Nestled on the French side of the Belgian border…

The phrase “a weekend in Dunkerque” can still conjure up enough terrifying imagery for it to be used as an excellent metaphor for most family Christmases, as I regularly do. However, times have changed since a flotilla of 900 English vessels rescued the entire British expeditionary Force from the clutches of Hitler’s marauding zealots, and it is becoming an increasingly popular mini-break destination.

Nestling on the French side of the Belgian border this busy port, the 3^rd largest in France, is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and still retains much of its old charm despite the massive destruction it sustained during WWII.

Just a short drive up the E50 from Calais, you’ll discover a town that has passed through ownership by Dutch, French and English rulers, all of which creates that special individuality that comes with having such a rich and diverse cultural history.

Back in the days of buccaneers and breeches it even operated as a fiercely independent and rather lawless port, from which pirates launched raids against rich merchant vessels navigating the channel. Star Wars fans would have recognised it as a kind of 17^th Century Mos Eisley Spaceport; described by Obi-Wan Kenobi as a place where: “you’ll never find a more retched hive of scum and villainy!”

But with piracy no-longer a viable lifestyle choice, Dunkerque’s residents have turned to more legal trades, and they now excel as purveyors of those fine and delicate treats that we love to discover when visiting the continent.

Make sure that you visit the Musee des Beaux Arts for a fantastic collection of XVI and XIX century paintings and of course no trip can be complete without leaving time to sample the fantastic local seafood, breads and cheeses, not to mention the regional beers, ciders and wines. Enjoy!

Tags: France, P&O Ferries // Add Comment »