Batterie de Zuydcoote, Military fortress in Leffrinckoucke, France.

Batterie de Zuydcoote is a coastal fortress built entirely from yellow brick that sits naturally within the dune landscape of northern France. The structure contains gun casemates and fortified positions arranged to defend against sea approaches.

The fortress was built between 1877 and 1878 as part of France's coastal defense strategy to protect Dunkirk from naval attacks. It formed one element of a larger system of defenses positioned along the northern coast.

The fortification shows how military structures were integrated into the local dune landscape rather than dominating it. Visitors can observe the original firing positions and lookout points that shaped how soldiers lived and worked within these brick walls.

The site is freely accessible on foot through the dunes or along the beach; there is no entrance gate. Many buildings are in poor condition, walled up or filled with sand, so watch your footing. German bunkers on the beach have been torn from their foundations by sea erosion.

The battery was repeatedly adapted to new artillery: in 1913 its four 19 cm guns were replaced by heavier 24 cm pieces. During the German occupation it served as Batterie Malo Terminus within the Atlantikwall, and concrete bunkers were added, some of which now lie on the beach, torn from their foundations by sea erosion.