Dunkirk - France
Partnership with Rostock since 1960
The name of Dunkirk derives from West Flemish „dun(e)“ (dune or dun) and „kerke“ (church), meaning „church in the dunes“.

Until the middle of the 20th century the district was French Flemish. The Belfry Saint Eloi, also called the Belfry of Dunkirk was built in 15th century.
Its tower offers a wide view over the city. Dunkirk has the third-largest harbor in France. As an industrial place it depends heavily on the steel, food processing, oil-refining, ship-building and chemical industries.