Dunkirk is a ferry port in its own right as well as a short hop from the Channel ferry/ Eurotunnel port and Eurostar stopoff at Calais. Combined with its proximity to the Plopsaland theme park over the border in Belgium, Dunkirk and surrounding French Flanders are an ideal destination for a short, hassle-free and varied break with kids. It's so child-friendly it has "station famille plus" accreditation.
Dunkirk's 4-mile (7km) beach of Malo-les-Bains is known for its sand-yachting, and there are great-value two-hour introductory lessons, but there are also spectacular unspoilt dunes stretching most of the way from Dunkirk to the Belgian border, and other good beaches at Bray-Dunes and Petit-Fort-Philippe. Ask for the free Pass Côte à Côte if you want to make the most of Dunkirk, its surrounding area and the Belgian coast.
For those keen to keep active, several centres organise beach- and watersports, including sailing, canoeing, catamaran rides, fishing, kite-flying, rowing and kitesurfing, while cycling and mountain-biking are also popular. There are several campsites by the beaches and a good choice of B&Bs. By day you can rent one of the colourful beach huts as a base.
School holidays bring heaps of extra family activities, from nature workshops to beach volleyball and football tournaments, some of them free. The Dunkirk Port Museum located within an old tobacco warehouse has interactive displays on the development of the port, a maritime gallery of ships' models and, best of all, an open-air area with historic ships. The walled town of Gravelines is definitely worth a visit. Hire a boat and explore from the moat the beautifully preserved ramparts.
You can also climb Dunkirk's world heritage-listed medieval belfry tower or Hondschoote's typical Flemish windmills, and there's a small zoo, a planetarium, an aquarium, a 27-hole golf course, 10-pin bowling and ice-skating. Or you might choose to browse one of the outdoor markets, or sit and watch the world go by from the terrace of a seafront brasserie as you enjoy a plate of local moules-frites while the children play on the beach.
Dunkirk's role as 2013 regional capital of culture makes this year a great time to discover its pleasures. Special events include the Maritime festival (30 May-2 June), featuring an international fleet of tall ships and vessels including the world's second largest four-masted ship still in operation.
And, before you go, visit one of the biggest hypermarkets in France, just outside of Dunkirk.
To find out more about this destination, visit gotofrancenow.com/northern-france-dunkirk
