Built in the 16th century, +St. Éloi Church+ contains a nave flanked by four side-aisles. The first bays, nearest the façade, having being pulled down, the belfry--an old watch-tower, which formerly abutted on the church--is now separated from it by the width of the street. The façade was rebuilt in 1890. In the interior are a fine +XVIII+th century pulpit, some old paintings, and the tomb of Jean-Bart _(left aisle)_ _(photo, p. 29)_. The right aisle was torn open by the shells _(photo below)_. [Illustration: +The Belfry, and ruined side aisle of St. Éloi Church.+ _Exterior._ _Interior._] [Illustration] The =Belfry=, a large square tower of brick, 190 feet high, was built in 1440. It contains a peal of bells. From the top, there is a very fine view. The entrance is on the rear side of the tower. _Take Rue des Bassins, opposite the church, and turn to the right along Rue de La Panne, in which stands_ the +Church of John-the-Baptist+. [Illustration: +Church of John-the-Baptist.+] This 18th century church contains some fine paintings. On the altar: The _Consecration of Dunkirk to the Virgin_ (Elias); in the chancel, _The Death of Mary the Egyptian_ (G. de Crayer); _The Holy Family_ (Erasme Quellin); _The Holy Family_ (Le Guide); _Jesus crowned with thorns_ (Van Dyck). In the nave: _Paintings by Elias and de Janssens_. On the northern side of the church are the cloister and modern chapel of St. Philomène (shrine). _Keep along Rue de la Panne; follow Quai des Hollandais, and turn to the right into Place d'Armes, in which stands_ the =Hôtel-de-Ville=. [Illustration: +Quai des Hollandais and the Hôtel-de-Ville.+] The Hôtel-de-Ville was rebuilt in 1896-1901 of brick and stone (architect, L. Cordonnier). On the first floor are statues of illustrious Dunkirkians. Just below the roof there is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV. The tower is 250 feet high. [Illustration: +Fishing-boat Dock.+ _In the background:_ +Hôtel-de-Ville and Belfry.+] _Take Rue du Quai, on the left, to the large square in front of the port, in which is the =Fish-Market (Mynk)=. (See sketch-map, p. 27.)_ The port of Dunkirk. [Illustration: +General View of Dunkirk and the Docks.+] One of the busiest fishing and coast-trading ports in France, Dunkirk is especially important by reason of its import trade. The raw materials required for the industries of Northern France are discharged there, whilst iron ore, oil and metals are exported. Since the beginning of the 19th century Dunkirk has steadily grown and the fortifications have twice had to be extended (1861-1906). The ruined industries of the North and the competition of the Rhine may retard this growth, but the port's natural situation will always ensure a fine future for it. In 1920, the docks covered an area of about 100 acres, whilst the total length of the wharves was about six miles. [Illustration: +Trystram lock.+]