Dunkirk evacuation

Dunkirk, the northernmost Francophone city, is situated mere minutes from the Belgian border. The city’s maritime history is rich, marked by whaling, fishing, and trade; the port continues to facilitate passenger transit across the channel to Dover today.

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.

Everything in Dunkirk circles around Jean Bart, the heroic French privateer. His statue, located in the central Place, has survived the destruction of wartime and remains a focal point of the city. It’s surrounded by various shops, including food establishments and the nearby Centre Marine, which features 23 shops.