Top 3 things to do in Dunkirk: history, sea and heritage

8 October 2025

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What can you do in the Dunkirk area?

The Dunkirk region is much more than just a legendary carnival and a large urban beach. Between historical memory, preserved coastal landscapes and maritime heritageThe region offers unique experiences that appeal to families and culture buffs alike. Here is our Top 3 must-see tours for a successful immersion in this emblematic corner of Hauts-de-France.

1) Dunkirk 1940 Museum - Operation Dynamo

Plunge into the heart of the evacuation of 340,000 Allied soldiers: the museum has been set up in the curtain walls of the Bastion 32former defence HQ during the Battle of Dunkirk. A clear tour, period artefacts, maps and first-hand accounts make the visit as instructive as it is gripping, whatever the weather.

2) Grand Site des Dunes de Flandre

15 km of beach, more than 1,000 ha of natural areas and unique dune reserves (Dune Dewulf, Dune du Perroquet, Dune Marchand): whether you go for a stroll, go along the coast, cycle or simply bathe in the iodine, it's a breath of fresh air on the coast. Good news: the region has just been awarded the "Grand Site de France" label (2025).Between Malo-les-Bains and Bray-Dunes.

3) Port Museum & three-masted ships Duchesse Anne

Heading for maritime history exhibitions on life in the port, boats alongside the quayside (the tugboat Entrepreneurthe fireboat Sandettié...) and, above all, a visit to the majestic three-masted schooner Duchesse Annea hundred-year-old sail training ship that has become an icon of the Dunkirk docks. A must for families and heritage lovers.

Where to sleep (practical rear base)

To sleep between Dunkerque, Malo and Bray-Dunes, our flats Apart'Moment Bourbourg offer independent arrival from 2 p.m., fitted kitchen, Wi-Fi + Netflix, laundryand secure parking - ideal for a team or family looking to combine sea, culture and comfort. Book / request a quote live.