Dunkirk (French Dunkerque; pop. 71,300), France's most northerly town, lies on the North Sea coast near the end of the Straits of Dover, 14km/9mi from the Belgian frontier. It is a ferry port for the crossing to and from England and an important commercial port serving the industrial hinterland.
On the harbor is the massive Tour de Leughenaer, a relic of the old town walls which now serves as a lighthouse. West of this is the harbor, the third largest in France. From the lighthouse (59m/194ft tall) there is a fine view of the harbor, the town and out to sea.
Dunkirk was the scene of one of the most dramatic military rescues of al time as scores of boats carried trapped Allied troops to safety during the World War II.
In the north of the town, set in a sculpture park, is the Musée d'Art Contemporain (designed by Jean Willerval), with over 600 works of the years 1950-1988.
Address: Musée d'Art Contemporain, Avenue des Bains, F-59140 Dunkerque, France
Hours:
am-am; Closed: Tue
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
In the center of the town is Place Jean-Bart, with a monument to Dunkirk's most famous seafarer (1651-1702). At the north end of Rue Clemenceau is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall, 1896-1901), in Flemish Renaissance style.
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