Reconstruction of Dunkerque

It is the end of the Second World War. Dunkirk is one of the most heavily destroyed cities in France. Life must go on, and the residents long to return to their homes.

A City in Ruins

Sur 3,362 buildings:

1,524 were irreparably destroyed,
805 were severely damaged
and only 1,032 were considered habitable.

Names such as Théodore Leveau (urban planner) and Jean Niermans (architect) each set out, with their own ambitions, to restore the face of a city so dear to its inhabitants.

Those involved in the reconstruction worked throughout the 1960s to rebuild the port and the city of Jean Bart, striving as best they could to balance different aspirations, urgent needs, Flemish influences and the modern principles of Le Corbusier’s Athens Charter.

The first thing to do when walking through Dunkirk city centre is to look up. Not too high, though, as the buildings generally have only a few storeys.

Part of the Modernist movement, the apartment blocks, revolutionary in their own right for Dunkirk, feature flat roofs and entrances adorned with sculptures. Breaking up the mineral character of the architecture, green spaces provide pockets of greenery throughout the blocks.

Pay close attention to the architectural details, from the rounded corners and the interplay of concrete and glass to the discreet passageways and the red brickwork so typical of our destination.

You need to explore the city from one side to the other to fully understand the philosophy behind its blocks: red blocks, blue blocks…

You might find that the best is perhaps on the inside, as the architecture of the Reconstruction belongs to a period known as the Modern era, which introduced the essential notion of comfort: large windows filled with sunlight, beautiful bathrooms and carefully designed living spaces.

In short, it was a period that turned our seaside city into a unique laboratory for architectural experimentation.

“What Remains – From Fields of Ruins, Fields of Poppies Will Bloom”

This is the title of the immensely poetic artwork created by Steve Abraham and Nicolas Messager: 800 poppies made entirely of concrete and scrap metal.

See it in the sculpture garden at the LAAC.

Viewpoint Take to the skies

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, climbing the Saint-Eloi Belfry is a must!
The panoramic terrace offers views of Malo-les-Bains beach, just a few minutes from the harbour basins, the beginnings of the industrial port stretching for dozens of kilometres, and finally the Flemish countryside unfolding before your eyes.

And to top it all off, from the belfry, the aerial view reveals the overall layout of your walk.

Visit the Belfry