Day trips around Dunkirk

Exploring our neighbours

Discover new horizons during your stay in Dunkirk! From the city of Jean Bart, there are plenty of opportunities for day trips: Flemish villages, fortified towns, the stunning landscapes of the Opal Coast, marshes, museums and even Belgium.

Most of these destinations are less than an hour away and are perfect for a day trip. All you have to do is choose your next adventure!

Flanders Between heritage and traditions

Head to Bergues, Esquelbecq and Cassel to discover a Flanders where traditions are still very much alive.

In Bergues, discover the history of this charming town. In Esquelbecq, step inside a local brewery and uncover the secrets of Flemish beer. Then head to Cassel, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (France’s Most Beautiful Villages), to visit the Museum of Flemish Art and enjoy the Grand’Place.

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Christelle MEERSSEMAN

The Opal Coast From Cap Blanc-Nez to Boulogne-sur-Mer

From Dunkirk, set off to discover the landscapes of the Opal Coast.

At Cap Blanc-Nez, admire the panoramic views from this Grand Site de France, before heading to Boulogne-sur-Mer and its fortified Upper Town.

Continue your day at Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre, and discover the wonders of the seas and oceans.

Lille and Roubaix Between city and museum

In Lille, discover the iconic landmarks of Vieux Lille, including the Vieille Bourse, the Opera House and Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral.

Continue on to Roubaix to visit La Piscine, Museum of Art and Industry, housed in a former municipal swimming pool built in the 1920s. Today, the museum is home to collections of decorative arts and fine arts.

Bruges The Venice of the North

Take advantage of your stay in Dunkirk to cross the border and discover Bruges.

This remarkably well-preserved Flemish city reveals its historic façades, narrow streets and canals as you explore on foot. A boat trip is another great way to discover the city from a different perspective, before enjoying some free time in the historic centre.

Why not extend your stay?

If you would like to extend your stay, make the most of your time in Dunkirk by crossing the border and discovering new destinations, either in Belgium or on the other side of the Channel.

A getaway To Belgium

Just a few kilometres from Dunkirk, Belgium offers plenty of opportunities for a day trip. Head to De Panne, for example, to enjoy the Belgian coast and its wide sandy beaches, take a detour to Veurne and its charming historic centre, or make your way to Bruges to discover its canals, Flemish façades and remarkable heritage.

An escape in England

You can also make the most of your stay in Dunkirk by crossing the Channel by ferry and discovering England. On arrival in Dover, admire the famous White Cliffs before continuing to Canterbury and its cathedral, or set off to explore the landscapes and villages of Kent.