Dunkerque

It’s Dunkirk in English, Dunkerque in French but both words are derived from the Flemish term - Dune Kerk -The Church of the Dunes

Dunkerque is France’s most northerly seaport and France’s foremost harbour. But it has not always been so. During the first millenium Dunkerque gradually developed from an inhospitable mass of silt washed over by raging seas from the Flemish coast into a thriving hamlet of fisherman. By natural design, a series of dunes had formed consequently keeping the sea at bay and creating the lowlands.

During the 7th Century the fishing community were of religious Christian persuasion and led by St Eloi, they built a church on the top of one of the dunes. In recognition of this, the town was named ‘The Church of the Dunes’ Dunkirk/Dunkerque.

Being just a fishing port, Dunkerque was easily vanquished by the Spanish, French, English and Dutch. During the Battle of the Dunes in 1658 the Flemish Protestants gave Dunkerque over to Oliver Cromwell in exchange for the help of his Ironside troops in fighting off the Spanish. In 1662 Charles II sold Dunkerque back to the French for 5,000,000 livres, to be ruled by “Sun King” Louis XIV.

World War II brought mass destruction to Dunkerque. After five years of German bombardment, Dunkerque was almost entirely demolished. Both the town and its economy had to be rebuilt. Through a process of rapid commercial and industrial expansion, Dunkerque today is regarded as France’s third largest port.

Though Dunkerque has remained in French hands ever since 1662 the gastronomy available in restaurants, the festivals and flamboyant, colourful street carnivals betray an innate Flemish culture and cuisine.

How to get to Dunkerque Town Centre

Dunkerque town centre is a full fifteen-minute drive from the ferry. Take the A16 motorway in the direction of Ostend and exit at juncton 33 following signs to Dunkerque Centre. Turn left onto Avenue Rosendal which quickly turns into Boulevard St Barbe and follow signs to Centre Ville.