Chase the Low Tide Shipwrecks

Dunkirk's vast sandy beaches, particularly around Malo-les-Bains and Zuydcoote, hold the ghostly remains of shipwrecks from the 1940 Operation Dynamo evacuation. However, these historic relics are swallowed by the North Sea for most of the day. To see them, you must consult the local tide tables (annuaire des marées) before setting out.

Plan your walk to arrive at the beach about an hour before the absolute lowest tide. This gives you a safe window to photograph wrecks like the Crested Eagle or the Devonia. Always keep an eye on the water; the tide in this region returns surprisingly fast, and getting cut off from the shore is a real danger. Stick to firmer sand and avoid muddy patches near the wrecks.