Going on vacation in the North of France? Travelling to Belgium? Here’s where to stay in Dunkirk!
The town of Dunkirk has a bad reputation: gray, cold and rainy, but it has many hidden assets. Bathed by the North Sea, the town is less than 300 kilometers from Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Luxembourg. France’s northernmost city, Dunkirk has a population of 88,108 and is the fifth most populous in the Hauts-de-France region, of which Lille is the capital, ahead of Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Founded before the first millennium, Dunkirk was a fishing village on the sandbanks. Dunkirk’s name comes from its original name, « Church of the Dunes ». Not sure where to stay in Dunkirk? Whether you choose to stay in Dunkerque or just pass through, you’ll discover a pleasant city to live in, with many green spaces and places to stroll, and a substantial historical, cultural, culinary and architectural heritage. Some buildings date back to the 15th century! Don’t wait any longer to discover Dunkerque through this article, including where to sleep!
The town is subdivided into several large districts, where you can find your accommodation, including Dunkerque-Centre, Dunkerque-Sud, Malo-les-Bains, Petite-Synthe, Rosendaël and Glacis-Victoire.
Dunkerque-Centre
Photo credit: Flickr – Sergii Gulenok
Dunkerque-centre is the city’s central district. It forms an island of canals, and is home to the town hall, SNCF train station, marinas and major shopping centers. It’s the cradle of the city, where fishermen once lived.
Want to stay in Dunkerque-centre? Discover the Town Hall Belfry, the Musée Portuaire, the Halle aux Sucres, the Grand Port maritime jetty, Dunkirk’s water towers, the Port du Grand Large, the Musée Dunkerque 1940 Opération Dynamo – the bloody re-embarkation operation of 400,000 French and British soldiers to England, caught in a vice at Dunkirk by Nazi Germany in May 1940 -, stroll through the Jardin des Sculptures or the Parc de la Marine, behind the eponymous Porte.
This district will suit all profiles: shopping enthusiasts, it’s home to most of the boutiques; night owls, there are bars and pubs galore; gourmets, we can’t even count the number of restaurants! Accommodation in Dunkerque-centre is a good choice for discovering everything on foot!
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Malo-les-Bains and Rosendaël
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Marc Ryckaert
This district adjoins the city center on its eastern flank, and is bordered by the sea and the beach of the same name as the district. Known as « the queen of northern beaches », Malo-les-Bains has been a renowned seaside resort for over a century. It’s a 4-kilometre-long stretch of sand! The district is also home to a casino and the Palais des Congrès, making it a popular area for the wealthy and social classes.
What to see and do in the area? The Monument du Cinquantenaire de Rosendaël (Rosendaël’s fiftieth anniversary monument), beautiful walks along the seafront, and plenty of green spaces to stroll around. To the south of Malo-les-Bains lies a busy shopping district adjoining the town center.
If the hotels where to stay in Dunkerque are all crowded by the beach, this is a district to target because it’s relatively central. Rosendaël is a former commune that has been merged into the Dunkirk conurbation. Do you like beer? Don’t hesitate to come and taste this beverage from the breweries of the Nord region, of which there are over a hundred! You want to go to De Panne to have fun at Plopsaland? It’s the ideal neighborhood, as the theme park is only 17 kilometers away!
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Petite-Synthe
Photo credit: Facebook – Vivre Ensemble à Dunkerque
Located in the south of the town, Petite-Synthe is the town’s largest district, with a shopping area. It attracts first-time buyers with moderate budgets, who buy small houses. It’s a residential neighborhood, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a quiet place to live in Dunkirk. For a stroll in fine weather, you’ll appreciate the Fort de Petite-Synthe.
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Now you know where to stay in Dunkirk! Enjoy your stay!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Dunkirk