Fort des Dunes

About the museum

Fort des Dunes was built in 1878 as part of the fortification system designed by General Séré de Rivières after the defeat of 1871. It was meant to protect the port of Dunkerque from an attack from the east. Most of its buildings are hidden beneath the sand. The development of new explosives soon deprived it of its strategic role, and it was then used as a barracks for about 450 men.

In May and June 1940 the fort was at the heart of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied troops from the Dunkerque pocket. On June 2, 1940, General Janssen and soldiers of the 12th Motorized Infantry Division were killed there in air raids. A nearby national cemetery holds 190 graves, including the general's. In 1944, eight resistance fighters were also executed there.

After the war the fort was left abandoned for a long time, until the town of Leffrinckoucke bought it in 1998. It is now a site of memory, a museum on the Second World War and a cultural venue known as the Musérial. A renewed display presents around 600 m² of permanent exhibition, complemented by an outdoor trail and a cultural programme, including a municipal theatre.

Highlights

• Fort Séré de Rivières nestled in the Flanders dunes
• 600 m² of permanent exhibition on Operation Dynamo
• Outdoor trail with audio guide
• The story of General Janssen and the 12th Motorized Infantry Division
• Youth trail for ages 7 to 12

Permanent exhibition

• Musérial : exposition permanente – Around 600 m² of displays trace the history of the fort, Operation Dynamo and the fate of the French soldiers engaged at Dunkerque in 1940.

Operated by

Ville de Leffrinckoucke

Admission & discounts

Free entry includes the exhibitions and the outdoor trail with audio guide (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Cheques and €100 notes or higher are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The circuit includes several staircases and descents; it is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. A document in easy-read format is available on request. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Self-guided youth trail for ages 7 to 12 (search for the code of General Janssen's safe), family workshop visit, birthday parties for ages 7 to 12 and numerous family events. Free for children under 7.

Getting there & parking

The fort is about 25 minutes from Dunkerque, next to the EV4 cycle route (Ostende – Roscoff); bike racks and lockers are available.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers and bike racks are available for cyclists. The museum holds the “Accueil vélo” label.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 60 guests.

Seminar room for up to 60 people, with Wi-Fi, projector and screen, rented by the day (€400); guided visit possible.

Plan your visit