Travel Guide Dunkirk

In the Hauts-de-France region, you'll find Dunkirk, a city in northern France that harmoniously combines heroic history, culture and a powerful maritime life. This travel guide invites you to discover a destination with a tumultuous past. Dunkirk is world-famous forOperation Dynamo, a landmark episode in the Second World War. In 1940, the town was the scene of a miraculous evacuation of over 300,000 Allied soldiers. The Musée Dunkerque 1940 - Opération Dynamo offers a striking immersion in this historic event. This bravery and resilience are an integral part of Dunkirk's identity.

France's third-largest port, it is a destination rich in maritime history and cultural traditions. The Port Museum, housed in the former tobacco warehouse, details the history of the port and exhibits three remarkable boats: the three-masted Duchesse-Anne, the barge Guilde and the lightship Sandettie. Boat tours offer a unique perspective on the port and its facilities. Dunkirk boasts two Unesco World Heritage-listed belfries, theEglise Saint-Éloi and theHôtel de Ville, as well as theMusée des Beaux-Arts, rich in works of European art. The beach at Malo-les-Bains, the "queen of northern beaches", invites you to relax and enjoy water sports. With its "Family Plus" label, Dunkerque offers a range of sporting, leisure and cultural activities for everyone. The destination is complemented by a downtown shopping area and the Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences, a space dedicated to scientific discovery.

Get off the beaten track and join in the festive tradition of the Carnaval de Dunkerque, a colorful, exuberant celebration rooted in the city's history! Dating back to the ^17th century, this tradition has its origins in the parties given by shipowners for their sailors before setting sail. Today, Carnival transforms the city into a whirlwind of music, dance and dazzling costumes, creating lasting memories for visitors and locals alike.

Dunkerque's extensive beaches and wild dunes offer exceptional panoramic views of the North Sea. The FRAC Grand Large, with its avant-garde architecture, is a major cultural hub, presenting exhibitions of contemporary art. For nature lovers, the Platier d'Oye National Nature Reserve is a haven for observing local flora and fauna.

Finally, savor Dunkirk's gastronomy, a sublime reflection of its maritime history. Seafood such as mussels and prawns are a must. The estaminets, or traditional bistros, offer a warm atmosphere in which to enjoy local dishes accompanied by a regional beer.

Dunkirk is a surprising and enchanting destination. Its heroic past, its living traditions, its natural and cultural attractions make it a place to discover and rediscover. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of popular festivals, a nature lover or a gourmet, this tourist guide to Dunkirk promises a rich and memorable experience, with the best restaurants, hotels and sites not to be missed.