Located on the northwest coast of France, Dunkirk is a strategic and charming destination that attracts many visitors. Dunkirk is just a two-hour ferry ride from Dover, making it a perfect getaway for travellers with their own vehicles. The city is also accessible via flights to Lille, followed by a one-hour train ride.
Once in Dunkirk, visitors without a vehicle can benefit from free public transportation throughout the region, with six bus lines running every 10 minutes. This is especially advantageous for foreign travellers, budget-conscious tourists, and large families, saving both time and money while being environmentally friendly.
Gravelines, the fortified town, the beach of Malo-les-Bains, the FRAC, the LAAC, and the Fort des Dunes museum—so many activities are accessible by bus. For the more adventurous, they can take the train to visit the charming town of Bergues, just 5 minutes away, or Esquelbecq, voted Favorite Village of the French.
A destination with unanimous appeal!
Dunkirk is a rich and multifaceted destination, known for its coastal beauty, historic significance, and vibrant culture. Numerous monuments and museums await exploration, including the Maritime and Port Museum, the Saint-Eloi Belfry, and the Dunkirk 1940 – Operation Dynamo Museum.
The region’s culinary specialties are also highly esteemed by tourists, featuring dishes like Dunkirk mussels, smoked fish, or potjevleesch. Local beer is another Dunkirk specialty. Local beer is another Dunkirk specialty.
For nature lovers, Dunkirk offers numerous outdoor activities that require no special budget. Relax on the beach, stroll along the dunes, admire 19th-century architecture in the heart of the city, take a leisurely walk along the port, and enjoy various water sports.
Dunkirk also provides a diverse range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets: campsites for adventurers and families, eco-lodges for those who prefer sustainable tourism, and 4 to 5-star hotels for luxury vacations.
Dunkirk is also a fabulous destination for families, offering multiple activities such as the treetop adventure courses at Fort Aventures, horse riding, and visits to the Bio-Topia animal park. In Dunkirk, children can also learn how to make a kite during a creative workshop—an ideal activity for having fun on the beach. Let’s not forget Galamé Park and the PAarc, which offer fun outdoor and water activities for an unforgettable day!
Emilie Douhi, Head of the Communication Service, said: ‘Our coastline stands out for its tumultuous history, maritime traditions, contrasting landscapes, and human warmth. It is a destination to be discovered all year round, as each season brings its own activities and festive events.’
A strategic hub for exploring beyond Dunkirk
After exploring everything the region has to offer, tourists can expand their visits to other parts of France, thanks to Dunkirk’s strategic location.
- Regional Natural Park of Caps and Opal Marshes: Just 30 minutes away, this approximately 200,000-hectare territory offers a unique palette of breathtaking landscapes, including marshes, hills, hedgerows, and coastline.
- Lille: An hour away by train, Lille is an attractive and charming city to explore. However, staying in Dunkirk offers more competitive accommodation rates.
- Belgium: Dunkirk is only a 20-minute drive from the Belgian border, providing an excellent opportunity to taste the famous fries of our Belgian neighbors.
Dunkirk coastline: the tourist revival
Long neglected due to its industrial character, the Dunkirk coastline has experienced a real revival for several years and now plays the card of multifaceted seaside tourism: natural landscapes, nautical activities, pleasure boating, art, architecture, maritime and historical heritage. Both natural and raw, urban, and rejuvenating, the destination has it all: its towns, its dunes, its port, its 6 beaches, but also its history and its abundance of initiatives that invite all kinds of discoveries. The ultimate destination to maintain a holiday vibe, rain or shine!