Dunkirk, the Nord city like no other

Heritage Event

Published on 24 September 2024

Dunkirk has many faces and can be whatever you want it to be for a stay, a weekend or a day. First and foremost a maritime and port city, it is also a seaside resort, a city of creation driven by a dynamic cultural life and a land of tradition, home to an important heritage. Open your eyes wide and throw yourselves into this authentic and warm Nord city.

CULTURAL AND FESTIVE DUNKIRK

Dunkirk is brought to life by a festive and welcoming spirit in the image of its famous carnival, a colourful procession to the rhythm of musicians, fifes, drums and brass instruments. A friendly atmosphere that reigns throughout the year at the numerous events organised in the city: trade fairs, festivals, sporting events, concerts… there is no shortage of things to do! This welcoming spirit can be found in its clubs, bars and restaurants. Succumb to the temptation of regional specialities. We are of course thinking of moules-frites, fricadelle and tarte aux maroilles, but have you ever heard of Potjevleesch? The name of this dish typical of the Nord department means “small pot of meat”. It is native to Dunkirk and can be enjoyed with fries. Delicious!

Culture in Dunkirk is more than just the festival. A true centre of creation, it is home to the LAAC (Contemporary Art and Action Museum), a sculpture park and the FRAC (Regional Contemporary Art Fund). For a bit of magic, head to the Jeanty Island water station to admire Sputnik, Nikolai Polisky’s “extraterrestrial” sculpture.

MARITIME DUNKIRK

Born in the 17th century as a fishing village, the city remains loyal to its maritime heritage. Its port, the third largest in France, is over 10 miles long and extends over 17,000 acres. What better way to discover this impressive structure than by boat? Board the Texel and spend an hour exploring the port and its history… an unmissable trip! If you don’t have sea legs, take a wander around the port and discover how this place has changed over the years through specially designed, interactive signs. And visit the Port Museum to immerse yourself in the world of sailors, privateers and dock workers.

The natural heritage of this city on the water extends further through its canals and beaches. To enjoy the sea in Dunkirk, visit the neighbourhood of Malo-les-Bains, with its famous dike, terraces, seafood restaurants, glaciers, fine sand and beach huts!

HISTORIC DUNKIRK

Discover the history of Dunkirk through its rich heritage. To start with, it has some fantastic monuments, which bear witness to its past: the famous belfries classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leughenaer tower, the oldest monument, Place Jean-Bart, the former royal square built by Vauban, and the Risban lighthouse.

Then there is its religious heritage: the Church of Saint Eloi and the Chapel of Notre-Dame des Dunes. Last but not least, there is a more unusual side to Dunkirk with the Excentric district and its thirty-five 1930s houses designed by François Reynaert, Villa Ziegler, a small painted wooden house with original architecture, and the Dunkirk Baths, showcasing the Orientalist architecture of the late 19th century.
Dunkirk has many faces, a festive and intriguing city that will seduce young and old with its many leisure activities!