Words from a Greeter – Pauline from Dunkirk

My name is Pauline and I am 49 years old. I arrived in Dunkirk in June 2020 (after 25 years of living in Paris), a city I barely knew apart from its beach and long seawall. And I absolutely fell in love with it.

Through walks and guided tours, I discovered — and am still discovering, tirelessly — its incredible richness: its varied architecture (the old town center, the Malo villas, the reconstruction districts), its unusual places (Môle 1, Jeanty Island, the Excentric district, the wooden villas), its museums, its ports, and its parks…

Very quickly, I felt the desire to share these wonders. As the daughter of teachers and a journalist in children’s media, I have always had a strong desire to bear witness and to pass things on.

For example, I enjoy posting photos of my explorations on social media to share them with those who do not have the chance to travel. But in Dunkirk, I wanted to go further and make it more tangible.

When the Dunkirk Greeters network began to grow, I saw it as an opportunity to “spread” my love for my new city to visitors.

I love feeling this “responsibility” of presenting Dunkirk and, above all, the satisfaction of making tourists want to come back.

I enjoy creating tailor-made walks depending on the profile of my companions.

For example, I recently organized a half-walk, half-bench stroll for a 90-year-old lady so as not to tire her too much.

Or a two-hour overview for a Belgian couple stopping by for a quick visit…

And most recently, a walk that turned into a fascinating exchange with a student beginning to prepare a university project.

Because truly, meeting others is the greatest value of the Greets, the greatest joy… and what I love most of all!!