Just a 5-10 minute walk from the Dunkirk harbor lies the historic bathhouse, Bains Dunkerquois, a ghostly relic of Art Deco and neo-Moorish design. Built more than 130 years ago by Louis Gilquin, Albert Baert, and Georges Boidin, its mosaic façade, floral motifs, and pastel tiles still shimmer despite decades of neglect.
Closed since the 1970s, the once-bustling bathhouse has fallen into disrepair, and interior access is no longer possible due to its fragile state. Yet the building’s exterior still carries a haunting charm, guarded by two stone lions and framed by graceful oriental arches.
Unfortunately, entry is not possible, as parts of the structure are severely deteriorated. However, more information and a virtual tour are available on the official website. The level of architectural detail tells a story of its own. Standing in front of it, you’re briefly transported to another time and can almost imagine what the interior must have once looked like.
