The Dunkirk Aquarium

🎡 Leisure park

The Dragon Company

Calais

The Compagnie du Dragon presents its mechanical bestiary! Embark on an adventure aboard the Dragon of Calais, a majestic creature 12 meters tall and 25 meters long, or become an apprentice machinist and bring our Sentinel Iguana to life.   Come meet these amazing creatures imagined by artist François Delarozière and discover the treasures of the Opal Coast, starting with the new “Calais la Plage.”

🎡 Leisure park

Dino Parc Disc Golf

Coudekerque-Branche

In addition to mini-golf, pedal boats, the bungee trampoline, rides, and the Pirate Fort, you can go meet the dinosaurs! Have a wonderful summer in Coudekerque-Branche. The Dinos, the new attraction at Fort Louis Park In a surprising setting, surrounded by T-Rexes, triceratops, and velociraptors, come enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Our Rangers will welcome you at our gift shop located at the entrance to Dino Park. Both children and adults will find plenty of Dino Park souvenirs suitable for all ages. This new facility, located near the mini-golf course, allows us to continue offering new outdoor activities in the lush green setting of Fort Louis Park. Immerse yourself in the world of the Jurassic Period as you discover some fifteen giant dinosaurs—without the risk of being devoured! Dino Park Disc Golf, Season 2 Dino Park Disc Golf has gotten a makeover and welcomed new dinosaurs that are more lifelike than ever! There are plenty of new features to discover in this world straight out of Jurassic Park… For example, a roaming dinosaur will surprise even the most daring visitors! The 4-meter-by-10-meter T-Rex will amaze you with its lifelike movements. Visitors can discover a new dinosaur, the Carnotaurus—also a robotic model—to learn even more about the giants that shaped history. You’ll be able to admire one of the most famous and impressive prehistoric animals in life-size form: the mammoth. Your children (or even the adults) can take photos of themselves inside dinosaur eggs.

🎡 Leisure park

The Fort Mardyck Zoo

Fort-Mardyck

Originally a children’s playground, Fort Mardyck Park gradually welcomed more and more animals until it became the zoo it is today, with a focus on European wildlife. After four years of renovation, the park reopened its doors in June 2005, featuring improved facilities for both visitors and animals. The park then set itself the mission of raising public awareness through the zoo’s animals. Suitable for the whole family, the approximately 2-hectare park welcomes you with a variety of activities and exhibits on diverse and varied themes. You can’t visit the park without seeing its stars: the famous brown bears Dominique and Kiwi—the latter of whom appeared in Jean-Jacques Annaud’s 1988 film *The Bear*. You’ll also find flamingos, Carpathian lynx, and majestic reindeer. It’s a fun outing where you can chat with the staff and admire the diverse wildlife that inhabits our continent!

🎡 Leisure park

Nausicaä

Boulogne-sur-Mer

If you’re passing through Boulogne-sur-Mer, come dive into the heart of the fascinating “ocean on land,” Nausicaä—a true hub of scientific and technical education about the aquatic environment. Nausicaä is designed to be a place for discovering the marine world, offering educational, fun, and scientific tours. Through giant aquariums, immersive displays, and surprising special effects, you’ll encounter penguins on their beach, journey through the submerged forests of French Guiana or the Amazon to see caimans and piranhas. You’ll also have the chance to explore tropical coral reefs after petting the stingrays in the touch pool. Many other wonders await you... including California sea lions, trained right before your eyes, and the impressive sharks that will transform your perception of the oceans. Since its opening in 1991, Nausicaä has dedicated numerous exhibits and activities to raising public awareness about the protection and proper management of the oceans. Indeed, the National Marine Center is dedicated not only to helping visitors discover the ocean but also to education and a mission of great importance for the planet’s future: encouraging all visitors to take action to preserve the oceans, which are vast reservoirs of biodiversity. Ideal for families, your visit can be punctuated by a short break at one of the various dining areas available or at the gift shop and bookstore. Nausicaä also hosts corporate incentive events within its unique facility.

🗿 Monument

Dunkerque Belfry

Dunkerque

Built of a combination of red brick and stone, the belfry stands 75 meters tall. Above the central balcony stands an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who repurchased the city from the English in 1662. A large stained-glass window depicting Jean Bart’s triumphant return after his victory at the Battle of Texel in 1694 illuminates the belfry. One elevator ride and 65 steps up, you can admire the carillon.

⛪ Religious building

St. Eloi Church and Its Belfry

Dunkerque

Built in the 13th century to serve as a watchtower, the belfry also served as a landmark for fishermen in the town of Dunkirk. In 1440, the Lord of Dunkirk, Robert de Bar, decided to raise the tower to its current height of 58 meters and turn it into the bell tower of Saint Eloi Church, which was built at the same time. The current carillon dates from 1962; the previous one was lost in 1940 during the massive fire that destroyed the city and the floors of the belfry. It consists of 48 bells with a total weight of approximately 16 metric tons; the largest bell, “Jean Bart,” weighs 7 metric tons on its own. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the belfry consists of six stories and tapers gradually: it measures 15 meters wide at the base and 8 meters at the top. You’ll find the city’s tourist office at its base, and by taking the elevator, you’ll be able to discover Dunkirk’s most important landmarks thanks to the panoramic view. The Cenotaph, located at the base of the belfry, pays tribute to all victims of war. Built in the 15th century, St. Eloi Church was designed in the shape of a Latin cross with a transept. In 1558, during the Spanish occupation, French forces, led by Marshal des Thermes, invaded the city, burning and devastating everything in their path; only the tower escaped destruction. A new church was rebuilt in a different style (Gothic). Only a vault connected the church to the belfry, providing a passageway for pedestrians. It was not until 1787 that the church was permanently separated from the belfry. It therefore had to be adorned with a façade. The first was designed by the Parisian architect Victor Louis. The current façade dates from 1894 and was designed by Van Moë. This church sustained extensive damage during both world wars and was restored after each one. It has been designated a historic monument since 1916.