Dunkirk (Dunkerque)

The basics

Dunkirk has plenty to offer; from summer sun to historical museums. Don't miss the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, which documents the evacuation of Allied troops from the city's beaches during WWII. But the city also boasts other museums, from the waterside Musée Portuaire (Port Museum) to the FRAC Grand Large, a contemporary art museum, you'll find a combination of art, history, and culture. Visit the site of the historic WWII evacuation at Plage de Malo-les-Bains, the beach that is now lined with resorts, restaurants, and cafés.

Things to know before you go

• A town steeped in military history, the Dunkirk Museum galleries capture the spectacular events that have taken place in the past.

• Whether you're an art lover or a history buff, Dunkirk has a little bit of everything to offer a summer vacation.

• Pack for showers; Dunkirk's coastal location has a temperate climate with changeable weather. It's sensible to pack light rainwear in summer, and heavier layers in winter.

How to get there

Dunkirk is just six miles (10 kilometers) from the Belgian border. It's accessible via the public railway lines connecting Gare de Calais-Wille, Gare de Lille Flandres, and Arras. Dunkirk is an easy day trip from Paris, with trains departing from Gare du Nord. A 20-minute drive from the town of Calais, both Dunkirk and Calais are accessible from the UK with ferry crossings from Dover and the channel tunnel train from Folkestone.

When to get there

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Dunkirk. If you're more interested in history and sightseeing, you might find that spring or fall are better times to go. These seasons tend to be quieter, with fewer crowds to contend with, and cooler temperatures ideal for exploring. Go for the famed Dunkirk Festival, 3 days before Easter, when the town comes alive with festivities welcoming 40,000 revelers. Music, song, and dance are enjoyed to remember the town's fishing tradition.

What to eat in Dunkirk

Don't forget to try local specialties such as crab gratin or bouillabaisse while you're in town. In a nod to Dunkirk's military and seafaring history, the Princess Elizabeth paddle steamer is a refurbished battlefield boat turned restaurant on the water. A Michelin-star chef devised a menu that serves gastronomy at its moorings next to L'Estacade Quay in the middle of the city.