Canterbury to Rome, crossing the English Channel and passing through the diverse landscapes of the Transmanche Geopark. Recognised as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe, it is currently being nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
👉 The Geopark fully supports this initiative, which highlights a heritage of walking, spirituality, geology, and intercultural encounters.
©ViaFrancigena
🏯 Ambleteuse Fort
Built by Vauban at the mouth of the Slack River, Ambleteuse Fort has proudly overlooked the sea for over 300 years. It is proposed as an extension to the UNESCO “Major Vauban Sites Network.”
👉 This strategic site represents the connection between military heritage and coastal geodiversity. Its designation would help protect and better interpret this remarkable place for today’s and future visitors.
©FortD’Ambleteuse
📍 Explore an exceptional territory
These UNESCO sites, whether already listed or candidates, join the Transmanche Geopark in a dynamic spirit of cooperation, networking, and education. Together, they offer a unique journey through diverse heritages, united by a shared goal: to preserve, enhance, and pass on their legacy.
©UNESCO
Credit in order of photos: ©FortD’Ambleteuse ©SébastienJarry @Fabien Coisy ©ViaFrancigena ©WW1Cemeteries ©Office_de_tourisme_Calais XXL ©VilleDeBoulogne-SurMer ©Philippe Hudelle ©Isnor