DunkirkMainland France · France

All About Dunkirk

A wonderful town on the northern coast of France, Dunkirk is famously known for Operation Dynamo. A military and civilian operation during World War II, it consisted of the mass rescue of over 300,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches and port of Dunkirk. The city’s name comes from the Flemish words dun and kerke and means ‘church in the dunes’. Originally a fishing village, Dunkirk enjoys a strategically important location. Near the port of Calais, it lies alongside the Strait of Dover, a short distance from the United Kingdom. Taking a ferry to Dunkirk is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets

While the French city of Lille is 80km away, Belgium is less than 20km from the center. Dunkirk is also the birthplace of Jean Bart. A French privateer, nobleman, and commander under Louis IV, he is a beloved local hero. Massively rebuilt after WWII, present-day Dunkirk is a laidback holiday destination for the entire family to enjoy.
 

Routes and Ferries to Dunkirk

A favorite route to reach Dunkirk is via boat from Dover. There are 12 sailings a day offered by DFDS that cover the two-hour journey from the UK to France.  Ferry bookings for the same can be made effortlessly through Ferryscanner. Fares for ferry tickets to Dunkirk, for a passenger with a car, range from €80 to €260 depending on the vehicle’s model and the time of the year.

If flying into the country, tourists can land at Lille Airport, situated 85km from Dunkirk. Alternatively, Brussels Airport caters to more international airlines and is 160km from the city.

Railway connections to Dunkirk are possible through Lille and Calais. While the latter has trains coming in from Paris, Lille welcomes high-speed local and international services from London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and several French cities. Driving to Dunkirk from elsewhere in Western Europe is fairly simple, thanks to the well-marked roads.
 

Port of Dunkirk

Port of Dunkirk is the third-largest in France and an important maritime hub for commerce and tourism. As a cargo port, it caters to numerous industries, many of which have their factories in surrounding areas. The port takes over 17km of the coastline, with two entry points for ships to approach.

Since only one passenger ferry company presently operates at the Port of Dunkirk, the process of embarking and disembarking is smooth and straightforward. This is also why travelers often prefer to purchase ferry tickets to Dunkirk rather than to the busier port of Calais. The ferry terminal has a restaurant, toilets, and other basic amenities. There is direct highway access from the port, which is 25 minutes away from the train station. Buses and taxis regularly run between the terminal and the city center.
 

Best Beaches

Once the site of the most daring evacuation in WWII, the beaches of Dunkirk today are pleasant seaside getaways with activities aplenty. From tranquil beach walks and exciting windsurfing possibilities to waterside attractions for the entire family, there is excitement and amusement galore whenever the sun is shining in Dunkirk.

Plage de Malo-les-Bains

As a 4km long ‘evacuation beach’, Plage de Malo-les-Baines holds great historical significance. Additionally, it is a favorite local beach in Dunkirk with its broad sandy disposition, shallow sea ideal for children to play, water sports opportunities, and lifeguard facilities during the summers. Moreover, the promenade along the coast has cafes and restaurants where you can relish local delicacies while the playground keeps the young ones happy. Other facilities at Malo-les-Bains include showers, toilets, and beach cabins.

Plage du Braek

Tourists who prefer offbeat locations should plan for a beach day at Plage du Brake. Twenty minutes by car from Dunkirk, this dog-friendly beach is near a steel industry. As a result, many decide not to venture out here, keeping its wild, unkept appeal intact. While unsupervised, the beach is safe for families. Ice-cream trucks often park alongside the dunes offering a soothing respite on a hot day.

De Panna Beach

Why only visit one country when you can easily take a day trip to another? De Panna is 22km from Dunkirk and an excellent chance to enjoy Belgian beachside hospitality. An active beach with shops, cafes, lifeguards, and bike rentals, De Panna is especially bustling over warm weekends. The neighborhood is particularly of interest for having several sculptures and architecturally pretty houses. Furthermore, the beach transforms into a mini theme-park with Ferris wheels, bouncy castles, trampolines, and other kid-centric rides during the summer break.

Plage du Petit Fort Philippe

Even though the beach is close to a nuclear power plant, locals still recommend Petit Fort Philippe for a day in the sun. Located in the town of Gravelines, the beach is a 30-minute drive from Dunkirk. A vast open space with cabins, it stays uncrowded all year round. The water starts further into the distance, providing sunbathers with an ample expanse to enjoy land-based activities. Beach-goers can further admire scenic panoramas of the surrounding region by climbing the 166 steps of the adjoining decommissioned lighthouse. The ticket price for the lighthouse is €3.

Zuydcoote Beach

A must-visit beach in Dunkirk, Zuydcoote is a 15-minute drive from the center. A broad sandy strip that goes on for miles, bordered by dunes, it is much-favored by kite surfers. When visiting the beach during low tide, you get to observe shipwrecks from Operation Dynamo. Among them is the wreck of paddle steamer ‘Crested Eagle’, a boat badly hit while it tried to carry 600 soldiers off the beach.
 

Things To Do

When looking into things to do and places to see in Dunkirk, invest in the City Pass. Available for 24, 48, and 72-hours, the pass costs €16, €23, and €30, respectively. With the City Pass, tourists have access to 20 Dunkirk attractions, including the Zoo, the Tourville shipyard, and the Fort des Dunes.

Take the Dunkirk Battlefield Tour

Ever since the release of Christopher Nolan’s iconic film Dunkirk, the Battlefield Tour includes historic and memorable scenes from the movie. The two-hour guided excursion highlights many aspects of Operation Dynamo by stopping at evacuation beaches, a German bunker in the East Mole, the paddle steamer Princess Elizabeth, and the British Memorial and Cemetery. This private tour is one of the essential things to do in Dunkirk.

Visit the Belfry

Since Dunkirk was severely damaged during WWII, the Belfry is among the city’s few remaining ancient monuments. Built-in the 13th-century, the Belfry is part of the Saint-Eloi Church, towering over the city at the height of 58 meters. Visitors can take a lift to the bells on the fifth floor of the tower and then climb the 64 steps to the terrace for €3. The 360-degree views from the top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are unbelievably stunning.

Go Museum-Hopping

Similar to other popular French towns, Dunkirk is brimming with a variety of cultural institutions and galleries. Musée Dunkerque 1940 displays weapons, vehicles, maps, and uniforms from Operation Dynamo. FRAC is the city’s museum of contemporary art with over 1500 paintings and installations displayed in two glass buildings. LAAC is Dunkirk’s most colorful space, housing over a thousand modern and pop arts like Andy Warhol’s Car Crash. Lastly, before using your ferry tickets to Dunkirk to head back to Dover, step inside the Harbor Museum near the port. This interactive and educational museum consists of model exhibits, three ships visitors can board, and a lighthouse, making it the perfect family attraction.

Party during the Dunkirk Carnival

First started in 1676 to honor the fishermen, the Dunkirk Carnival is a stimulating time to be in the city. The event extends from January to March and consists of costumed parades, dancing, and all-around partying. The carnival’s eccentric nature is on full display when, instead of beads, the mayor of the city throws herring to a crowd of thousands assembled below the City Hall.

Shop at the Weekly Markets

The weekly markets in Dunkirk are set up every Wednesday and Saturday. Besides retail therapy and bargain buying, tourists should use this opportunity to savor local food that resembles traditional Flemish cuisine. From roast chicken and fresh strawberries to delicious seafood, there is something for every palate. The annual flea market of Dunkirk on Ascension Day has over 1000 stalls and attracts visitors from near and far.
 

Transportation Around Dunkirk

The free bus service makes it easier for tourists to save significantly on local transport when staying in Dunkirk. Five bus lines cover various neighborhoods of the city, with buses frequently running throughout the day. Furthermore, there is a free bus to and from De Panna in Belgium. When arriving using ferry tickets to Dunkirk, passengers can take a free shuttle from the port to the seaside resort of Malo-les-Bains. If desiring a bit more freedom, look into renting a bike. Dunkirk has several bicycle paths and stands in and around the city center, which in itself is easily walkable.

Taxis typically park outside tourist spots and the port or are just a quick phone call away. Travelers planning an extended vacation here usually rent a car. This way, they can explore other towns along France’s northern coast via day trips from Dunkirk.