Day Trips & Excursions: Dunkirk

Nearby Destinations

Lille and Calais (France), along with Ypres and Bruges (Belgium), are easily reachable, each offering a distinct experience.

These cities provide insight into the region's rich history and cultural tapestry, with options for both independent visits and organized tours. Explore and book your experiences: GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Highlights

Lille: Grand Place, Old Lille, Palais des Beaux-Arts.
Calais: Lace and Fashion City, Town Hall and Belfry.
Ypres: In Flanders Fields Museum, Menin Gate Ceremony.
Bruges: Medieval architecture, canal tours, chocolate.

Explore Beyond Dunkirk

The region surrounding Dunkirk offers diverse opportunities, from dramatic coastal landscapes to quaint, historic towns.

Natural Escapes: Opal Coast

The Opal Coast features stunning white chalk cliffs at Cap Blanc-Nez and darker sandstone cliffs at Cap Gris-Nez.

Activities and Views

Panoramic views of the English Channel.
Walking trails along clifftops.
Opportunities for photography.

Cultural Excursions: Bergues & Cassel

Bergues offers fortified ramparts and canals, while Cassel presents panoramic views from a hilltop village.

Local Discoveries

Bergues: Explore ramparts and UNESCO belfry.
Cassel: Village history and windmill.
Enjoy sweeping vistas of French Flanders.

Multi-Day Extensions

Historical Depths

Flanders Battlefields (Belgium): WWI sites.
Best explored by car or specialized tours.
Normandy D-Day Beaches: WWII focus, a dedicated journey.
Accessible by TGV from Lille, then car or tour.

Major City Experiences

Paris (France): Capital city experience.
Easily accessible by TGV from Lille.
Consider data usage costs outside EU roaming.
An eSIM covering multiple European countries is a good option.

Travel Essentials for Multi-Country Trips

Check mobile roaming plansBefore departure
EU citizens"Roam Like At Home"
Non-EU citizensConsider eSIM
Currency for BelgiumEuro (EUR)

Cultural hints for BelgiumVary from France
Transportation planningTrain or car recommended
Accommodation bookingIn advance
Local guidesEnhance experience

Travel Planning Tip

When planning multi-country day trips, confirm your mobile phone's roaming plan. An eSIM that covers multiple European countries is a practical solution.

Explore Unique Activities

Beyond day trips, Dunkirk and its surroundings offer specific attractions that cater to diverse interests.

Historical Depth

Visit the Dunkirk 1940 Museum and Fort des Dunes to grasp the city's wartime past.

Coastal Beauty

Enjoy Malo-les-Bains beach and walks along the Dunes de Flandre.

Unique Charm

Discover the picturesque canals and belfry of Bergues.

Battlefield Insights

Deepen your understanding of World War I by visiting sites around Ypres.

Must-See WWI Sites

In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres.
Attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.
Tyne Cot Cemetery, a significant war cemetery.

Maritime & Urban Exploration

Dunkirk's Port Museum showcases its rich maritime past, while the city center buzzes with life.

City & Port Attractions

Explore the Port Museum and Duchesse Anne ship.
Climb the Belfry of Saint-Éloi for panoramic views.
Stroll through Place Jean Bart, the central square.

Multi-Day Opportunities

Flanders Battlefields1-2 additional days

Normandy D-Day Beaches2-3 days from Dunkirk

Paris City Visit2-3 days recommended

Accessibility to LilleTrain (45-60 min)

Accommodation optionsHotels, guesthouses, apartments

Regional transportTrain, car, specialized tours

Enrich Your Journey

By incorporating various day trips, your visit to Dunkirk broadens.
Explore more of Northern France and Belgium's interconnected regions.
The combination creates a richer travel experience.
Consider ethical tour operators for responsible travel.
Organizations like G Adventures specialize in ethical tours.

Beyond the Immediate

For those seeking dives, Dunkirk acts as a gateway to more extensive regional explorations, including significant historical battlefields and major European cities.

Flanders Battlefield Extension

Extend your historical journey to include more World War I sites in Belgium's Westhoek region.

Areas and Duration

Explore Ypres, Passchendaele, and surrounding areas.
Visit significant cemeteries and memorials.
Allow 1-2 additional days for thorough exploration.

Normandy D-Day Beaches

A significant extension for World War II enthusiasts, providing another perspective on the conflict.

Sites and Travel

Visit D-Day landing beaches and American Cemetery.
Explore Bayeux and Caen towns and museums.
Best accessed by TGV from Lille, then car or tours.

Paris: The Capital City

France's capital city, Paris, is easily accessible and a logical next destination for those seeking a major urban experience.

Journey and Duration

Regional train from Dunkirk to Lille (45-60 min).
High-speed TGV from Lille Europe to Paris Gare du Nord (approx. 1 hour).
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended for a meaningful visit.

Dunkirk as a Hub

Dunkirk can serve as an excellent starting point for longer regional explorations.

Strategic Location

Gateway to Northern France and Belgium.
Facilitates broad regional travel.
Links to various historical and cultural sites.

Planning Longer Stays

For extended visits, consider changing your base to explore distinct regions more deeply, minimizing travel time.

Normandy

Spend 3-4 days exploring D-Day beaches and historical towns from a base in Caen or Bayeux.

Paris

Dedicate 3-4 days to the capital, easily reached by TGV for concentrated exploration.

Belgium

Venture further into Belgium to explore Brussels, Antwerp, or the Ardennes region for nature.

Seamless Travel

Incorporating these extensions broadens your regional exploration from Dunkirk.

Day Trips & Excursions