Dunkirk’s Town Hall

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, Louis-Stanislas Cordonnier, would later restore it after it was damaged during World War II. It stands on the site of the city’s original town hall, first built in 1233 and rebuilt several times over the centuries as the population grew and fires damaged older structures. The current Town Hall features a striking 75-meter belfry, built from stone and red brick, like the rest of the building. It’s one of two famous belfries in Dunkirk — the other stands opposite Saint-Eloi Church — and both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the center of the façade, you’ll see an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who played a key role in the city’s history. In 1662, he purchased Dunkirk from the English, officially making it part of France. Surrounding him are six more statues of notable locals who left their mark on the city. Inside, be sure to take a look at the stunning stained-glass window by Parisian artist Félix Gaudin. It shows the triumphant return of Jean Bart, Dunkirk’s most legendary hero, after his victory in the Battle of Texel in the 17th century. That battle helped save France from one of the worst famines in its history, thanks to a fleet of grain ships Jean Bart managed to bring back. He was such a formidable opponent that, as legend has it, the Dutch captain he defeated is said to have declared on his deathbed: “My only consolation is to have been defeated by heroes.” Quite a tribute, right? All in all, Dunkirk’s Town Hall is packed with history and beauty — well worth the stop.