Weekends and short stays in Dunkirk

Dunkirk has some beautiful buildings, numerous museums for a bit of culture and countless parks to explore. In short, everything you need for a pleasant stay! We have come up with a little itinerary to help you make the most of your short stay in Dunkirk!

DAY 1

An afternoon at the museum

The Port Museum of Dunkirk is fascinating. On a 17,000 square foot site, it offers a rich and varied tour, dedicated to the port of Dunkirk and its history. As well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions housed in its building, a former tobacco warehouse, and on its barge Guilde, it boasts two ships classified as Historical Monuments: the Duchesse Anne, a beautifully preserved “3-master”, and the lightvessel Sandettié, a kind of floating lighthouse. If you have any energy left at the end of your first day in Dunkirk, climb the 207 feet and 276 steps of the Risban lighthouse, also classified as a historic monument, to enjoy exceptional views of the sea and the city.

Take a gourmet break in Dunkirk’s restaurants

No weekend in Dunkirk is complete without tasting the local delicacies! We therefore invite you to Le Malouin, on the beautiful beach of Malo, to which it owes its name. Here you can discover the culinary riches of the region: Welsh, carbonnade, potjevleesch… at more than reasonable prices. If you want to immerse yourself in a typical local atmosphere, discover the estaminets. These establishments, halfway between bistro and restaurant, serve typical dishes on large tables in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Enjoy some me time

To recharge your batteries after a morning of culture, why not enjoy a massage in a spa in Dunkirk? The city has countless renowned institutes, such as the SPA Beauty Area, The Cocoon Spa or Riad Hammam. From facials to massage and sauna, you can enjoy a multitude of services. Pamper yourself at the Radisson Blu Grand Hotel & Spa in Malo-les-Bains, facing the sea.

Relax and soak up the Dunkirk atmosphere in a bar

After a beautiful day in Dunkirk, pay a visit to one of the many cafés and bars the city has to offer. We recommend the Yacht Club, where you can enjoy a Picon Bière by the sea. The drink and the venue are Dunkirk essentials.

DAY 2

Walk in a zoological park

For your second day in Dunkirk, enjoy some greenery at Fort-Mardyck Zoo. Its flamingos, Carpathian lynx or giant ants await you in this haven of peace for animals and nature lovers. It is a great place to recharge your batteries. A visit will take a good two hours.

A gourmet lunch

For an enjoyable Sunday lunch, there’s nothing like a gourmet lunch at L’Opale. In a chic, understated and bright setting, the very welcoming staff will serve you dishes imbued with tradition and modernity. A la carte local dishes with a modern twist honour seasonal produce. Set lunches are available, but you might also be tempted by a quality menu for a little indulgence overlooking the North Sea!

Sunbathe or walk on Malo-les-Bains beach

After lunch, Malo-les-Bains beach, with its calm (and cool) waters and its picture postcard views, will give you just the fresh air you need to let your lunch settle in an exceptional setting. Depending on the weather and what takes your fancy, you can:

• stroll along the dike, admiring, on one side, the beach, its colourful beach huts and the sea and, on the other, the rich seaside villas dating back to the 19th century,
• take a refreshing dip,
• or go on a mini-cruise (visit the Regional Sailing Centre located at Quai de l’Armement).

Places to stay in Dunkirk

For a successful weekend away with your partner, family or friends, how about staying in an aparthotel, an increasingly popular concept? Its success lies in the many services it offers, combining the advantages of a holiday rental with those of a 3-star hotel.

In particular, All Suites Appart Hôtel Dunkerque will appeal due to its city centre location and the quality of its services. It is the perfect pied-à-terre for a quiet weekend in the Hauts-de-France region.

The studios and suites, which can accommodate up to 4 people, are all equipped with a kitchenette and a private bathroom. The residence stands out for its wide range of free services: unlimited Wi-Fi, digital TV, access to the gym and the children’s area or its car park. You also get a laundry room and a buffet breakfast or meal trays. And pets are welcome.

Of course, you can’t see and do everything during a weekend or short stay in Dunkirk. This selection is just a taster of what you’ve got to look forward to. This charming city has countless surprises in store.