Dunkirk is located 10 km from the Belgian Flemish border on Norden sea and is the third-largest port in France. It was the site of a battle during World War II between the Allies and Nazi Germany, which was depicted in a film Dunkirk released in 2017.
Although it has a population of 88,876, the city feels somewhat deserted and there aren’t many tourists; only an occasional curious visitor can be seen on the streets. The city exudes history, with all the buildings from past times having preserved their authentic style. The city boasts a rich historical heritage, evident in its architecture and museums. It also features several notable cathedrals, among which Église Saint-Éloi and Le Beffroi de Saint-Éloi are particularly renowned.
The most famous museums in Dunkirk include:
Musée Portuaire (Maritime Museum): Located in the old tobacco warehouse, it showcases Dunkirk’s maritime history and exhibits related to shipping, fishing, and boat-building.
Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts): Known for its collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, ranging from the 16th to the 20th century.
Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo (Dunkirk 1940 Museum – Operation Dynamo): Dedicated to the history of Dunkirk during World War II, particularly focusing on the evacuation of British and Allied troops in 1940.
Malo Les Bains beach left the biggest impression on me. It’s a sandy beach that stretches for about 4 km. Beautiful and spacious, it captivates you with its expanse, cleanliness, and turquoise sea. The beach is perfect for water sports, long walks, and relaxation. Despite the weather conditions not being ideal for swimming, with summer temperatures sometimes not exceeding 18°C and the wind occasionally strong and chilly, it doesn’t diminish the beauty of this beach. Another advantage is that it’s nearly deserted, allowing you to enjoy peaceful walks while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea, completely forgetting everything around you.
Along the promenade, you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars. The most famous specialty is mussels with French fries and other seafood dishes. From the promenade, you can turn into several streets, each with its own charm, as all the buildings have retained their original appearance. As I made my way back through the narrow streets towards the city center, the city appeared almost deserted, with few people to be seen. The streets were remarkably clean, and the architecture defiantly preserved its original style, even in renovated buildings. In the central area, it was slightly more lively, particularly with the pleasant weather I experienced. Several outdoor cafes were bustling, yet it was a departure from the bustling scenes typical of suburban areas.
Dunkirk seems somewhat forgotten by tourists, which I find quite appealing. This provides a unique opportunity to enjoy leisurely walks along the beach and through the city streets that narrate the history of the place.
