Dunkirk hotels

Hotels in Dunkirk

As France's most northerly town, Dunkirk lies just nine miles from the Belgian border – which makes this coastal spot a great place from which to explore the best of both worlds. Playing an important role in modern history, Dunkirk offers plenty for visitors to do in an attractive seafront setting. Many Dunkirk hotels have views of the seafront, and with a mix of French and Belgian cuisines and beer, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing break.

Attractions

Dunkirk's Port Museum (Musee Potuaire) is housed in a former tobacco warehouse on the quayside. Its interactive exhibition offers in-depth insight into the lives of the men and women who worked there, and the growth of the port from a small fishing village to a centre for industry and commerce. Kids and adults alike will both enjoy its maritime gallery and collection of model ships, as well as a trip on board the German vessel, Duchess Anne. Dating back to 1901, this is the only tall ship you can visit in France and reveals what life was like in the German navy.

For history enthusiasts, the Operation Dynamo Museum provides a comprehensive look at the famous WW2 operation, while the Mémorial du Souvenir museum also tells this incredible story.

Art lovers will also have plenty to do. Dunkirk's Regional Contemporary Art Fund showcases more than 1,500 works of contemporary art while the Dunkirk Fine Arts Museum houses a huge mix of traditional, contemporary and fine art.

Outdoor activities

The Dunkirk coastline comprises 1,500 acres of dunes. Some of this is listed for its outstanding beauty and, with a number of walks, nature hikes and footpath circuits, you can explore these at your leisure. The Platier d'Oye is a 300-acre natural wetland nature reserve. Home to a number of migratory bird species, nature lovers will enjoy strolling along its numerous trails. For the more adventurous, visitors to Dunkirk can try sailing, sand yachting, canoeing, fishing and kite surfing at the Jean-Binard Water Sports Centre, or a more leisurely boating trip around the citadel.

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Dunkirk's coastal location means that there's a host of seafood restaurants to choose from. One of the best is La Corsaire, which serves freshly caught fish, crabs and lobster with a panoramic view over the port. La Demi-Lune is Dunkirk's first organic restaurant, serving healthy food in a relaxed environment. While in Dunkirk, make sure you try the local speciality, Coq à la Bière – chicken in a creamy sauce cooked with beer. Like the restaurants, you'll also find a number of bars lining the port for an after-dinner drink.