Visit Dunkerque

September 11, 1917 marks the death of one of France’s most celebrated World War I pilots — Georges Guynemer. He died in Belgium at just 22 years old, but in his short life, he racked up 53 aerial victories and survived eight crashes. Rejected by Read more

This museum offers a gripping account of Dunkirk during World War II — a city devastated by bombings, with 90% of its buildings destroyed. It focuses on one of the war’s most well-known episodes: the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Read more

A real curiosity in Dunkirk, the Hourglass is a symbolic tribute to Operation Dynamo, the massive evacuation that saved hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk’s beaches. This towering hourglass stands as a haunting reminder of Read more

A true symbol of the city, the Dunkirk Carnival takes over the streets for three months each year, peaking during Mardi Gras week. Parades and street parties draw thousands of locals and visitors, all dressed in wildly creative costumes called Read more

Another iconic feature of the city — where there’s a port, there’s a lighthouse! From here, you can admire the Risban Lighthouse, classified as a Historic Monument. At 63 meters tall, it’s the sixth tallest lighthouse in France. Originally, a fort — Read more

Here stands a blockhaus — a World War II bunker made of reinforced concrete, designed to withstand attacks. These were built by the Germans across occupied France, especially along the Atlantic coast, to defend against potential Allied Read more

You’re now on the Allies’ Dike, bordered by the beach and the North Sea on one side and the outlet canal on the other. Built in 1876 to protect the city from sea invasions, the dike now serves as a peaceful path where locals come to walk, breathe Read more

This lovely beach takes its name from a former town, Malo-les-Bains, which merged with Dunkirk in 1970 and is now one of its districts. Stretching across the city and neighboring towns, the sandy beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and Read more

You’re now in the Sculpture Garden, a modern green space that surrounds the Contemporary Art and Action Center — better known as the LAAC. This striking museum, built in 1982 just two years after the park itself was created, is home to Read more

Now, let’s step back in time. Dunkirk’s story begins in the 10th century, when a few fishermen settled along the coast. Unlike many French cities that date back to Roman times, Dunkirk emerged much later. Back then, it was just a tiny hamlet, Read more

A true symbol of this maritime port city, this tower is also Dunkirk's oldest surviving building. Built in the 15th century, it was originally part of the ramparts—one of 28 towers that once surrounded and protected the town. When the Read more

This is one of the most charming viewpoints in Dunkirk — a scene that perfectly captures the spirit of this maritime city. In front of you, the boats docked in the Commerce Basin create a peaceful harbor view, with rows of colorful Dunkirk Read more

Dunkirk’s port is the third largest in France and a key part of the city’s identity. But it wasn’t always such a major player. When it was first built in the 11th century, the port was tiny and mainly used for herring fishing. It wasn’t until the 14th Read more

The grand building you see here, overlooking Charles Valentin Square, is Dunkirk’s Town Hall. It was built between 1897 and 1901 in a magnificent Flemish Renaissance style, designed by the Lille architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier. His son, Read more

Rising 58 meters above the city, the Dunkirk Belfry is a must-see. It’s one of the oldest buildings in town, and if you’re up for a bit of a climb, the top offers a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city and beyond. Originally built in the 13th Read more

Right across the street from the belfry stands Saint-Eloi Church. Originally, the church and the tower were connected, but after a devastating fire, only part of the church was rebuilt — funds ran out before the two could be joined again. The Read more

Here we are in Jean Bart Square, yet another tribute to the city’s most famous hero. In the center of the square stands a striking bronze statue of Jean Bart himself — sword in hand, raised high toward the sky. It’s a powerful symbol of his Read more

You’re now walking through one of Dunkirk’s marina areas. To your left is the Marina Basin, and to your right, the Commerce Basin. The Commerce Basin can host up to 140 boats, while the Marina Basin can accommodate 170. In the 19th Read more

Standing as one of Dunkirk's most iconic sights, the Duchesse Anne is truly something to behold—a towering three-masted sailing ship that holds the distinction of being the largest vessel of her kind in France that welcomes visitors aboard. Read more