Dunkirk, a port city between history and an immense beach
Welcome to Dunkirk, famous for its port, its carnival and its role during the Second World War, Dunkirk is a dynamic city facing the sea.
A port full of history and activities
Dunkirk has always been a leading maritime city. Its Port Museum, located in a former tobacco warehouse, traces the history of the city and its port through an impressive collection of models, navigational objects and archives. Several historic ships can be visited, including the three-masted Duchesse Anne, the largest sailing ship that can be visited in France, and the lightship Sandettié. The Saint-Éloi Church, emblematic of the city center, is home to the Belfry of Dunkirk tower, listed by UNESCO. From its height of 58 meters, the panoramic view of the city and the North Sea is spectacular.
A high place of remembrance of the Second World War
Dunkirk was a key theatre of the Second World War, particularly during Operation Dynamo in 1940, a mass evacuation of Allied troops under German bombing. To understand this historical episode, a visit to the Dunkirk 1940 – Operation Dynamo Museum is a must. The Memorial of Remembrance, near the port, completes this historical immersion by presenting testimonies, period objects and reconstructions of the evacuation.
A popular seaside resort in the North
Dunkirk is not just about its port and its military past: it is also a coastal town where it is good to relax. The Digue de Malo-les-Bains, nicknamed the "queen of the beaches of the North", stretches over 7 km and offers a vast sandy beach ideal for swimming, walking and water sports such as sailing and sand yachting. Lined with Belle Époque villas and restaurants offering seafood, it is the perfect place for a break in the sea.
The Dunkirk Carnival, an unmissable event
Every year, the Dunkirk Carnival transforms the city into a colorful spectacle. Between noisy parades, traditional songs and the famous herring throwing from the balcony of the Town Hall, this popular festival is a unique experience in France.
Where to sleep in Dunkirk?
Whether you are on a historical visit, on a seaside vacation or on a business trip, Contact Hôtels welcomes you in comfortable and well-located establishments to take full advantage of this city between land and sea.
