Discover Charming Dunkirk
This time our offer for fans of France and charming Dunkirk located in the north of France. Dunkirk is a port city that is distinguished by its rich history, beautiful beaches and interesting architecture.
Below you will find our tip for your trip by DFDS ferry on the route Rosslare (Ireland) – Dunkirk (France). When sailing by ferry, you can take your own car or camper. The cruise time on this route is about 24 hours. So we have plenty of time to relax and rest before continuing our journey and exploring this beautiful city!
Most of us associate Dunkirk with the film of the same title, which tells the story of Operation Dynamo in 1940. However, Dunkirk is not only a story of World War II. It is also a city that hides many interesting places. And here is our list of what to see.
Malo-les-Bains Beach
Malo-les-Bains beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast of France and a must-see place for every tourist. A 4 km long sandy beach, which impresses with beautiful views. It is a paradise for lovers of sunbathing, water sports and an ideal place for families with children.
Along the seashore we have picturesque promenades, where we can go for a long walk, or visit one of the local cafes or restaurants. With a coffee or dinner, we can relax admiring the view of the north sea!
Port Museum
Another place worth visiting while in Dunkirk is the Maritime and Port Museum, which is located in the so-called Port du Bassin du Commerce. The museum was established in 1992. Currently, it houses interesting exhibitions that show the history of the port. The most interesting attraction of the museum is the largest preserved sailboat in France – Princess Anna. After visiting the Museum, it is worth taking a promenade to the famous Leughenaer Tower. It is an octagonal tower with a height of 30 meters, which was built around 1450 and is the oldest monument of the city.
Lighthouse
The next point is the lighthouse. At this point, it is worth mentioning the Port of Dunkirk, which is the third largest port in France and plays a key role as a strategic trade and logistics hub. It serves freight and passenger traffic, especially between France and the United Kingdom. Back to the Lighthouse. The lighthouse in Dunkirk, built in 1843, is the tallest port lighthouse (63 meters) in France. In the past, it played a key role in shipping in the North Sea. Today, from its observation deck we can admire the picturesque view of the sea and the surrounding areas.
Dynamo Operations Museum
The Dunkerque Museum 1940/Operation Dynamo, located in the historical walls of Bastion 32, is a must for all history lovers. It was here that key decisions were made regarding the defense and organization of evacuation during Operation Dynamo and the Battle of Dunkirk. Numerous exhibits are presented in the museum, such as weapons, vehicles, uniforms, photographs and maps from that time. We can also watch a video of a few minutes, which allows visitors to better understand the dramatic events of those days. Dunkirk is a city that has become a symbol of the heroic evacuation of Allied soldiers.
Link to the Museum website: http://www.dynamo-dunkerque.com/
Church of St. John the Baptist. Eligius and the Bell Tower
Dunkirk is both a city of beautiful beaches and unique monuments. One of them is the Church of St. Anthony. Eligius with the bell tower. The Dunkerque belfry is a 15th-century monument, which was entered in the register of monuments as early as 1840, and since 2005 it has been on the UNESCO list. Today, the belfry still serves as a belfry and stores, apart from 48 bells, an impressive bell called Jean Bart, weighing 5 tons. It is open to the public and is open to visitors.
Dunkirk is a unique city, both historically and touristically, which is definitely worth seeing!
If you want to go there by ferry and find out more details about the cruise, please visit the official website of DFDS https://www.dfds.com.