Dunkerque

Dunkerque

France

Explore the poignant WWII beaches and charming medieval old town that inspired Dunkirk's legendary evacuation story.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language French
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Aug
🚢 Typical Duration 10-19 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,169 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Northern Europe and the English Channel, offering convenient access to historic Flanders and connections to major European ports.

Cruises that visit Dunkerque

Build Your Day in Dunkerque

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Plage de Malo-les-Bains Always be remembered Beach · ★ 4.5 · 10k
Carrefour Dunkerque Coudeker I was impressed by the selection, cleanliness and the quietness throughout. Hypermarket · ★ 3.8 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Museum Dunkerque 1940 Operation Dynamo They also have activities for children regarding the exhibits. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Le Protocole Restaurant Dunkerque Each dish was packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:45 AM
Centre Marine Food, clothes, cosmetics, jewelry and many more. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM
E.Leclerc Dunkirk Marine Accessible prices and diversity! Supermarket · ★ 4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM
Pôle Marine Not many stores, but a few restaurants to eat in. Has a huge cinema above. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Fort Louis Park Good kept place and prices for activities are really reasonable Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Le Malouin Great central location, dog friendly (outside on the Terrace). Bar · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Port Museum of Dunkirk Excellent museum with interesting content and friendly staff. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Wind Park Lovely, well worth a visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Carrefour Market Dunkerque Malo Les Bains Mass produce, all under one roof...staff very helpful and friendly... Supermarket · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Red Rock Café a good variety of beer, honest prices and cheerful staff ! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
La Cambuse The food and wine, plentiful, tasty and very reasonably priced. French · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
L'Estaminet Flamand Absolutely fantastic food personel and atmosfere highly recomendet! Brasserie · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Fort des Dunes Exhibits good and enhanced by included audio tracks. War museum · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Tchin Tchin I saw great charcuterie plates and the beers are great. Lounge bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Fort of Petite-Synthe Super moment 🤘 Park · ★ 4.3 · 1k
LeBirdy Dunkerque Brilliant food, great service and great decor! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Le Puzzle Crisp table linen, excellent service and very good food, will visit again. French · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Sculptures Garden It's a nice little garden and outdoor exposition, pleasing experience. Garden · ★ 4.3 · 1k
FRAC Grand Large - Hauts-de-France This museum has a very nice collection of contemporary art. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
Saint-Éloi Belfry of Dunkirk Free for children under 7 years old. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Aquarium de Dunkerque Very small, but enjoyable at a low price. Aquarium · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Le Gaston Super restaurant Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Le DKlé The vegetarian amongst us particularly enjoyed the Tapas options. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Marché de Dunkerque Bustling with locals and their produce Market · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Sat
ZARA On-trend apparel & accessories Clothing store · ★ 3.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Saint-Éloi Catholic Church at Dunkirk Beautiful interior architecture and very peaceful. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
H&M Retailer for hip apparel & accessories Clothing store · ★ 3.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Le Sweet Restaurant Service and food are excellent! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Maison JOUVE Le Bar À Vin Also, this place has live music every night. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Mary Jane Incredibly lively location where you can have a different lunch experience. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Fort Aventures Dunkerque|Accrobranche 59 There is a tall climbing tower which the children can try and climb. Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1:30 PM Sat
L'Authentique Amazing food, warm atmosphere, very friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Sekhmet Great vibe and great choices of draft beers Beer hall · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Tour du Leughenaer Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Duchesse Anne Life of a sailor in a school ship museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Sat
Le Kasteel Rock No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 PM
Dunkerque Duty Free Good service prices and quality. Duty free store · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Jean Bart Gate Worth walking through. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Europeen's Pub Fantastic bar, everyone was so friendly, dog friendly too. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Le Canotier Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Bastion 32 Great museum, allow 1-2hrs to appreciate it. Scenic spot · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Dunk Bar Sports & lounge All good and friendly Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
O’Cosy Lounge Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Lounge bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Digue du Braek Quite calm and very big. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Dunkerqueboutique.com Delivery Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Pavillon de Plage de Malo-les-Bains Very nice location, i live here for one year Beach pavillion · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Dunkerque

About Dunkerque

Dunkerque stands as a charming and historically rich port of call along France's northern coast, offering cruise passengers a perfect stepping stone into the heart of Northern Europe. Served by three distinguished cruise lines—Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—this accessible gateway welcomes travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical cruise circuit. Most voyages calling here span ten nights, weaving Dunkerque into broader itineraries that connect iconic destinations like Southampton, Zeebrugge, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and Porto, making it an ideal port for those exploring the cultural treasures of the Atlantic and North Sea regions.

As a port of call rather than a home port, Dunkerque provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and discover Northern French culture during your voyage. The port's convenient location puts you within easy reach of the town's fascinating World War II heritage sites, charming medieval architecture, and the nearby Flemish countryside. Whether you choose to explore locally or venture further afield, you'll find excellent port facilities and welcoming services designed to make your brief visit memorable.

The peak season runs from April through August, with May, June, and July drawing the most cruise traffic. During these warmer months, Dunkerque's waterfront comes alive with activity, and the surrounding region showcases its best weather for exploration. Whether you're a history enthusiast, culture lover, or simply seeking a less-crowded European port experience, Dunkerque delivers authentic charm and convenient access to unforgettable Northern European adventures.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

World War II History & Memorials

Dunkerque's pivotal WWII legacy comes alive at the Musée de la Bataille de 1940, housed in a restored bunker overlooking the beach where 300,000 Allied soldiers evacuated. Walk the historic seafront promenade and visit solemn memorials that honor this defining moment in European history, just steps from the cruise terminal.

2

Fresh Seafood & Local Flavors

Indulge in moules-frites and freshly caught fish at waterfront bistros in the Vieux Dunkerque (Old Town), where traditional Flemish cuisine meets contemporary flair. The local specialty, potjevleesch—a traditional meat terrine—offers an authentic taste of Northern French culinary tradition you won't find elsewhere.

3

Sandy Beaches & Coastal Walks

Stroll the wide, pristine beaches that stretch along Dunkerque's coastline, offering peaceful seaside scenery and fresh sea air. The beachfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, with charming cafés and unobstructed views of the English Channel, ideal for a relaxing few hours ashore.

4

Vibrant Flea Markets & Antique Finds

Browse the famous Dunkerque flea markets, particularly active on weekends, where locals and visitors hunt for vintage treasures, antiques, and unique souvenirs. The bustling atmosphere and authentic French haggling culture provide an energetic, quintessentially European shopping experience within walking distance of the port.

5

Carnival Heritage & Local Culture

Discover Dunkerque's legendary three-day Carnival (held in February/March), celebrated with colorful parades and traditional festivities rooted in centuries of Flemish tradition. Even outside carnival season, the town's cultural spirit shines through its charming streets, local museums, and the iconic Belfry tower symbolizing civic pride.

Cruise Lines at Dunkerque

Cruises Departing From Dunkerque

Cruises Visiting Dunkerque

Ship Schedule at Dunkerque

Dunkerque Location

Other Cruise Ports in France

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Port of Dunkerque?

The Port of Dunkerque is an official port in Dunkerque, France, serving commercial and maritime activities.

Where is Dunkerque located?

Dunkerque is in northern France, at 51.0343684 latitude and 2.3767763 longitude.

What facilities does the port offer?

Cargo handling, ferries, cruise and logistics services.

What nearby city is Dunkerque near?

Dunkerque is near the Belgium border, with Dunkerque Centre and surrounding towns nearby.