Host city of the FISEC-FICEP Games 2023
Third port in France and hometown of the famous privateer Jean Bart, Dunkerque (Dunkirk) boasts a rich maritime history. The port museum, situated in a former tobacco warehouse, presents the history of the port of Dunkerque. Three boats can also be visited: the three-master Duchesse Anne, the barge Guilde and the lightship Sandettie. After visiting the museum and strolling along the quays of the Bassin du Commerce, a boat trip is a good way of exploring the port and its different installations.
Besides this port heritage, Dunkirk has two belfries that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: on Saint-Éloi church and the town hall. The Fine Art Museum houses painting collections of the Flemish, French, Dutch and Italian schools.
Dunkerque played an important role in the Second World War history. The Dunkirk evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo, was the evacuation of more than 338 000 allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkerque between 26 May and 4 June 1940.
As well as these many places of interest, relaxing is also on the agenda – on the beautiful fine sand beach of Malo-les-Bains, nicknamed the “queen of the northern beaches”.
Every January and February, the famous Dunkerque carnival livens up and brings colour to the streets of the city.
