The Surprising City of Water
If you love the sparkling scenes of Marseille’s harbour, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Dunkirk, which offers a similar waterside spectacle. Dunkirk’s harbour is the third largest in France. Visit one of the campsites in Dunkirk to experience it for yourself! Besides its bustling port, Dunkirk is also well known in the world of cycling, having hosted a start of the Tour de France in 2001. The city is also the birthplace of several notable figures, such as Charles Delacre (1826), founder of the famous Belgian biscuit brand, actor Paul Meurisse (1912), and actor and director Jean-Paul Rouvre (1967).
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Things to Do in Dunkirk
There’s plenty to see and do in Dunkirk. Check out this list before you set out to make the most of your holiday!
Town Hall & Belfry
The impressive Belfry and Town Hall are must-see landmarks in Dunkirk. The bell tower rises almost 80 metres, making a striking impression and earning its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Don’t miss these highlights when you visit the port city!
The Dunkirk Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1842 and stands as the tallest lighthouse in France. Many visitors come to the harbour to admire this landmark in all its glory. Remarkably, the lighthouse is still in use today, having been automated in 1985.
Sandettié
The renowned ship ‘Sandettié’ is a French lightship dating back to 1946. Measuring 47.5 metres in length, its beacon once reached up to 25 nautical miles. Today, Sandettié is part of the Dunkirk Port Museum and has been a designated monument since 1997.
Maritime Museum
Located in a former tobacco warehouse open to the public since 1992, the Maritime Museum offers fascinating insights into Dunkirk’s history as a port city. Don’t let the word ‘museum’ put you off—Dunkirk’s Maritime Museum attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year!
Leughenaer Tower
This tower is a must-see during your visit to Dunkirk. It’s the oldest monument in the city, dating back to the 15th century, and stands 30 metres tall. Much of the original equipment has been preserved, so be sure to take a look!
Be Surprised
If you love the sea and enjoy delving into history, visit one of the campsites in or around Dunkirk and discover everything this historic port city has to offer!
