Top 6 things to do in Dunkirk

Are you travelling north and looking for a city where you can enjoy a pleasant stay, where history and culture go hand in hand? Say no more! You know you can trust Navaway, your faithful travel companion. We took a close look at all the towns in the north of France and came to the following conclusion: Dunkerque is an excellent choice. Sure, it’s a long way from the chic streets of Los Angeles, or the Zenith sunshine of the tropical islands, but this town with its rich past has just as much charm as those places. Let your curiosity run riot and discover the six main reasons why you should visit Dunkerque.

What to do in Dunkirk

1. Visit the sites of the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo.

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Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If there are any history buffs among our readers, you should know exactly what we’re talking about by reading the title. The Battle of Dunkirk broke out during the events of the Second World War. The evacuation of the town, more commonly known as “Operation Dynamo”, took place between 26 May 1940 and the early hours of 3 June. It is always important to keep a record of past events, as a reminder to honour the memory of the victims. The visit lasts around 2 hours, and you’ll discover how Dunkirk, a martyred city following the bombardments, became a symbol of hope in the eyes of the whole world.

2. The Saint-Eloi Belfry

Category: €/Cultural

Description: It takes less than an hour to visit the Saint-Eloi Belfry. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a 360° panoramic view. Many visitors like to end their stay with this activity, so captivating is it. Don’t they say that the best comes at the end? The 58-metre-high Saint-Eloi belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire all that Dunkirk has to offer, and even more if you include its surroundings: the beach as far as the eye can see, the bustling city, and the port and its boats. You’ll also have access to the carillon and the panoramic terrace with its 65 steps (don’t forget a bottle of water!). At the top, soak up the history of this unique, historic and emblematic monument, which is seen by the locals as part of the DNA of the city of Dunkirk.

3. The Maritime and Port Museum of Dunkirk

Category: €Cultural

Description: Every town has its own original museum, and for the town of Dunkirk, the place in question would undoubtedly be the Maritime and Port Museum. On the programme, you’ll pass through several rooms, each just as important and interesting as the next: in all, there are 1600 m² of exhibitions on the programme, spanning 4 centuries of history and voyages. Yes, you’ll be going back in time to the very beginning of Dunkirk’s history. You’ll be intrigued by the 500 or so works of art that proudly take pride of place on the walls and tables of the museum: models, videos, paintings… But don’t forget, dear friends, that you mustn’t forget to pass in front of the three boats and the lighthouse, both of which are a highlight of your visit if you want to find out more about Dunkirk. You should allow at least 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours to see the works in their entirety, so you don’t miss a thing.

4. The Beach at Malo-les-Bains

Category: €/Sporty/Gastronomic

Description: Above, we talked about the beach in Dunkirk. From time to time, it’s a good idea to take a break from visiting the city and putting aside all the culture and heritage to take a dip in the calm waters that open their arms to you. The beach at Saint-Malo-les-Bains is a real treat (provided you go there in summer for better temperatures) for those who want to walk along the beach while listening to their best music playlist; or those who want to indulge in a sporting activity such as a game of tennis or windsurfing. Many tourists even claim that this place deserves to be called “the best beach in the North”. After your swim, you can visit one of the small restaurants in the area to sample a local speciality.

5. Dunkirk Aquarium

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Let’s stick to the theme of water, shall we? Situated just 500 metres from the beach, the Dunkerque Aquarium will introduce you to the marine world in depth. You’ll meet several freshwater aquatic species as well as others from all the world’s oceans. You’ll learn more about the history of these mammals and quickly realise that the ocean is certainly the place in the world (after space) where we still have many secrets to uncover. It’s an enriching activity, one that children love and older children will enjoy, surrounded by coral, turtles, seahorses, different types of algae and crustaceans of all kinds… And don’t forget that the vegetation in the pools is some of the prettiest around, so don’t hesitate to immortalise it all with a click of your camera!

6. The Church of Saint-Eloi

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: To finish off our list of the top six things to do in Dunkirk, why not head to the legendary Eglise Saint-Eloi? It’s easily recognisable thanks to its superb, majestic façade that leaves visitors breathless. It’s the kind of place that invites you to reflect and feel serene. You’ll feel like you’re in a haven of peace, broken only by the sound of your footsteps. Isn’t that poetic? This monument, precious as it is, houses the tomb of Jean Bart, a privateer from Dunkirk, famous for his exploits on behalf of France, along with numerous chapels and an organ. This beautiful Gothic-style church, restored since the events of the Second World War, is a must-see.