Marché de la Place du Général de Gaulle
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the grand Place du Général de Gaulle in the heart of Dunkirk transforms into a bustling open-air market where locals pile their baskets with North Sea fish, Flemish cheeses and early-season vegetables. It is the most honest snapshot of everyday life in this proudly working-class port city.
What to Buy
Head straight for the fishmongers first — Dunkirk's trawlers land herring, sole and North Sea shrimp locally, and the quality shows. Smoked herring (hareng fumé), sold vacuum-packed, makes an excellent edible souvenir.
Flemish specialities such as Maroilles cheese, Bergues cheese (milder and washed-rind) and chicory-based products line the dairy stalls. A wedge of Bergues with a crusty baguette from the neighbouring boulangerie is a perfect market breakfast.
Market Atmosphere
The square is flanked by the ornate 17th-century Hôtel de Ville and the bell tower of Saint-Éloi church, giving the market a handsome architectural backdrop that rewards a slow stroll even before you start shopping.
Arrive before 9:00 on Saturday for the fullest stalls and the best fish selection; by 12:30 most vendors are packing up. A handful of hot-food stands sell Flemish waffles (gaufres) and fried potatoes to keep you going.
More of Dunkirk
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Dunkirk →
