With its low-hanging clouds, sandy beach, and carnival, one of the most famous in France.
However, it would be reductive to confine the city of the famous corsair Jean Bart to these stereotypes! To start, take in the view from above by climbing to the top of the belfry to admire the expanse of tiled roofs and gaze out at the North Sea.
This city, whose initial development revolves around its port – the third busiest in terms of traffic in France to this day – bears the marks of a tumultuous past: successively Flemish, Spanish, and then English, it has maintained its attachment to France since 1662. A fortress for many centuries, it was severely affected during World War II, suffering destruction to the tune of 70%!
Despite this, the city was bravely rebuilt, joining forces with the charming Malo-les-Bains and facing the economic fluctuations associated with its fragile industrial structure. Dunkirk finds its outlet in the joyful festivities of its carnival, which for two months from mid-January, colors the city with a festive and convivial atmosphere.
While the dunes remain one of the city's prides, inviting visitors to explore them all the way to the Belgian border, its cultural offering, though diverse, often goes unnoticed. In addition to the port museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the architecture of the Excentric quarter, designed by François Reynaert in the 1930s, or opt for a tour to discover the Malouine villas, these Art Nouveau or Art Deco gems built as early as 1870 by the seaside.
After visiting the "cathedral", as this former boat repair workshop now housing the FRAC is called, or strolling at the Laac to discover contemporary art, sometimes enigmatic, a walk is a must in the Grand Large district, developed on the former shipyards.
It would be a shame not to make a detour to Bergues, long before it was in the spotlight thanks to the film "Welcome to the Sticks", this charming medieval town nestled behind its ramparts. Once satiated with art and history, head to the beach! And there, like children, let yourself be carried away by carefree jumping into the "bâches", these water pools forgotten by the outgoing tide!
