France
Dunkerque
Discover the captivating allure of Dunkirk, a historic port city in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Just 10 kilometers from the Belgian border, this vibrant destination offers a perfect starting point for exploring the European mainland, especially for travelers arriving from the UK. Beyond its strategic importance, Dunkirk beckons with its enchanting beaches, charming shopping districts, and a culinary scene that masterfully blends traditional Flemish flavors with fresh seafood. Renowned for the heroic Dunkirk Evacuation of World War II, where over eight days, a fleet of 900 vessels—comprising British, Canadian, French navy ships, and countless civilian boats—rescued 338,000 encircled soldiers, the city’s history is woven into its very fabric.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do
## Things to do in Dunkerque Dunkerque is best known for its long North Sea shoreline, maritime heritage and famously exuberant carnival. Start with a stroll along the Malo-les-Bains dike, where the broad beach, sea views and early-20th-century villas create an easy-going seaside outing; stop at a beachfront café or enjoy an ice cream along the way. The city’s history is equally central to what to do in Dunkerque: visit the Musée Dunkerque 1940 to learn about Operation Dynamo, and explore the Maritime and Port Museum in the historic Citadelle district, whose collections trace nearly four centuries of seafaring, fishing and port life. Art lovers can continue to FRAC Grand Large and the LAAC for contemporary and modern art near the waterfront. For what to do in Dunkerque city centre, explore the historic streets around the belfry, harbour and Citadelle, then look for local seafood and Flemish-influenced food in the surrounding cafés and restaurants. Climbing the belfry, when open, provides a broad view across the town, port and coast. At weekends, Dunkerque works well as a relaxed city-and-seaside break: combine a museum visit with a walk or cycle beside the water, time on Malo-les-Bains beach and an evening in the bars along the seawall. If you visit during the carnival season, join the colourful parades and bands only with respect for local traditions—the Carnival of Dunkerque is one of the city’s most distinctive claims to fame. Football supporters can also check whether USL Dunkerque is playing at Stade Marcel-Tribut, a lively way to experience local sporting culture.
Things to do
## Things to do in Dunkerque Dunkerque is best known for its long North Sea shoreline, maritime heritage and famously exuberant carnival. Start with a stroll along the Malo-les-Bains dike, where the broad beach, sea views and early-20th-century villas create an easy-going seaside outing; stop at a beachfront café or enjoy an ice cream along the way. The city’s history is equally central to what to do in Dunkerque: visit the Musée Dunkerque 1940 to learn about Operation Dynamo, and explore the Maritime and Port Museum in the historic Citadelle district, whose collections trace nearly four centuries of seafaring, fishing and port life. Art lovers can continue to FRAC Grand Large and the LAAC for contemporary and modern art near the waterfront. For what to do in Dunkerque city centre, explore the historic streets around the belfry, harbour and Citadelle, then look for local seafood and Flemish-influenced food in the surrounding cafés and restaurants. Climbing the belfry, when open, provides a broad view across the town, port and coast. At weekends, Dunkerque works well as a relaxed city-and-seaside break: combine a museum visit with a walk or cycle beside the water, time on Malo-les-Bains beach and an evening in the bars along the seawall. If you visit during the carnival season, join the colourful parades and bands only with respect for local traditions—the Carnival of Dunkerque is one of the city’s most distinctive claims to fame. Football supporters can also check whether USL Dunkerque is playing at Stade Marcel-Tribut, a lively way to experience local sporting culture.
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Calais
France
Calais, a refined port city in the Hauts-de-France region, invites travelers to experience its unique blend of history, commerce, and coastal charm. With a population of approximately 73,000 residents as of 2019, this city holds a strategic position just 32 kilometers from England across the English Channel—Dover’s white cliffs are visible on clear days. Known for its bustling ferry port and proximity to the Channel Tunnel, Calais is a gateway to the UK and a hub of international trade. While many visitors arrive for the convenience of lower taxes on alcohol and tobacco, Calais reveals much more beneath its portside façade—rich history, vibrant local culture, and a resilient spirit that echoes through its centuries of transformation.
Ostend
Belgium
Ostend, known locally as Oostende, meaning 'East End,' is a vibrant seaside city nestled along Belgium's coast in West Flanders. With a population of around 70,000, this city has long been a magnet for those seeking the allure of the North Sea. Its beaches, which first captivated European aristocracy in the 19th century, continue to charm visitors today—though now the scene is more democratic, filled with towering holiday apartments and bustling hotels that line the shoreline. The promenade is a lively tableau of classic seaside charm, hosting a grand musical theatre and a casino, echoing generations of vacationers. Beyond its reputation as a holiday haven, Ostend also serves as an important port for cargo traffic across the English Channel, although passenger ferry services to the UK have stopped.
Brugge
Belgium
Hidden beneath the unassuming charm of its cobblestone streets lies a tapestry of history and mystery—welcome to Bruges, the fairy-tale city of Flanders. Once Europe's wealthiest hub, this compact jewel boasts a remarkably preserved medieval center that draws over 400,000 curious souls each year, eager to wander through its enchanting canals and timeless architecture.
Lille
France
Lille, known locally as Rijsel in Dutch, stands at the heart of one of France’s most expansive metropolitan areas. This vibrant city boasts a striking historic core filled with charming Flemish-style architecture, making it a visual treat for visitors. As a hub of innovation and learning, Lille pulses with a lively nightlife fueled by its large student population and thriving cultural scene. Strategically positioned at Europe’s crossroads in Hauts-de-France, it’s just a 90-minute train ride from Paris, Brussels, and London. The surrounding towns of Villeneuve d'Ascq, Roubaix, and Tourcoing are all part of this dynamic metropolitan fabric, offering even more to explore.
Gent
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Nestled in the heart of East Flanders, Ghent emerges as a city where history whispers from every stone. Once a medieval powerhouse, its wealth and influence shimmer through majestic churches and opulent merchant houses that stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The city center, painstakingly restored, breathes life into the echoes of a thriving city-state, where cobblestone streets are car-free corridors leading visitors through a living museum of Europe’s medieval grandeur. Here, the atmosphere is one of open invitation—welcoming, vibrant, and steeped in stories of prosperity and power.
Canterbury
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Nestled in the heart of Kent in southeastern England, Canterbury is a city rich in history and spiritual significance. It’s renowned for its majestic cathedral, which serves as the spiritual seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury—the leading figure of the Anglican Communion and the spiritual leader of the Church of England. Beyond its religious importance, Canterbury also boasts a vibrant university scene and a charming mix of historic streets and modern life, making it a fascinating destination where history and culture intertwine.
Amiens
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Discover Amiens, the vibrant heart of Hauts-de-France, where history, culture, and modern life collide. Just a short trip from Paris and Lille, this city is famed for its breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, Amiens Cathedral, the largest of its kind in France. Beyond its historic charm, Amiens is a hub of innovation with one of France’s largest university hospitals and a rich literary legacy—home to Jules Verne and the birthplace of President Emmanuel Macron. Steeped in history, the city bears scars from both World Wars but has risen anew, blending striking contemporary architecture like Pierre Dufau's wide streets and Auguste Perret’s iconic Gare d'Amiens. Explore lively neighborhoods, the scenic hortillonnages gardens, and cultural gems like the Musée de Picardie or the bustling Saint-Leu district. Come December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, hosting the region’s largest Christmas market. Indulge in local delicacies such as almond macarons, orange-chocolate tuiles, duck pâté, and savory crêpes—each taste a nod to Amiens’ rich culinary tradition.
Brussels
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Brussels stands as the vibrant capital of Belgium, serving as one of the country’s three main regions alongside Flanders and Wallonia. Globally recognized for its diplomatic significance, the city hosts major international institutions, including NATO headquarters and key European Union offices, earning it the nickname often as the EU’s de facto capital. This dynamic city blends medieval Flemish charm with modernist ambitions, reflecting its history as a Flemish town transformed by grand post-war projects and contemporary architecture designed to accommodate its role on the world stage. Bilingual and increasingly cosmopolitan, Brussels is a melting pot of cultures and languages, offering visitors a rich tapestry of history, politics, and everyday life in a uniquely Belgian setting.