Ultimate Dunkirk Travel Guide: Explore History and Attractions

Dunkirk is famous historically for Operation Dynamo, the mass evacuation of allied soldiers in May 1940 when Britain and the Allies seemingly faced defeat from the Germans. However, the town has a lot more going for it. With an excellent Port Museum, good contemporary art, a wonderfully long seafront with restaurants and bars looking out onto sandy beaches, and some excellent events throughout the year, Dunkirk is certainly an attractive destination. In addition, there are memorials and reminders of World War II both in Dunkirk and the surrounding countryside, which adds to its appeal.

Fast Facts

France’s 3^rd largest port after Le Havre and Marseille.
In Nord Department, part of Nord Pas de Calais.
Population: 191,173.
Gateway to French Flanders.

Tourist Office

The Belfry
Rue de l’Amiral-Ronarc’h.

Getting to Dunkirk from the UK

I traveled from Dover to Dunkirk with DFDS Seaways. They have regular sailings daily throughout the year for cars and passengers. The trip takes about 2 hours, and fares start from £39.

From Calais, it’s a 30-minute drive via the A16, taking exits 54-62.

By Rail

There’s a train service from Lille Europe station that takes approximately 30 minutes.

By Bus

Buses from Calais-Ville Station take around 30 to 40 minutes to reach Dunkirk.

Getting Around

The local bus service is efficient, with buses departing from the bus station (DK Bus Marine, pl de la Gare, tel.: 00 33 (0)3 28 59 00 78). The free summer shuttle bus, known as the Etoile de Mer, leaves from the Port du Grand Large and runs along the Digue de Mer to Malo-les-Bains. Additionally, there is a regular bus service to Malo-les-Bains all year round from Place Republic.

Dunkirk, Its History and Its Famous Local Hero

In the 11^th century, Dunkirk was founded as a fishing port where the all-important herring was the main catch. The town’s strategic position in the North Sea and its proximity to the rich region of Flanders led to it changing hands several times: in 1659 it belonged to the English, and in 1662 it was reacquired by Louis XIV.

Dunkirk has always flourished as a port, with herring and later cod-fishing off Iceland bringing wealth to the town. This tradition is celebrated every year with a notably vibrant Carnival that runs from January to March. This wealth led to an expansion of the town; in the 19th century, affluent citizens showcased their prosperity by building charming Art-Nouveau style villas along the coastal stretch from Dunkirk to Malo-les-Bains.

World War I saw Dunkirk under attack, yet it was during World War II that Dunkirk experienced significant destruction. The Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo, the large-scale evacuation of allied soldiers in May 1940, led to substantial devastation as the German army targeted the town. The citizens suffered greatly during this time, ultimately leading to Dunkirk being the last town in France to be liberated, on May 10, 1945.

Top Attractions in Dunkirk

Begin your explorations with the 58-meter-high Belfry (Beffroi St-Eloi, same address as the Tourist Office located on the ground floor of the belfry). It’s remarkable that this is one of the few buildings in Dunkirk that wasn’t destroyed in World War II, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the 13^th century and enhanced during the 15^th, this structure serves as the town’s watch tower. Visitors can access the tower via a lift and then climb 64 steps to appreciate a stunning view over the town and the harbor. Admission costs €3, and it operates Monday to Saturday from 10 to 11:30 am and 2 to 5:30 pm, with hours slightly adjusted on Sundays and holidays.

Just opposite, St-Eloi’s church is worth visiting for its exquisite stained glass windows and notable Flemish paintings from the 16^th and 17^th centuries, including the grave of Jean Bart, who was reburied here in 1928.

The Port Museum (Musée Portuaire) is an essential stop for families. Housed in a former tobacco warehouse opened in 1869, it showcases a fantastic collection of ship models, period films, panoramas, and interactive exhibits that vividly depict Dunkirk’s colorful history. Outside, three historic ships that form part of the museum can be explored along the quayside, including the Duchesse Anne, a square-rigged training ship from the German Merchant Navy, and the Sandettie, the last French light-ship.

Port Museum Information

9 quai de la Citadelle
Website
Open daily except Tuesdays during French school terms from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 to 6 pm.
From July to August, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Admission: adult €6; Floating museum boat tours adult €7.50.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Similar to many museums across France, the Fine Art Museum has an impressive collection featuring notable Flemish, Dutch, French, and Italian paintings and sculptures spanning from the 14^th to the 20^th centuries, including Corot’s A Dune at Dunkirk. Moreover, there is a dedicated room for Jean Bart, showcasing his death mask of the English King James II who died in exile in France in 1701.

Musée des Beaux-Arts Information
Pl de General de Gaulle
Open daily except Tuesdays.

Modern and Contemporary Art in Dunkirk

Dunkirk offers a surprising range of modern art with both prominent museums located in the same area of the town.

LAAC (Lieu d’Art et d’Action Contemporaine) is located in a sculpture park overlooking Dunkirk beach in the Pont Lucien-Lefol section, featuring engaging temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection that includes various works from the 1940s to the 80s, such as Car Crash by Andy Warhol. Additionally, there is a notable graphic arts collection.

LAAC Information
Jardin des Sculptures
Website
Open daily except Mondays. Extended hours are available during April to September on the 3^rd Thursday of each month.

FRAC (Regional Collection of Contemporary Art), located a few minutes away, showcases international works of art and design. This space emphasizes new art by up-and-coming artists while also addressing contemporary issues like globalization and sustainability.

FRAC Information
503 Ave Bancs de Flandres
Website
Open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 6 pm.

Dunkirk’s World War II Sites

The Tourist Office offers a well-designed map, information, and a trail leading to major World War II sites, including Operation Dynamo Sites.

Where to Stay and Eat in Dunkirk

The Tourist Office can assist with recommendations for accommodation. Known hotel chains operating in Dunkirk include B&B Hotel near the station, Ibis, and Formula 1 (hotel f1), located just outside the main center in St Pol-sur-Mer.

The Hotel Borel is conveniently located near the Port Museum, offering 48 comfortable and conventionally decorated rooms with good bathroom amenities. A breakfast is available, although there’s no on-site restaurant. Prices start around €97 per room for two people.
6 rue l’Hermite
Website

The Apart Hotel Dunkerque offers modern accommodations in the university district. It features 126 apartments ranging from studios to family-sized units, adequately equipped for longer stays. Additional amenities include a good breakfast, a sports room, and an outdoor terrace. Prices start around €62 per night.
Quai Freycinet
1 avenue de l’université
Website

Restaurants in Dunkirk

Along the seafront, consider dining at one of Dunkirk’s finest restaurants. Comme Vous Voulez is located at 58 Digue de Mer, offering delicious dishes with a view of the sea. A popular choice is their €28.50 menu for those who want a selection of options. The venue operates daily for lunch and dinner from July to August and during other months, except Wednesdays and Sunday evenings.

In the heart of the town, southeast of the Bassin de Commerce, L’Atelier de Steff (3 place Jeanne d’Arc) is another local favorite, offering a regularly changing menu or fixed-price meals priced at €30 for a three-course experience.

La Cambuse is an enjoyable, local bar and restaurant set in a transformed shipping container, combining industrial style with great food. The menu features basic fare including hamburgers and local specialties, and there is a commendable beer list. Keep an eye out for special events like karaoke nights, located at 25, Rue du Gouvernement.

Brasserie L’edito is a bustling, large glass-fronted restaurant situated in what was once Le Corsaire. Its menu boasts a range of options from fish soup and smoked salmon to generous salads, pizzas, hamburgers, and regional dishes, accompanied by reasonable pricing and a solid beer selection, located at 97 entrée du Port, Place du Minck.

Where to Shop in Dunkirk

La Cremerie la Ferme is the premier cheese shop to visit, offering over 300 varieties, including the noteworthy local Bergues cheese, a cow’s milk cheese washed in beer for three weeks.
22 rue Poincare
59190 Dunkirk.

Aux Doigts de Jean Bart, Patisserie Vandewalle boasts great recognition as the best-known patisserie in the region. For over a century, the Vandewalle family has specialized in cakes, biscuits, pastries, and the famous Jean Bart fingers, finger-shaped cakes filled with coffee cream and coated in chocolate.
6 rue du Sud
59140 Dunkerque
Website: www.auxdoigtsdejeanbart.com

Outside Dunkirk
Le Grenier du Lin is situated just outside Dunkirk in Hondschoote (2 rue des Moëres), specializing in linen products made from flax sourced from local farms. The shop features a good selection of clothing, gifts, household linens, and soaps.

For supermarket essentials, visit Auchan, located outside the center at 40 Rue de l’Ancienne Rn 40, 59760 Grande-Synthe.

Dunkirk Markets
Dunkirk hosts a weekly market in the town center on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Moreover, don’t miss the annual flea market (brocante), which occurs on Ascension Day in May or June, showcasing around 1,000 stalls throughout the city center.

Events in Dunkirk

The Dunkirk Carnival lasts for nearly three months from January to early March. This vibrant celebration focuses on fish and fishermen, dating back to the 18^th century as it precedes the fishing expeditions to Iceland for cod.

Tour de France à la Voile is another significant event, launching in Dunkirk and circumnavigating the coasts of France, concluding in Nice.

October: 1^st Weekend: Oyster Festival.

October: Last Weekend: Wine and Beer Festival.

For more details, check with the Tourist Office.