Dunkirk

Introducing Dunkirk

Dunkirk (Dunkerque), made famous and flattened almost simultaneously (in 1940), was rebuilt during one of the most uninspired periods in Western architecture. Charming it may not be, but the port city has two worthwhile museums, a mellow beach and several colourful pre-Lent carnivals.

Under Louis XIV, Dunkirk – whose name means ‘church of the dunes’ in Flemish – served as a base for French privateers, including the daring Jean Bart (1650–1702), whose hugely successful attacks on English and Dutch merchant ships have ensured his infamy in British history and, locally, his status as a national hero: the city centre’s main square, suitably adorned with a dashing statue (1845), bears his name, as does a high school.

Inside the base of a 58m-high belfry (adult €2.80), erected around 1440, is Dunkirk’s Tourist Office (03 28 66 79 21; www.lesdunesdeflandre.fr ; rue de l’Amiral Ronarc’h; 9am-12.30pm & 1.30-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-noon & 2-4pm Sun & holidays, no midday closure Jul & Aug). Staff can supply you with an MP3 tour (€3.50) of the city’s WWI and WWII sites and have details on boat tours (adult/7-12yr €7.50/5.50; afternoon Tue-Sat Jul & Aug, also often possible Apr-May, Sep & perhaps Oct) of the port.

Last updated: Sep 5, 2008