Dunkirk
Introduction
You will find Dunkirk situated in the Nord department of northern France along the coast of the North Sea. Located just a short distance from the Belgian border, this port city serves as a significant maritime hub.
Before you go
Before you arrive, understand that Dunkirk's name originates from the Dutch language meaning "Church of the Dunes." You will find an industrial city with a deep history rooted in its role as a fortified port and its extensive maritime infrastructure. While the local West Flemish dialect is no longer spoken by the general population, you can still hear linguistic tidbits from the local fishermen who code-switch to Flemish when selling fish. Additionally, many locals possess a rudimentary knowledge of English.
Getting there
You can reach Dunkirk by sea via car ferries departing from Dover, though these vessels do not accommodate passengers traveling on foot. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to the port of Calais, which accepts foot passengers and is located a short distance away by road or rail.
Train travel options include high-speed TGV lines from Lille, Lens, Arras, and Paris, as well as local TER trains arriving from nearby towns like Calais. If you are traveling by car, the A16 motorway connects Dunkirk to locations such as Amiens, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and the Channel Tunnel, while the A25 provides access from Lille. For those arriving by plane, the nearest airport is located to the east in Belgium; because of the Schengen Agreement, you will not encounter passport control when crossing the border into France.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using the local public bus system, which provides a convenient way to travel between different areas.
Where to stay
Since no specific accommodation details are provided in the source material, you can find your way to a local lodging option once you arrive in Dunkirk.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors of Dunkirk, which closely resemble Flemish cuisine. You can enjoy traditional dishes such as coq à la bière, featuring chicken in a creamy beer sauce, or Potjevleesch, a selection of white meat including veal, pork, rabbit, or chicken cooked and preserved in jelly flavored with juniper berries.
What to see and do
Explore the maritime history of the region at the Port Museum, which offers a look into the nautical world from both historical and contemporary perspectives within a former 19th-century warehouse. You can also visit the Operation Dynamo 1940 Museum or see the local art in the sculpture garden at the LAAC Museum of Contemporary Art. For those interested in heritage sites, the Saint-Éloi church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience the local culture through these activities and landmarks:
- Walk along the Malo-les-Bains dike to enjoy the view of turn-of-the-century villas while eating an ice cream.
- Stroll along the seawall on a Saturday evening to experience the atmosphere of the nearby bars.
- Attend a soccer match at Stade Marcel-Tribut, located on the east river bank.
- Witness the local Carnival tradition, which features grand balls, street performances by bands and orchestras, and large colorful parades featuring wicker mannequins and a fisherman-themed orchestra.
Three days in Dunkirk
Day one, you can begin your journey in Dunkirk by exploring the local history and maritime heritage. You can visit the Port Museum to learn about the area's past, including its role during Operation Dynamo.
Day two, you can travel through the Nord region of France. You might take a train from nearby cities such as Lille, Lens, or Arras, or consider traveling from Paris via high-speed rail or local lines to reach the coast.
Day three, you can enjoy the coastal atmosphere near the North Sea. While exploring the area, you can savor traditional flavors like Potjevleesch and take in the scenery of the dunes and the surrounding Flemish landscape.