Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
The community of Dunkirk (Dunkerque) in northern France is known for its roles in World Wars I and II, but there’s more to this quiet destination than army and military memorials. Art lovers will find an extensive collection of Flemish, Italian and French paintings and sculptures at the Musee des Beaux-Arts. History buffs will do well to check out the Musee Portuaire, which has exhibits that examine Dunkirk’s past, as well as the background of its famous port.
The Liar’s Tower, Dunkirk Town Hall and Church Saint Eloi are among the place’s top architectural wonders and ever popular Carnival—a yearly celebration between January and March that celebrates fishermen heading out to sea—remains one of Dunkirk’s biggest tourist attractions.
Practical Info
Dunkirk is located 10 kilometers from the Belgian border. It is accessible via the public railway lines in Gare de Calais-WIlle, Gare de Lille Flandres, Arras and Paris.
Trip ideas
- Calais
- Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery
- Todt Battery (Batterie Todt)
- Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille)
- Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle (Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle)
- Hospice Comtesse Museum (Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse)
- Lille Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille)
- Maison Folie Hospice d'Havré
- Lille Old Town (Vieux Lille)
- Museum of the Gunners in Lille (Musée des Canonniers Sédentaires de Lille)
- Grand Place
- Le Fresnoy National Studio for Contemporary Arts (Le Fresnoy Studio National des Arts Contemporains)
- Lille Town Hall and Belfry (Beffroi de l'Hôtel de Ville de Lille)
- Lille Natural History Museum (Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Lille)