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Lighthouse

Risban Lighthouse

Dunkerque, Opal Coast

About this place

A landmark of the Dunkirk landscape, the Risban Lighthouse—the northernmost in France—stands on the ruins of a fort built by Vauban. Designated a “Historic Monument,” a visit to the lighthouse includes an exhibition on maritime signaling housed in the former keepers’ quarters. Visitors must climb 276 steps to enjoy a magnificent view of the harbor, the city, and the Flemish plain.

Source : DATAtourisme — Hauts-de-France Tourisme, mise à jour du 2019-10-30. Licence Ouverte 2.0.

What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Dunkerque.

Culture 1 August → 30 September

Traditional Shipbuilding on the Opal Coast

Dunkerque

Traditional shipbuilding from the Opal Coast awaits you in Dunkirk on August 1, 2026. This exhibition immerses you in the world of traditional boatbuilding along our coastline, particularly the flobart and the dundee. You’ll discover the different stages of building a boat, from design to launch. The exhibition offers you the opportunity to explore the skills and techniques used by boatbuilders on the Opal Coast. This will give you a deeper understanding of our region’s history and culture. This cultural event is a unique experience not to be missed by enthusiasts of maritime history and local heritage.
Culture 1 August → 30 September

Shipyards: A Photographic Archive of Dunkirk's Industrial History

Dunkerque

Shipyards are an important part of the past and present of the Port of Dunkirk. The exhibition “Shipyards: Photographic Archives of Dunkirk’s Industrial History” brings together photographs from the museum’s collections and highlights several major shipyards: Ziegler, Ateliers et Chantiers de France, and Béliard & Crighton. The exhibition continues with contemporary photographs taken during the restoration of the three-masted ship Duchesse Anne at the Damen shipyard.
category.Découverte 6 August

Walking Tour of the Port

Dunkerque

Walking Tour of the Port On August 6, 2026, explore the port of Dunkirk on foot with this 2.5-hour guided tour. The 6.3-kilometer route takes you through the East Port, offering impressive views of port activity. You’ll pass close by the Trystram and Watier locks, walk alongside the Risban Lighthouse, and pass in front of the Damen floating dock. This walking tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Dunkirk. Admission fee applies; reservations required.

Other places to discover

Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

Calais

Located just a few minutes from downtown, specifically in the Courgain neighborhood, the Calais Lighthouse rises 59 meters above sea level. Built in 1848 to replace the beacon of the ancient Guet Tower, it now guides ships with its automated white flashing lights. Originally powered by oil, then by kerosene, the lighthouse was electrified in 1883 before being automated in 1992. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Calais Lighthouse withstood the destruction of northern Calais during the wars and today towers over the city. The lighthouse regularly hosts exhibitions and events dedicated to the history of lighthouses and maritime signaling, as well as the preservation of the natural heritage of the Opal Coast. Visitors brave enough to climb the 271 steps can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the lantern. Today, its smooth operation is thanks to lighthouse and beacon technicians.
Lighthouse

The Gravelines Lighthouse

Gravelines

Completed in 1843 and designated a Historic Monument in 2010, the lighthouse located in the former town of Petit-Fort-Philippe stands 29 meters tall. At its base, you’ll find the lighthouse keepers’ house, and after climbing 116 steps, you’ll reach the top, where you can admire the Opal Coast with its beaches—such as Oye-Plage— the mouth of the Aa River, and many other scenic views. Its black-and-white color scheme stems from the fact that sailors were unable to see the lighthouse; it was therefore adorned with a black spiral, which makes it so unique. Decommissioned in 1935 following the retirement of its last keeper, the lighthouse is now open to the public.
Lighthouse

The Canche Lighthouse

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Listed as a Historic Monument since April 9, 2011, the Le Touquet lighthouse overlooks the entire luxury resort. Considered the most “landlocked” lighthouse—due to its location set back from the sea and its orange-colored bricks—it stands nearly 58 meters tall and has a range of 46 km. It was commissioned in September 1951, but the Canche Lighthouse is not the town’s first; in fact, nearly 100 years earlier, two lighthouses were put into service to prevent the numerous shipwrecks along the coast. Blown up during World War II, it took six years before the new lighthouse’s light could be seen again. Its unique octagonal tower was designed by the famous Louis Quételart, a prominent local architect responsible for more than 30 villas in Le Touquet, including Pomme d’Api and Les Mutins. After climbing 274 steps, Le Touquet unfolds before you in a 360° panorama, taking you from the Bay of La Canche to the Normandy Cliffs, passing by the ramparts of the town of Montreuil. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the lighthouse house, a building that first housed the masters and later the keepers of the Canche Lighthouse; today, it serves as the lighthouse museum and offers a wealth of anecdotes about the seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.
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.
Leisure park

The Dunkirk Aquarium

Dunkerque

The 20 tanks at the Dunkirk Aquarium showcase fish, corals, and turtles.
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.

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