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5 places to relive 1940

On the paths of remembrance

May 1940: The North of France is swept up in the frightening upheavel advance towards the English Channel as the German army has entrapped the French and British troops like fish in a net.

Their only chance of salvation now lies in the sea: all eyes are on Dunkirk…

1

Dunkirk 1940 Museum

Operation Dynamo

You step inside the fortifications of Bastion 32, the former command post of the French forces during the Battle of Dunkirk.

The exhibits – uniforms, weapons and vehicles – offer an insight into everyday life in a city at war and the resilience of its people.

Discover the Dunkirk 1940 Museum

2

Musérial Fort des Dunes

At the heart of the Dunes de Flandre lies a hidden treasure of 19th-century military architecture. This unique site tells the story of the local area through an immersive and interactive exhibition.

A lush outdoor trail offers panoramic views over the beach and the surrounding dunes.

Discover Fort des Dunes

3

The Blockhouses

Built by the Germans during the Occupation, these reminders of the past can be found along the coastline, creating a unique atmosphere that is particularly appreciated by walkers and photographers. They can mainly be seen between Leffrinckoucke and Zuydcoote.

In Gravelines, on Rue de Calais, you can visit a fully restored blockhouse, open two weekends a month from May to October.

4

The Shipwrecks of Operation Dynamo

Dive into the waters of the past, where the shipwrecks of Operation Dynamo remain as reminders of a decisive moment in history. More than 200 vessels were sunk during this historic evacuation.

At low tide, some of them emerge from the water. You may be lucky enough to spot the wreck of the Crested Eagle, a magnificent British paddle steamer lying on Zuydcoote beach. Just a few hundred metres away, the Devonia, badly damaged during the fighting, was deliberately run aground by its captain.

Discover the shipwrecks

5

The Princess Elizabeth

Step aboard a living piece of history, where the past meets elegance and the art of living.

Today moored in the city-centre docks and transformed into a tea room and restaurant, this magnificent paddle steamer saved 1,673 lives during Operation Dynamo and appeared in Christopher Nolan’s film Dunkirk.

Complete the experience by enjoying refined cuisine on board, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Discover the Princess Elizabeth

Experience Operation Dynamo with a private tour

Discover Dunkirk’s history through a private guided tour dedicated to Operation Dynamo. From the evacuation beaches to the city’s historic sites, explore the places and stories that shaped this extraordinary chapter of history.

Discover the different options below.