Dunkirk Celebrates the Sea

The Belem returns to Dunkirk to celebrate its 130th anniversary. The famous three-masted sailing ship will be moored at Quai de la Citadelle and open to visitors free of charge throughout the weekend.

Its arrival, scheduled for Friday 5 June at around 4 pm, will be accompanied by the bagpipes of the Dunkirk Spirit Pipers Band.

• Free, self-guided visits on Saturday and Sunday: 10 am–11.30 am and 2.30 pm–6 pm
• Anniversary celebrations on Wednesday 10 June

Dunkirk’s iconic tall ship celebrates its 125th anniversary this year… with a spectacular makeover. Following an extensive restoration project, the three-masted sailing ship is opening its doors to the public in a completely refurbished version.

New areas open to visitors, a restored cadets’ room, the captain’s lounge and decorative details brought back to life… the perfect opportunity to step back in time aboard this historic floating landmark.

And for those who love a little magic, night-time tours will be available on Saturday until midnight. A beautifully illuminated three-masted ship against the night sky, right by the quays… now that’s quite a sight!

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Dunkirk will host several parades, exhibitions and special events.

One of the weekend’s highlights will be the exceptional visit of the Amiral Ronarc’h Defence and Intervention Frigate. On this occasion, the city will officially become the ship’s sponsor city, a new-generation vessel serving in the French Navy. Its arrival in the harbour is scheduled for Friday at 2 pm, accompanied by the lively sounds of a Breton bagad (traditional Breton music ensemble).

The Bagad de Lann-Bihoué Arrives in Dunkirk

Bagpipes, bombardes and a lively Breton atmosphere await!

The famous Bagad de Lann-Bihoué will join the celebrations on Sunday 7 June at 10.30 am, with a grand parade and a concert in front of the Duchesse Anne.

This spectacular performance will also accompany the ceremony marking the French Navy’s 400th anniversary and the parade of trainees from the Naval Military Preparation programme.

Maritime Villages: Explore, Learn and Get Hands-On

Along Quai de la Citadelle, several themed “villages” will offer visitors the chance to discover maritime professions, Dunkirk’s maritime heritage, boating and sailing, and ocean conservation.

Don’t Miss:

• Thomas Ruyant joining the celebrations throughout the weekend
• Free tours of iconic ships
• Parades and concerts
• Exhibitions celebrating the sea and tall ships
• “Dancing Port Spaces”, an artistic performance
• An immersive virtual reality tour of the harbour
• Talks and meet-and-greet sessions
• Tastings of locally caught seafood from Dunkirk
• Water sports workshops and demonstrations