Dunkerque

The Belle Époque resort of Malo-les-Bains lines its colourful villas along a vast sandy beach and a lively promenade (the digue). Leashed dogs are welcome on the digue year-round; on the sand, French rules apply with summer restrictions and much freedom off-season.

Set in the old fortified bastions, this museum retraces the 1940 evacuation with maps, uniforms and military hardware. Only assistance dogs are admitted inside; the park and ramparts around the museum can be walked on lead, as can the nearby seafront.

This 15th-century brick belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the belfries of Belgium and France, dominates the rebuilt centre. The climb and interior are not open to dogs, but the square and pedestrian streets around it are easily walked on lead.

The Lieu d'Art et Action Contemporaine is surrounded by a vast landscaped sculpture garden, open and free, among grass mounds and monumental artworks. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor park; only the museum's indoor galleries are closed to them.

Toward the Belgian border, the Dune Marchand nature reserve protects a wild dune belt extended by Leffrinckoucke beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the paths so as not to disturb nesting wildlife; the beach follows France's seasonal rules, freer off-season.

The harbour front, from Môle 1 to the Musée Portuaire, lines basins, trawlers and the imposing three-masted Duchesse Anne moored at the quay. The quays and outdoor walkways are walked on lead; the museum interiors and ship tours admit only assistance dogs.