Top 10 Things To Do In Dunkirk

Day trip or long weekend, family holiday or couple’s cultural excursion, Northern France is a safe bet. With a comfortable, affordable ferry ride separating Dover to Dunkirk, this historical town is readily accessible. Dunkirk still conjures images of war; the sobering words of Churchill linger on the beaches: “we shall not surrender…” Yet, nearly a century on, there is more to see than you might expect in the famous French town. Most tantalisingly, it’s all within reach. A short ferry journey from Dover to Dunkirk and the world (well, France) is your oyster. 

1. Visit the beaches

Naturally, people from all over the world are drawn to the haunting coastline of Northern France due to its rich war-time history. Wrap up warm, grab a coffee and stroll across the sandy plains that seem to stretch on to the horizon. Breathe the sea air and picture the battles fought here.
There is a palpable sense of what happened at this place and the experience can be quite moving, so it is a must for budding historians or those with a fascination with warfare.
In other news, there’s a string of quaint little shops where you can try French classics, such as mussels or French fries, and refresh yourself with an ice cream while kids play on the pedal-karts along the waterfront. 4-seater karts are to be found and this would be an opportunity for making fond family memories.

2. Musée Portuaire

A converted 19th-century tobacco factory now operates as a museum, close to the sea. Housing evocative stories of the past that delve deep into the port’s whaling and cod industries and Icelandic expeditions, expect to be transported back to centuries gone before.
Close by, you’ll spot the 3-mast heritage ships moored at the water’s edge, including the hundred-year-old Duchesse Anne, the only tall ship you can board and explore in France.

Website: https://www.museeportuaire.com/en

3. St Eloi Belfry: UNESCO site

An extraordinary building now stands in place of a 1400’s watchtower. This site has seen many battles and watched the surrounding town burn to the ground, so it has truly stood the test of time. If history and panoramic views are your ‘thing,’ then look no further. Climb all 60 metres to the top and breathe in that fresh Dunkirk air, the smell of freshly baked pastries rising up to meet you from the markets below.

Website: https://www.dunkirk-tourism.com/touristic_sheet/saint-eloi-belfry-dunkerque-en-2899372/

4. Operation Dynamo Museum: Bastion 32

In 1874, just after the Franco-Prussian war, Bastion 32 was built to fortify France’s border. Historically, the Allied Forces’ Operation Dynamo – the plan to evacuate 300,000 soldiers from France – was hatched here in 1940. Today, it is a museum and gallery, sharing everything worth knowing about the incredible operation and the dramatic events of World War 2 that took place locally. If you want to bring those wartime stories to life, it’s well worth visiting.

Website: https://www.dunkirk-tourism.com/things-to-do/dunkirk-1940-operation-dynamo/dunkirk-war-museum/

5. LAAC: modern art

Just across from Bastion 32 you’ll notice an arresting building covered in white ceramic tiles, housing all sorts of modern art and including Warhol’s work. Have a snoop around the sculpture garden in which the gallery is situated and try to make sense of the abstract shapes! Everywhere you look there is something of beauty, intrigue or thought provocation.

Website: https://www.dunkirk-tourism.com/things-to-do/contempory-art/laac-contempory-art-and-action-museum/

6. Experience the carnival

The prime time to be in the town is during the 3 days leading up to Ash Wednesday when 40,000 colourful carnival-goers paint the town red (or glittery pink) in celebration of Trois Joyeuses. People wearing yellow hats and coats parade through the streets and the mayor famously throws smoked herrings into the crowd to commemorate the old fishing trips to Iceland. *Warning: you might smell of fish*

7. Bury your feet: La Dune Marchand

If you’re fond of sand dunes…. Perfect for nature lovers and the conservation conscious, these endless miles of beach and dunes stretch right up to the border of Belgium and support protected wildlife. There are many beautiful birdsongs to be heard amongst the foliage, interesting plants, flowers and animals. This stretch of sand makes the ideal spot to kick off your shoes and doze the afternoon away in the sun after your journey from Dover to Dunkirk.

8. Platier d’Oye