Of its origin of small Flemish fishing port to the power of LOUIS XIV who conquered it, this city was directed between an incredible succession suzerains Flemish, Burgundian, Austrian, Spanish and English.

This explaining that, the Dunkirk ones, quickly forge a reputation of pirates, not only peaceful herring fishermen but also famous corsairs as Sailors-hat which saved France of the famine in 1694 by diverting some 80 Dutch ships, charged with corn, it were anobli.

Tradition of the maritime trade obliges, a visit is binding to the "Duchess Anne" who drowses in the basin Commercial. The sailing ex school German Grossherzogin Elisabeth was given to France in war damage in 1946.

Poisoned gift which lived a life of wander until the repurchase by the Dunkirk ones which rehabilitated it and made it classify historic building. Of its Flemish past, the city undoubtedly kept its habits of the carnival and its bands :

Snustreraer, Kakernesches and another Corsairs who break in the streets, masked, accompanied musicians, cantinières with their barrel of rum and the famous giants to the emblematic figures which make carnival of Dunkirk one of most original of France.

Lastly, we will let to you imagine the famous balls of carnival which go beyond the night, ball of the black Cat, ball of Kakernesches or the ball of the Night of the Squadron organized by the corsairs.

Spanish and English before becoming French, Dunkirk and its port had an animated history. With its birth, Dunkirk is a small hamlet of fishermen. Wars of race and exploits of Sailor-hat, famous Dunkirk corsair. Important fortifications drawn by Vauban.

Time thrives of fishing in Iceland. Operation DYNAMO: incredible evacuation of 338 000 soldiers. Rebuilding after the second world war. Commercial and industrial rise. Since July 2000: wearing of travellers (FERRY) with connection day labourer Dunkirk - Dover.

A dynamic city: industries

One discovers there the diversity of the business and harbour activities in constant evolution: Naval construction and repair, handling of goods, piloting, towing, piloting, dredging, maritime trade. Multinational corporations are present : ARCELOR-MITTAL, Centre Nucléaire Prod Electrici, ASCOMETAL, GTS industries, AUCHAN France, Société Aluminium Dunkerque...

Dunes of Flandres: a play-ground of 15 km fine sand. Plays where riment sport with various activities: Golf, flysurf, board with veil, speed sail, catamaran, the sail, tank with veil, hand ball... Sport where riment also of the competitions of any levels

Championship of Europe Junior of Swimming

Female Championship of Europe of Tennis

shoe ball Championship of the World of Hand ball

Championship of Europe of Hand ball

4 Days of Dunkirk (annual)

Prologue of the Turn of France Cyclist

Stage of the Championship of the World of Fly surfing

Championship of ice-skating art

Thousands of "masks" which invade the streets at the time of the famous carnival of Dunkirk from january to march.

The festival of the folklores of the world

Of Asia, of South America, Central Europe, Africa but also of certain French areas, the folk formations compete of enthusiasm to present their costumes and traditional dances. Each country, each area is rich of its diversity, of its history and its traditions.