Advice

A quick pause in your tour to highlight a few more gems that didn’t fit into the main route. First, head to the Rosendaël district — known as the “Eccentric” quarter — where you’ll find a rich collection of Art Deco buildings. If you have a car, consider visiting the Fort des Dunes in Leffrinckoucke, an impressive 19th-century military fort built to defend Dunkirk. Just 10 km away, the fortified town of Bergues, one of France’s Most Beautiful Detours, awaits with its lovely belfry and panoramic views. Further inland, Cassel offers a charming Grand’Place and a lookout point atop Mount Cassel, with sweeping views of French Flanders. Nearby, Saint-Omer is another must-see: a historic town with a stunning cathedral and a unique marshland landscape, nestled at the edge of the Opal Capes and Marshes Regional Park — a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Back on the coast, the Opal Coast offers pristine natural scenery. Make a stop in Gravelines, another fortified town listed among France’s Most Beautiful Detours, with a rich heritage including a belfry, lighthouse, ramparts, and town hall. Further along the sea, you’ll reach Calais, where you can visit the Lace and Fashion Museum, the old harbor, the pier, and the stunning Cap Blanc-Nez cliffs nearby. If you’re up for more urban discovery, Lille is just an hour’s drive away — a vibrant city full of culture, history, and northern charm. And don’t forget — from Dunkirk, the Belgian border is right next door. Why not take the opportunity to cross into Bruges, one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, just under an hour away? There’s no shortage of things to see if you plan to stay a little longer in the region