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15 Best Things to Do in Calais (France)

A major port for centuries, and France’s historic gateway to England, Calais hasn’t always been in the news for the right reasons. Many people rush by on their way to Paris or more picturesque places in northern France. But if you have an open mind there’s a lot to keep you occupied.

The ever-present belfry is a UNESCO site, and just opposite is one of Auguste Rodin’s most acclaimed works. You can immerse yourself in the history of Calais’ lace mills and go underground in a preserved Nazi bunker.

Lets explore the best things to do in Calais :

1. Town Hall

Calais’ town hall has a 75-metre-high belfry that is part of a UNESCO site straddling the French and Belgian border, made up of towers within the old Duchy of Burgundy and the historic County of Flanders.

It may look historic from a distance, but it’s actually from the  20th-century, designed in a renaissance revival style.

Inside you can see working models of the Port of Calais, and you can also catch a lift to the observation platform in the belfry for far-reaching vistas.

Most agree that the belfry’s chimes are among the most beautiful in France.

2. Burghers of Calais

In front of the Town Hall on the edge of the Parc Saint-Pierre is one of Auguste Rodin’s best-known works.

It was unveiled in 1895 and was designed to honour the self-sacrifice of six of Calais’ leaders after a year-long siege from 1346 to 1347 that was part of the 100 Years’ War.

When Calais finally surrendered, Edward III promised that the townspeople would be spared if six burghers agreed to present themselves to him, for what they assumed would be their execution.

The sculpture depicts them beginning their walk of shame, with nooses around their necks, in a sober, unromantic way.

There are several casts of the Burghers of Calais on display around the world, but this is the original.

3. La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode

The City of Lace and Fashion reveals the past and present of lace manufacturing.

The museum is set in one of Calais’ last collective lace factories, established in the 1870s.

By 1902 there were 80 looms in operation here, and such was the weight and power of these iron and steel machines, the walls of the U-shaped building had to slope outwards to serve as a counterbalance.

The galleries have 3320 pieces of machine and hand-made lace fashion throughout the years, with collections by designers like Iris van Herpen and Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Expert tullists demonstrate their craft on a working loom that you can see in action on the hour every afternoon.

4. Musée de la Guerre de Calais

Also in the Parc Saint-Pierre is a Nazi bunker almost 200 metres in length.

When you get to the entrance you’ll understand how it could have escaped bomb damage in the war, as the structure is completely cloaked by the park’s foliage in summer.

When Calais was taken the Canadian forces attacking the bunker used flamethrowers in their assault.

The bunker was a communications centre for the entire northwest of France, built in 1941, and now has 21 galleries with artefacts, photography, uniforms and newspaper cuttings.

Posted warnings and propaganda posters shed some light on life in Calais during the occupation.

There’s an audio-guide and the tour will last 90 minutes.

5. Calais Lighthouse

The city’s 53-metre high lighthouse was completed in 1848 and also managed to escape damage in the Second World War.

The main attraction is at the top, where on a clear day you can make out the White Cliffs of Dover.

That’s provided you’re feeling spry, as you have to scale 271 steps to get up there.

In the adjoining building a diverting little museum that tells you about the former lighthouse keepers who worked here up to 1987, and there are maps of the Channel that illustrate the weight of traffic that passes through every day.

6. Musée des Beaux Arts de Calais

On the upper side of Parc Richelieu, Calais’ main art museum has some exciting pieces in an airy interior that belies the building’s stern and unwelcoming appearance from the street.

The museum concentrates on French, Dutch and Flemish art from a variety of eras, with Gerrit van Honthorst and Balthasar van der Ast from the Dutch Golden age, and Eugène Boudin perhaps the most important French painter on display.

You can get some wonderful insights about how Rodin’s Burghers of Calais came about, as there’s a whole room filled with the figures in terracotta, plaster and bronze.

7. Courgain Maritime

The Art Museum and Lighthouse are both in Courgan Maritime, Calais’ historic fishing district.

Like most of the city there isn’t much evidence of medieval architecture because of the considerable destruction during the wars, but eagle-eyed and informed visitors can find lots of exciting vestiges.

One is the Tour du Guet, a medieval watchtower erected in the early-13th century with a height of almost 40 metres.

It was used as the city’s lighthouse until the current one was built.

Fort Risban has controlled the harbour since the middle ages, and in its time has been controlled by the English, French, Spanish and Germans.

The legendary military engineer Vauban visited the fort in the late 17th-century and made some minor alterations, but much of these were lost when the building was wrecked by an accidental explosion in 1799.

8. City Parks

Many people waiting for their ferry, or fresh off the boat, will stop in Parc Richelieu to get some fresh air and stretch their legs.

It’s a well-tended green space with a pond in the centre and paths through thickets and next to shrubberies and flower beds.

Parc Saint-Pierre has more of a French feel, as you’ll notice from the locals playing pétanque.

There are pergolas, balsustrades and an ornate fountain.

In all it’s a perfectly pleasant place to have a picnic, and is moments from the Town Hall and Rodin’s sculpture.

9. Calais Beach

On a hot day you could do a lot worse than head down to the city’s beach, a little way to the west of the port.

Many bathers might find the waters a bit brisk, but they’re shallow and safe, as the beach has a very low gradient.

For the rest there’s a big spread of soft golden sand to relax on and rows of charming beach huts painted white.

As you go west the scenery behind the beach becomes more rural and you enter the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale a large protected area that stands in marked contrast to the industry and strip malls east and south of Calais.

Further towards the port is a promenade with mini golf, bars and restaurants.

10. Cap Blanc-Nez and Escalles

Continue west along the seafront and things get a bit more spectacular.

Just over ten kilometres from Calais is Cap Blanc-Nez, a headland with soaring white chalk cliffs that are the mirror image of those in Dover.

The highest point is 134 metres and above the sheer chalk bluffs is grassy moorland cratered occasionally by Second World War bombs.

There are bunkers up here from the war and a monument to the Dover Patrol, an Allied First World War operation to defend the straits.

Escalles beach, a bit further on has a vast widescreen beauty, set off by the magnificent cliffs.

Come for unforgettable bracing walks at any time of year.

11. Boulogne-sur-Mer

Easily reached in half an hour from Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s largest fishing port and has an altogether quainter feel to it than its neighbour to the north.

This can be explained by its lovely old walls, which encircle the upper town for 1.5 kilometres.

You can walk along the ramparts, which are from the 1200s and pass four gates and 17 defensive towers.

Like Calais, Boulogne has a UNESCO-inscribed belfry, but this city’s is much older, dating to the 1100s.

It started out as the keep to the Castle of the Counts of Boulogne, and you can enter to see rooms decorated with antique furniture and historic stained glass windows illustrating the 11th-century Godfrey of  Bouillon an eminent knight of the House of Flanders who died on the First Crusade.

12. Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer

Rated as one of the best and largest aquariums in Europe,  Nausicaä deals with man’s relationship with sea, and walks that line between education and entertainment.

There are seven main sections to enthuse both kids and adults: A thrilling feature of the shark aquarium is that you can see 12 different species of this fish from above and then below the waterline.

And If you’ve ever wondered what a sting ray feels like, there’s a “touch pool” where you can feel these tame creatures’ backs as they swim past.

Family picks will be the penguins and sea lions, all in thoughtfully designed enclosures.

13. Saint-Omer

Also easy to reach from Calais is Saint-Omer, a delightful old city with broad streets and sophisticated architecture from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

You’ll be able to go inside one of the grander townhouses, Hôtel Sandelin, which has free entry on Sundays and contains renaissance and baroque art, a sumptuous collection of ceramics, and a numismatics department with more than 16,000 coins.

Don’t leave without seeing the cathedral inside and out, where there’s medieval sculpture, stained glass windows and a 19th-century organ designed by Arsitide Cavaillé-Coll, France’s greatest organ maker.

14. La Coupole

In the countryside close to Saint-Omer is an attraction that marries wartime history with science.

La Coupole was a V2 launch centre built by the Germans towards the end of the Second World War.

Had it been completed this compound would been able to rain ballistic missiles on south-eastern England but was taken out by bombing raids in 1944. You enter along a slightly sinister tunnel and under the imposing concrete dome are galleries relatingnot only the history of the V2 project, but also lighter, child-friendly shows at the museum’s newly-installed planetarium with 3D shows.

15. Moules-Frites

The most accessible local dish is the delicious mussels and French fries.

The mussels can be cooked in a variety of ways, but the most popular is also the simplest: In a sauce with white wine, shallots and parsley.

The real way to eat the fries on the side is with a dollop of mayonnaise.

Beer is the main alcoholic beverage made in the Pas-de-Calais region and happens to go very well with mussels.

Sharp whites and rosé wines are just as good, but reds not so much because the tannins clash with the shellfish.

15 Best Things to Do in Calais (France):

• Burghers of Calais
• La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode
• Musée de la Guerre de Calais
• Calais Lighthouse
• Musée des Beaux Arts de Calais
• Courgain Maritime
• Calais Beach
• Cap Blanc-Nez and Escalles
• Boulogne-sur-Mer
• Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer
• Moules-Frites

• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Calais?

Are you thinking about visiting Calais, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

• Is Calais Worth Visiting?

Reasons to Visit Calais

• In the Summer?
• In the Autumn?
• In the Winter?
• In the Spring?

What is Calais most famous for?

• What is Calais most known for?

What is the most famous sight in Calais?

• How touristy is Calais?

How long should I spend in Calais?

Is calais worth visiting.

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Many people overlook this part of France for the more popular southern regions, but those who do visit can enjoy sandy beaches and nice wine and cheese. UK visitors often arrive by ferry and enjoy some shopping as they pass through.

Food The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Nightlife You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Authenticity Calais has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Calais worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Calais, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, and discover the big city activities. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.

Is Calais worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Calais. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the big city activities.

Is Calais worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Calais can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Calais is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and dance the night away. Also, you can enjoy the city's energy.

Is Calais worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Calais. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

The weather in Calais can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and enjoy the evening activities.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Calais

Getting Around The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Calais might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Calais here or see if Calais is expensive here .

Calais is most famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. The city is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as authentic, undiscovered, and coastal.

The most popular sight in Calais is The Town Hall . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Calais on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Town Hall and other attractions here .

How touristy is Calais? Is it a popular city to visit?

Calais is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

The ideal length of time for a trip to Calais is one to three days. Since Calais has activities such as nightlife, beaches, and shopping, most people visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Calais? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calais? .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Things to Do in Calais, France - Calais Attractions

Things to do in calais.

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• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. La Cite De La Dentelle Et De La Mode De Calais

2. Calais Beach

3. l'Hotel de Ville de Calais

4. The Burghers of Calais

5. Musee Memoire

6. Compagnie du Dragon

7. Calais Lighthouse

8. P&O Ferries Dover - Calais

9. Eglise Notre-Dame

10. Monument Yvonne et Charles De Gaulle

11. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Calais

12. Parc St Pierre

13. Tour du Guet

14. Le Beffroi de Calais

15. Parc Richelieu

16. Fort Risban

17. Jardin Tudor

18. Place d'Armes

19. Eglise Saint-Pierre

20. Le Théâtre de Calais

21. Le Fort Nieulay

22. La Citadelle

23. Calais Wine Superstore

24. P & O Ferries Calais to Dover

25. Le Monument des Sauveteurs

26. Port de Calais

27. Stade Julien Denis

28. Royal Kids Parc De Jeux

29. Port De Plaisance De Calais

30. office de tourisme, what travelers are saying.

• Calais Beach
• l'Hotel de Ville de Calais
• La Cite De La Dentelle Et De La Mode De Calais
• The Burghers of Calais
• P&O Ferries Dover - Calais
• Parc St Pierre
• Parc Richelieu
• Jardin Tudor
• Port De Plaisance De Calais
• Monument Yvonne et Charles De Gaulle

Visit Calais

Calais, a cultural link to europe.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, the city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside.

A privileged passage route between the European continent and Great Britain for over a thousand years now, Calais lies today at the heart of a dense communications network . The age-old port is the physical link with England, connected since 1994 with the opening of the Channel's underwater tunnel . The numerous daily crossings make Calais a popular destination with the Brits.

Calais is also renowned for its lace , which can be found in haute-couture designs.

Preserved Natural Spaces All Around

With its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain and coastal villages, the Grand site des Deux-Caps (Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez) is an emblematic area of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. It was the first in France to be classified as a National Grand Site .

These vast natural landscapes are conducive to walks and adventure. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, sport adepts and Sunday strollers alike will undoubtedly find a route (or many!) to explore.

On the Opal Coast's great beaches , it's also possible to partake in any number of water activity : windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing... Sport enthusiasts won't be disappointed here !

Do not miss

• The International Centre for Lace and Fashion , witness to Calais' industrial background, presents the savoir-faire and techniques of lace-making, its economic and social history, along with the traditional and more modern uses of lace ;
• City Hall , a Flemish and Neo-Renaissance style construction, is symbolic of the union between the cities of Saint-Pierre and Calais.Its belfry , which culminates at 75 meters, offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city. It is also part of the group of Belfries of Belgium, Northern France and Picardie, listed as UNESCO World Heritage ;
• The 6 Bourgeois , life-size bronze statues, are the masterpieces of the famous sculptor, Auguste Rodin. They recall a heroic period in the history of Calais ;
• The Tour du Guet , 38 meters tall, is one of the city's oldest monuments ;
• Notre-Dame-de-Calais Church , the city's biggest and oldest church, is where Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux got married in 1921 ;
• The Grand Théâtre is remarkable with its Italian architecture, frescoes and acoustics ;
• The Place d’Armes , one of the city's largest squares, is known mostly for its market and the two annual fairs held there ;
• The Citadel is a fortress built on the ruins of the 13th-century medieval château that defended Calais until 1940 ;
• The Museum of Fine Arts lies on two floors, with collections of 16th- to 21st-century paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs. One of the rooms is entirely dedicated to Rodin ;
• The World War II Museum , located in an authentic German navy bunker, displays many period photographs, press clipping and objects from daily life, recounting the painful fate of the locals at that time.
• Local beer : the "Bourgeoises" of Calais (a blonde, a brown and an amber)
• Local pastries : the "Calais," made with macaron dough, butter-coffee cream, almonds...

Getting there

• Motorway links :

Autoroute A16 is inter-connected to the North European, Northwest France and Region of Paris motorway networks (Brussels-Calais 2H, Rouen-Calais 2H, Paris-Calais 3H) Autoroute A26 is inter-connected to the Eastern France and Region of Paris motorway networks (Reims-Calais 3H, Paris-Calais 3H)

By train : two railway stations, Calais Ville and International Calais Fréthun

TGV Nord, 1H30 from Paris, 30 min from Lille Eurostar, 1H00 from London, 1H00 from Brussels

Maritime links :

The Calais car-ferry terminal has up to 3 hourly departures, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Three companies make the 90-minute liaison to Dover, England. The Calais marina also has 307 boat mooring rings.

• Cross-channel fixed link :

The Eurotunnel has 2 departures every hour, for a 35-minute crossing to Folkestone.

• International coach lines :

The London to Calais route is serviced by companies with links to the rest of Europe.

Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Calais Côte d'Opale 12 Boulevard Clémenceau 62100 Calais Tél : +33 (0)3 21 96 62 40 [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected])

• Brochures (External link)
• Visit the Grand site des Deux Caps (External link)

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A mere 34km from the English port of Dover (Douvres in French), Calais makes a convenient launching pad for exploring the majestic Côte d'Opale. Beaches extend around the town centre, whose handful of museums are well worth a look.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cité Internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode

Innovative exhibits trace the history of lacemaking – the industry that once made Calais a textile powerhouse – from hand knotting (some stunning samples…

Burghers of Calais

In front of Calais' ornate Hôtel de Ville stands the first cast of Rodin's famous sculpture Les Bourgeois de Calais (The Burghers of Calais; 1889), which…

Blériot Plage

This broad, gently sloping sandy beach stretching for 8km is safe for swimming and gets packed in summer.

Hôtel de Ville

Inaugurated in 1925, Calais' Hôtel de Ville (city hall) melds Flemish and Renaissance styles, as does its 78m-high, Unesco-listed beffroi (belfry) topped…

Plage de Calais

Children can splash in the shallow, clear waters of Calais' cabin-lined city beach (patrolled by lifeguards in summer), while its fine sand is ideal for…

Musée Mémoire 1939–1945

Housed in a massive concrete bunker built as a German naval headquarters, this WWII museum displays thousands of period artefacts, including weapons,…

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Latest stories from Calais

Destination Practicalities

Apr 21, 2024 • 9 min read

From the beach to the museums and the best ways to travel around, get to know Calais in north France with this guide.

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48 Hours in Calais: The Perfect Itinerary

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If you're coming from the U.K. by car, then the best route to cross the Channel is via Dover, taking 90 minutes. DFDS runs an excellent service, and the port is also served by P&O Ferries. It is also a great value as prices for travel with DFDS from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk start from 39 pounds each way for a car and nine people. You can upgrade to include premium lounge access for an additional 12 pounds per person each way and with a complimentary glass of bubbly, coffee and snacks as well as a great lunge, it is well worth the small extra. 

Some Eurostar London to Brussels trains stop at Calais Frethune, 10 kilometers (6 miles) outside Calais. There is a free shuttle bus (navette) between Calais Frethune and the main Calais Ville Station in central Calais.

Morning Day 1: The Lace Makers of Calais

10 a.m.:  Start with a trip to the Lace Museum , officially the Cité Internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais (International Centre of Lace and Fashion), housed in a former lace factory in the area of Calais that dominated lace making in France in the 19 th and 20 th centuries. You get a fascinating walk through the history of lace, starting in a darkened space with displays about the history of lace and fashion from the Renaissance when no female or male attire was without those glorious hand-made lace skirts and ruffs.

On the second floor the story moves into the Industrial Revolution which began in England and changed the world. In France in 1816, an English mechanic Robert Webster with two others brought an English-manufactured machine into Calais and installed it in Saint-Pierre-les-Calais, at that time a small village. A whole colony of English workers arrived to teach their French counterparts how to work the new machinery, making the huge and complex Jacquard designs, which successfully imitated hand-woven lace. It’s rather incongruous to see the vast machine shaking the floor and drowning out conversation as it makes the gossamer-thin, elegant lace. 

Then it’s on to videos showing all stages of lace making, from the designer to the draughtsmen who drew the designer’s inspiration onto the papers that are then turned into a wooden pattern of holes that is loaded into the machines. It’s very complicated, time-consuming, and involves skills which are now dying out.

12.30 p.m.: There’s a good café, Les Petites Mains, serving lunch and snacks throughout the day. There’s also a good museum shop where you can buy lace products, books, and gifts.

Afternoon Day 1: Reminders of War Ancient and Modern

2 p.m.:  Walk out of the Lace Museum and turn left along the Quai du Commerce that runs beside the canal. You can’t miss the road that leads to the flamboyant Town Hall. Rodin’s famous Monument of the Burghers of Calais stands outside, commemorating the six burghers condemned to death but saved by queen Philippa of Hainault.

If you’ve come into Calais by ferry from the UK and driven out or if you’ve gone past it by train, you can’t miss the high belfry that dominates the landscape, listed as one of France's UNESCO World Heritage Sites  in 2005. The flamboyant Flemish neo-classical style makes the building look much older than it is; it was begun in 1911 and finished in 1925. Check with the tourist office on opening times (it’s closed for lunch from noon to 2 p.m. for instance) as it’s worth a visit. The grand staircase takes you up to the wedding room where the future war leader and President of France, Charles de Gaulle, and local girl Yvonne Vendroux married in 1921. Stained glass windows decorate the rooms, showing the story of the liberation of Calais from the English in 1558. You can either take the lift or walk up to the top of the belfry, 75 meters high, with a view taking you across the flat landscape to Flanders and on a clear day to the white cliffs of Dover. 

4 p.m.:  Walk across the little park to a blockhouse built by the Germany Navy and now housing the Musée Memoire, 1939-45 . Right in the heart of the town, it was well camouflaged and hidden by the trees. It’s a small but effective museum from the point of view of the locals living through the war plus references to the concentration camps.

Evening Day 1: Traditional Bistro Food

7 p.m.:  Walk to Au Calice on Boulevard Jacquard. This reliable brasserie with its wooden floors and banquette seating and an outdoor garden hits the spot for traditional eating. With an estaminet type menu, choose from Flemish stew or mussels and chips. This place is cheap and cheerful.

Morning Day 2: A Medieval Tower and a Modern President

Spend today in the central, old part of Calais, originally a fortified town on an island but rebuilt after World War II.

9 a.m.:  Start with a brisk walk north, over the Pont Henri Henon and up Avenue R. Pouncaré and you’ll reach the beach with its little cabins and brave swimmers, where the energetic walk with Nordic walking sticks or jog past you while the cross-channel ferries pass in and out of the busy port. Walk back past Fort Risban, its serious defenses bearing witness to the importance of the port for both the French and the English.

10 a.m.:  Cross back over the bridge and make a left. Straight ahead you see the column dedicated to Louis XVIII to mark the return of the monarchy to France on April 24, 1814 after the fall of Napoleon. It sounds like an accolade for the town, but in reality, the new king came via Calais because it was the quickest route.

Take the road down to the 19 th -century lighthouse where you’re rewarded for climbing the 271 spiral steps with a fabulous view over the Channel to the white cliffs of Dover.

11 a.m.:  Walk back to the Place des Armes which has been renovated from its rather dire condition and is now a lively square which buzzes on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with an open air market. Once the heart of medieval Calais, all that is left is the Tour du Guet. The town has recently added a life-style statue of Charles de Gaulle and his wife, who in 1921 were married in the Notre-Dame church that was built in the 13 th and 14 th centuries when it was under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It has now been restored, so look at the Tudor-style garden outside then walk in for its mix of English and Flemish styles, 17 th -century altar and its tower which was used as an observation point in the late 18 th century to calculate the precise distance between the Paris Observatory and the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

The Place des Armes is full of cafes and restaurants, but consdier  Du Vignoble au Verre at No. 43. It’s a cozy restaurant with classic French cooking. Dishes like seafood crepe, pepper steak, and scallops in a cider and apple sauce keep the locals and visitors happy.

Afternoon Day 2: A Surprising Discovery

2:30 p.m.: The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts ) is a surprising discovery. The works range from 17th century paintings through Impressionism and Picasso to today. There’s an exhibition on Rodin juxtaposed with works by British artist Anthony Caro and everywhere in the museum, the centuries and styles are mixed and contrasted. There are delightful themes like "A Mad Tea Party" from "Alice in Wonderland" where a tea set, hot chocolate pot, and plates with motifs from China, Japan, and popular iconography give a strange disjointed feel, just as Alice felt. It’s all beautifully laid out, giving you a snapshot of art through the centuries. 

Evening Day 2: Shopping and Dining

5 p.m.: Calais has some good shops, mostly open until 7 or 7:30 p.m. As you’re next to the Place des Armes, shop for cheese and wine at La Maison du Fromage et des Vins and La Bar a Vins. Then have a quick drink in any of the bars that line the Rue Royale where you'll find my recommended restaurant. 

7 p.m.: Dine at Histoire Ancienne , a bistro-style restaurant owned and run by chef Patrick Comte with his wife managing front-of-house. Expect classic dishes from snails and pan-fried scallops with  mushrooms and smoked duck, to sea bass, a proper pepper steak, and rack of lamb. 

Morning Day 3: Serious Shopping or the Start of a New Trip

If you have come over to visit Calais from the U.K., then a trip to one of the hypermarkets outside the center must be your last port of call before going back. Read the detailed guide to shopping in Calais here.

If you are using Calais as a base for a longer trip, read about the towns, attractions, and glorious beaches along the coast from Calais down to Dieppe , taking in the Somme, making a great road trip of North France.

A Little History of Calais

For the Brits Calais has a special resonance. It was captured by Edward III in 1346 and under English control until 1558 when the Duc de Guise reclaimed the city as French. Mary Tudor mourned the loss: “When I am dead and opened, you shall find Calais engraved on my heart.”

In the 17 th century, King Louis XIV employed the great military architect Vauban to reconstruct the Citadelle and build a series of forts, of which the impressive Fort Nieulay is the best example. In 1805 Napoleon turned up, seeing the town as necessary for his proposed invasion of Britain which never took place.

Much of Calais was destroyed by the British in World War II to stop the Germans using it as the obvious port for an invasion of England. Happily much of the Old Town was rebuilt after the war and it is hear you will find the historic buildings on what was originally a fortified town built on an island.

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Travel Guide: What to see in Calais, France

Often overlooked in the rush to catch a cross channel ferry, calais is well worth a stopover - especially when the dragon is in town..

Unlike Dover, its counterpart on the other side of the channel, Calais feels positively booming. It’s got an added new attraction in the form of a giant dragon which strolls the seafront and its buses and boats are now free for everyone.

It makes a great weekend destination, perfect for stocking up on wine and cheese, and dining in its excellent restaurants. It’s also easy to forget that it enjoys a long expanse of wide sandy beach, rising up to the cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez, with perfectly safe bathing for children and adults alike.

Calais Dragon

Calais Dragon Head

Calais Dragon Pilot

Calais dragon

Dragons are certainly known in the Nord region of France and the traditional processions and parades of effigies of giants and dragons are now included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. A more recent attraction, the Calais Dragon, is a colossal construction made from steel and carved wood, designed by François Delaroziere. It takes 48 passengers on a 45-minute journey as it trundles along the prom, towering above parked cars and pedestrians, mist escaping from its body through thirty vents.

You climb on board via a staircase integrated into its tail and take your seat on the top deck. From this position, there are glorious views of the sea and beach, as it progresses at a reptilian 4 km/h.  But best of all is the sight of unsuspecting pedestrians jumping out of the way as it moves its eyelids, ears, mouth and tongue, spitting fire and water. Of course, it’s all done by teamwork and a crew of six is required to pilot the dragon. More technicians get involved as the dragon docks in an immense shelter at the end of the promenade

Calais Town Hall

Calais Town Hall Stained Glass

A dragon weathervane sits on the top of the belfry of Calais Town Hall, dominating the town. The building commemorates the merging of the two towns of Calais and Saint Pierre in 1885 but work didn’t start until 1911. Louis Debrouwer was one of the first architects to use reinforced concrete and as a result, it survived WW1 more or less intact. Still, remedial work meant it wasn’t inaugurated until 1925, and there was more damage in 1940.

Inside, there’s a large staircase leading to the first floor, decorated with magnificent stained glass windows. They portray the story of the liberation of Calais from the English by the Duke of Guise in 1558. The ornate brick clock tower and belfry is a Calais landmark and stands 75m high. It contains one of the most beautiful chimes in the north of France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top for panoramas over the town and a close-up of the dragon weathervane.

Calais Lace & Fashion Museum

Calais Lace Museum

Calais Lace Museum Looms

Calais Lace Museum Loom

Calais has been making lace since 1816 when machinery from England was smuggled in illegally. These industrial looms were subsequently modified to use the Jacquard system, which allowed mechanically produced lace to rival the handmade variety. By 1910 there were more than 40,000 people employed in the lace trade but these days there are only a handful of companies left. The area is still responsible for around 80% of the world’s lace production and top designers still come back to Calais for their materials.

The museum was set up in 2009 in a 19 th century glass factory and has a modernistic glass and steel extension. The first section is devoted to the history of hand lace from the 16 th to the 19 th century, displaying some beautiful examples. It then moves to industrial production, beginning in the 19 th century, and five working Leavers looms have been installed, each with its own trained operator. This is where you see the lace being produced and a guided visit takes you through each stage of the process. Finally, there’s the fashion department containing over 3000 items, made between 1850 and the present.

La Coupole Rocket

La Coupole Bunker

45 minutes’ drive from Calais is one of the most impressive remnants of the Second World War in Europe. La Coupole is a huge domed bunker, built by slave labour in 1943-1944, as a launching site for V2 rockets aimed at London. It was heavily bombed by the Allies and was abandoned in the summer of 1944, without launching a single rocket.

The V2s which struck London and Antwerp in September 1944 were sent from mobile units in Holland. Since 1997, it’s has been turned into a History and Memory Centre, a World War 2 museum, not only dealing with V1 and V2 weapons but also the history of the Nazi occupation of the North of France.

You enter through a dark tunnel, filled with the sounds of construction and bombing, to access the luminous concrete dome. This was meant to be the launch site for the V2’s and the exhibition traces the history of Wernher von Braun, the German designer of the rockets. After the war, he was taken by the Americans and went on to work for NASA and put men on the moon. He’s still a divisive figure, responsible for weapons of mass destruction and also a pioneer of the space race.

INFO: Pas de Calais Tourism has information about the region.

EAT: Aquaraile serves excellent seafood and has glorious sea views.

STAY:   The Metropol Hotel makes a comfortable base in a quiet part of town.

You might also like: 5 Pretty French towns easy to get to from Calais

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15 Best Things To Do In Calais, France

The city of Calais is an old port town turned city with some of the best things to do in Calais, being reason enough to stick around explore the city rather than making it a pit stop on your trip to or through France .

On the remnants of its historical origin, you’ll find a modern centre of culture and architecture.

Being the port city that it is, you can get great fresh seafood along with local wine. Calais is a city small enough to get around while being big enough to provide plenty of entertainment.

If you enjoy a beach holiday, but your partner prefers sightseeing, everyone will find something they enjoy in Calais. Let’s jump right into the 15 best things to do in Calais, France!

1.) Calais Beach

This popular beach has perfect golden sand and is lined with popular food stalls. There are heaps of restaurants and bars nearby to have a nice local dinner while enjoying the sea breeze. One of those is the popular Aquar’Aile, right near the beach.

If you enjoy a classic beach holiday, visiting this beach is one of the best things to do in Calais.

2.) Parc Saint-Pierre

This park is situated around the Saint-Pierre lake, which is great for fishing. The nice thing about this park is that it follows many sustainable principles, which includes no round-up, no watering and using native plants.

It has also been given the French Landscape Award, making it the perfect place to spend the afternoon.

3.) Saint-Joseph Village

Get into the time machine and travel to nearby Saint-Joseph Village. It is rebuilt in a historically accurate way and acts as a home-made living museum.

Featuring a variety of workshops and agricultural sections, you’ll get to learn about life in 19th and 20th century France.

4.) Beach Cap Blanc-Nez

This is a lovely beach with golden sand and wonderful walks along the cliffs and rocks. It’s perfect for watching the sunset after a long day in the city and to enjoy the view from the sheer cliffs above.

While it might not seem so spectacular during the day, the beautiful sunset definitely makes it one of the best things to do in Calais.

5.) Église Notre-Dame de Calais

Built in the 12th century, this Roman Catholic parish church is a work of classic Tudor architecture.

The lovely well-kept gardens and interior design are well worth a visit if you’re in town, even if the building is only small.

6.) Museum of Fine Arts in Calais

If you’re interested in classic and contemporary art, this is the place to visit in Calais. It is known for its collection of Rodin sculptures, which consists of 24 works made of plaster, terracotta, and bronze.

Besides the impressive collection, you can also find paintings ranging from the 16th to 20th century.

7.) Calais Lighthouse

This is a significant landmark near the Port of Calais, which gives you great views of the city and the sea.

You can climb the tower and enjoy the view or learn about the history of Calais and this famous lighthouse from the friendly staff.

The views make this one of the best spots and best things to do in Calais!

8.) City of Lace and Fashion

Many locals will tell you that lace from Calais is the best in the world, and they are not wrong. This centre opened in 2009 to show how looms were used to make lace traditionally.

It contains a large collection of fashions adorned with lace, some dating back to the 16th century. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions, fashion workshops, and shows for its visitors.

9.) Les Bourgeois de Calais

This famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin, who is by and large considered the father of modern sculpture, commemorates the city leaders of Calais.

Legend has it that after being under siege by Edward III, Calais parleyed for surrender. In turn, Edward III requested six of the city leaders to give themselves up so the rest of the city may be pardoned.

Rodin captured the moment when six of the leaders volunteered for the sacrifice, thereby creating one of his most famous works.

10.) Tour du Guet

This 39-meter high watchtower dates back almost 800 years. During its lifetime it’s been a lighthouse and military post, witnessing much of Calais’ history.

Nowadays you can visit it to get great views and to learn about the fortification of the tower.

You might not feel that visiting an old tower could be one of the best things to do in Calais, but its rich history and architecture definitely puts it on that list!

11.) Fort Risban

This fort on the coast is great for walks with a good view of the harbour and city. It emanates strength that dates back to the sieges during the 14th century, after which it has been continuously rebuilt and altered until World War II.

During its time it was under British, French and Spanish control until it served as a shelter for the local population during the Second World War. Though now peaceful, its ruins reflect its long history.

12.) Second World War Museum

This museum is dedicated to sharing this particular piece of Calais’ history with locals and visitors. It has a wide variety of gear and artefacts, while also focussing on what life in wartime Calais would have been like.

It gives great insights into the local history which you can experience with the English language guides. If you come on a nice day, also explore the park surrounding the museum.

13.) Meccano Lab

A very interesting museum displaying the history of Meccano toys. While it is great for kids, it also carries interesting old toy artefacts of the Meccano construction system.

Little ones can build their own toys in an afternoon and will stay entertained so you can enjoy your day. It also offers some real nostalgia for those who enjoyed Meccano when they were kids themselves!

14.) Citadel of Calais

This is an interesting old part of the town, great for a walk by the river and along the bridge. It is seated in the perfect outdoor setting for a sunny day and a picnic.

The citadel itself is an impressive piece of Calais’ fortification.

15.) Battery Oldenburg

This German artillery battery used to be part of the Atlantic Wall. Now it serves as a reminder of the local history and can be explored.

The area around it is a nature reserve that is worth discovering just in itself and offers great walks.

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Guide to Calais – A Great City

Guide to Calais? A great city? Yes, I love the place and it’s had a hard time in the past persuading people to stay rather than leave the ferry port and get on the nearest motorway for the dash to the south. But anyone who does that is missing out.

So consider staying in Calais on your way to or from your holiday. Or even better, take a short break to Calais. It’s close, easy to get to and get around and has a lot to offer.

Calais has spent the last few years getting its act together. It’s always enjoyed an intriguing history closely intertwined with Britain that started in the 12 th century. Now it has great attractions as well. Add to that, its hotels, a growing number of seriously good restaurants and…a dragon spouting smoke. What more could anyone want?

So here’s a guide to Calais to persuade you to give the town a try.

But first a very brief historic introduction.

Calais – The beginning

Calais’ history and the English connection goes back to Roman times. Its strategic position so close to England made it the natural choice for any and every invasion starting with Julius Caesar. In 54 BC, Caesar mustered 800 to 1,000 sailing boats, five legions and some 2,000 horses in and around Calais for his attack on Britannia.

At that time Calais was a fortified town on an island, giving it vital natural defenses. Known today as Calais Nord, the area at the heart of historic Calais is still almost completely surrounded by canals and the harbour.

Medieval Calais and England’s Claims on France

During the Middle Ages Calais took on its real significance as a major trading port which the English needed for its immensely wealthy wool trade. But it was the tortuous politics of inheritance between closely related families that led to war.

The English Plantagenet King Edward III claimed to be the rightful heir to the Kingdom of France; the French House of Valois claimed the country. The conflicting dynastic ambitions sparked the Hundred Years War which started in 1337 and lasted on and off to 1453.

In 1346 the Battle of Crécy demonstrated the great power of the English longbow archers when the English, led by Edward III and his son Edward the Black Prince, decisively beat the Genoese crossbowmen and heavily armoured French knights.  A year later, Edward besieged Calais for 11 months before capturing the town.  

English longbows continued to dominate medieval warfare for centuries, and were decisive against the French once more at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. 

The History of Calais told through its attractions

The only existing medieval building in Calais Nord is the Tour de Gouet on place d’Armes. The 13th-century tower, built by the Count of Boulogne in 1214, is 39 ms/128 ft high. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1580 and used as a lighthouse until 1848. In World War I, it served as a military post and has a dovecote for those essential carrier pigeons.

Notre-Dame Church

Notre-Dame Church was the heart of the medieval city. Begun in 1214, it suffered from the English who raped, pillaged and burnt Calais after capturing the city in 1347.

First impressions are confusing; the church looks as if it should be in Canterbury rather than Calais. But it makes sense. The English rebuilt Notre-Dame in the 14 th century, producing the largest English perpendicular-style church in Europe, and subject to the Archbishop of Canterbury. It remained the place of worship for numerous English Kings, Queens, Dukes and sundry royals through the following centuries.

In 1921 the future President of France, Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux, who was from Calais, celebrated their religious wedding in Notre-Dame.

It was partially destroyed by Allied bombing during the summer of 1944 and stood, roofless, for twenty years before restoration of the old church started.

Notre-Dame is more than a church

The church has seen some disparate events. The tower was used as an observation point for the Anglo-French Survey conducted from 1784 to 1790. The survey used trigonometry to calculate the precise distance between the Paris Observatory and the Royal Greenwich Observatory and was a landmark achievement.

In 1785, after Jean-Pierre Blanchard managed the first hot air balloon crossing of the English channel, the balloon was hung up in the church.

The church is large, shaped like a Latin cross. Inside the 17th-century high altar and statues are the most notable features, along with several large religious paintings.

Outside there’s a charming ‘Tudor’ garden and a plaque for Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux.  

A Modern Take on Medieval Calais

Calais hôtel de ville and belfry.

Located in Calais Sud, Calais Town Hall is a glorious over-the-top building, dominating the main square. It was built between 1911 and 1925 in flamboyant 15 th -century Flemish style though it looks much older. It stands in its own space, with Rodin’s famous Six Burghers of Calais statue in the gardens at the front. Commissioned in 1885 by Calais, this is the first of the 12 original casts of the statue that are now located around the world.

The statue commemorates an incident in 1347 when first Edward took over the town and called for six of the main leaders of the 11-month siege. They were told to appear with halters round their necks. “I will do…as I please” the King threatened. According to the chronicler Froissart (c. 1337– c. 1405), Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault, successfully pleaded for their lives.  

I remember the effect of seeing the extraordinary Rodin sculpture for the first time. It was one of those ‘living history’ moments; my excuse is that I was brought up on romanticized history books. Even if today’s young don’t feel quite the same, it’s a formidable and powerful work of art.

Visit Calais Town Hall

The interior is as flamboyant as the outside. A grand staircase lit by a splendid stained glass window suitably showing the departure of the English in 1558 leads up to the first floor grand reception rooms and the Registry office where Charles de Gaulle married local girl Yvonne Vendroux in 1921 in a civil ceremony.  

View from the Belfry

Take the lift up the 75-meter high belfry for panoramic views across the flat landscape to Flanders and on a clear day to the white cliffs of Dover. It’s one of 23 bell towers of northern France which joined the belfries in Belgium as part of the Unesco World Heritage List of Belfries built between the 11 th and 17 th centuries.

Tip: Read Bernard Cornwell’s fictional trilogy The Grail Quest . It has some of the best descriptions of the bloody and ferocious battles of the Middle Ages. Harlequin , the first in the trilogy covers the Battle of Crécy. Cornwell bases the warfare on Trial by Battle , the first volume of the superbly written history of the Hundred Years War by Jonathan Sumption, medieval historian, author and former senior judge.

Calais Town Hall & Belfry Place du Soldat Inconnu Tel: +33 (0)3 21 46 20 53 Website Open Oct 1-Apr 14: Tues to Sat 10am-noon & 2pm-5.30pm; Apr 15-Sept 30: Daily 10am-noon & 1.30pm-5.30pm Admission Town Hall €5; Belfry €3; combined ticket €7

The Importance of Calais to the English

The English ruled Calais for two centuries from 1360. It became known as the ‘brightest jewel in the English crown’, as the port for the exports from England of Cornish tin, lace, lead and the all-important wool. With around one third of the English government’s revenues coming from Calais, its importance was reinforced in 1372 when Calais became a parliamentary borough, sending its burghers to the relatively new House of Commons in London.

Henry VIII visited Calais in 1532 and found a huge city, calculating around 2,400 beds and stabling for 2,000 horses.

But after two centuries English rule was about to come to an end. In January 1558, King Henry II of France sent the Duke de Guise with a formidable army to attack the city. Calais once again became part of the Kingdom of France.

Industrial Calais and the Lace Industry

Lace-making was always a vital industry in Calais but it was the Industrial Revolution that changed the town. A lace-making machine smuggled in from the UK was set up in the former town of St-Pierre and transformed the artisan craft into a major industry.

Cite internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais (International Center of Lace and Fashion)

The International Centre of Lace and Fashion is housed in a former lace factory in St-Pierre in Calais Sud. It takes you through the fascinating story of lace. And please note, it’s not just for those interested in fashion; there’s a hefty machine that produces the gossamer-like material, and plenty of films and videos revealing the complex process. Check here for my Guide to the International Center of Lace and Fashion .

Guide to Calais – A Port for War

It’s inevitable that Calais would continue to play a part in any conflict between the two countries. In 1805 part of Napoleon’s army was quartered here in preparation for his aborted invasion of Britain. In 1818 the British army that had defeated the Emperor and occupied France departed from Calais for their journey home.

In World War I Calais was used by the British Expeditionary Force to land troops on their way to the Western Front.

World War II in Calais

World War II saw the first destruction of the town during the Siege of Calais. In 1940 the early German attack on the city diverted the 10 th Panzer Division of the German army, enabling the Dunkirk Operation Dynamo evacuation to happen. 330,000 Allied and French troops were taken by the little ships out to the navy waiting just off shore and escaped to Britain.

Nearby La Coupole was built to produce Hitler’s VI and V2 rockets aimed at London and the south coast of England. In 1943 the Germans built massive bunkers along the coast expecting an assault on France from Britain. Heavy bombing by the Allies helped convince the Germans that Calais and the surrounding countryside was the intended target for the invasion of France. The assault finally was on Normandy on D-Day in June 1944 but Calais was almost completely destroyed by diversionary Allied bombing.

On September 30, 1944, General Daniel Spry’s 3 rd Canadian Infantry Division attacked and finally liberated the town.

During the German occupation, Calais was the major command post for north French German troops. The German Kriegsmarine’s strategic bunker was the ‘Mako’; today it houses the Calais Musée Mémoire 39/45.

Musée Mémoire 39/45

The War Museum occupies a huge ivy-covered bunker in the middle of the Parc St-Pierre. 95 metres long, with 22 different exhibition spaces, it takes you through Calais in World War II during the German occupation. It tells a very real story of life during the war, with photos and artifacts covering themes that include secret weapons, the Green Jackets, Charles De Gaulle, the Resistance and Women in war.

Musée Mémoire 39/45 Parc St Pierre Tel: +33 (0)3 21 34 21 57 Website Open Feb 1-Apr 30, Wed to Mon 11am-5pm; May-Sept daily 10am-6pm Closed Dec & Jan Admission Adult €8; concessions €6; child 5 to 15 years (with an adult) €2; Family €12

And don’t miss…

Musée des beaux arts (museum of fine arts).

The Fine Arts Museum is a revelation and should be on everybody’s list of attractions to see. Works range from the 16 th to the 20 th century including paintings by Picasso and Dubuffet, and there’s a delightful smattering of local Impressionist art. An exhibition on Rodin is juxtaposed with works by British artist Anthony Caro. Delightful themed exhibits include “A Mad Tea Party” from Alice in Wonderland. A tea set, hot chocolate pot, and plates with motifs from China, Japan, and popular iconography mixed up give a strange disjointed feel, just as Alice felt. The museum is well laid out and there are excellent temporary exhibitions.  

Musée des beaux arts Rue Richelieu Caen Tel: +33 (0)3 21 46 48 40 Website Open Apr 1 to Oct 30: Tues to Sun 1pm-6pm; Nov 2-Mar 30: Tues-Sun 1pm-5pm Admission Permanent and temporary exhibitions Adult €4; Permanent exhibition only €2. Admission to Beaux Arts and the International Lace Center: Adult €7

Beyond Calais to the Beach

The five-kilometre stretch of sand beside the sea is a popular spot to hang out for everyone. It’s an easy walk from the center of Calais and there are some excellent restaurants beside the fish market and harbour.

Beware, there’s a …

Recently a new attraction has been added…the Dragon. Late last year, the Dragon made his appearance in Calais. He arrived in a spectacular ceremony in December.

The Dragon is Born

“ Beneath the thick crust of the earth runs a maze of deep galleries which connect the seas and the continents. Sometimes, these galleries branch out and widen until they create worlds. Fantastical creatures inhabit these galleries.

The Dragon of Calais is fire, air, earth and water… he has always watched over the lands and seas of the north. “

The dragon was designed and constructed by the incredible and imaginative La Machine Company which is based in Nantes where it produces the world’s greatest machines. The dragon roams through the streets of Calais, puffing smoke and fire and carrying people on its back.

He lives on the beach and you can see him from the ferry. More about the Calais Dragon and his family .

Outside Calais

Calais stands in the section of the north France coast that parallels the white cliffs of Dover which you can easily see on a clear day.

For great walks and World War history, make your way to Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez. Set among the dunes, the two headlands stand high above the sea. You can hire electric bikes and visit some of the attractions along this stretch of coast.

Or just stand on the headlands and think of the history that keeps Britain and France forever linked.

Guide to Calais: Where to Stay

My favourite hotel in Calais is the old-fashioned, but delightfully renovated 3-star Hotel Meurice . It’s near the beach, a few minute’s walk into the center of town and right by the Rue Royale where you’ll find many of Calais’ restaurants. A grand staircase at the entrance sets the scene, and the hotel is particularly popular with British visitors. It has a good bar that buzzes into the late evening. The Meurice is at 5 & 7 rue Edmond Roche, tel: + 33 (0)3 21 34 57 03.

For a modern hotel, I recommend the Ibis Styles Calais Centre , in the heart of the old town at 46 Rue Royale.

There’s a comprehensive list of Calais hotels for all budgets on the Calais Tourist Board website.

There are plenty of budget hotels in Calais. Here’s a guide to the main budget chains .

Guide to Calais – Eating Out

It comes as a surprise to many, but Calais is fast gaining a reputation as a gourmet destination. There’s been an influx of young chefs, adding to the several already popular restaurants, so there’s plenty of choice. Calais is known for its fish, so take advantage of flappingly fresh ingredients.

Histoire Ancienne is one of my favourites. Owned and run by chef Patrick Comte with his wife managing front-of-house, the bistro-style restaurant has an Art Deco style interior. It’s welcoming and offers very good value. 20 rue Royale. Tel: +33 (0)3 21 34 11 20. Menus run from €21 to €34. Open Tues to Sat lunch and dinner. Closed two weeks in July.

Les Grands Tables du Channel offers a different experience. It was decorated with the help of François Delaroziere of La Machine which produced the dragon so the decor is industrial. The cooking is equally as imaginative. It’s housed in a contemporary arts complex that was once an abattoir (slaughter house) but now puts on a series of unusual concerts, art shows, installations and more.

Choose the bistro for lunch. Dishes are imaginative and well priced around €9 to €13.50 for dishes like Morteau sausage with a Bearnaise sauce to traditional pot­jev­lesch. Desserts are €4 to €6.50. The restaurant is closed for August. 173 Boulevard Gambetta. Tel: +33 (0)3 21 35 30 11. Menus at €19. Check the website for opening times during summer 2020.

You’ll find Le Grand Bleu down by the outer harbor overlooking the sea and the fishing boats. It’s always buzzing with locals who come for the accomplished and innovative cooking. Go for a starter like Thai shrimp soup with light coriander cream and mains like Coquille St Jacques in a cashew crust with chanterelle mushrooms. Meat dishes might include a perfect duck dish marinated in a barbecue sauce with crispy potatoes and young seasonal carrots. 8 Rue Jean Pierre Avron, Quai de la Colonne. Tel: +33 (0)3 21 97 97 98. Menus at €21, €25, €35 and a ‘grande bouffe’ style menu at €50.

Guide to Calais Food and Wine Shopping

If you’re in Calais, take time to do some food and wine shopping. You’ll be surprised at the choice. But it’s not all in one area of the city so if you have limited time you may need to do a little research first to decide where to go.

Food Shopping in Calais

La Maison du Fromage et des Vins  is a good place for cheeses and wine, and also other deli products like jams, cookies and specialist fish soup. Open Mon 3-7pm, Wed-Fri 8.30am-12.30pm & 3-7.30pm; Sat 8.30am-1pm and 2.30-5.30pm,  Sun 10am-1pm. Annual closure last week of July and first week of August and first 3 weeks in January. 1 rue Andre Gerschell (on the corner of the Place d’Armes), Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 34 44 72.

L’Atelier du chocolat is part of a chocolate company founded in Bayonne in 1951 so the family running the shop knows a thing or two about chocolate. Here you’ll find the best chocolates plus seasonal creations at Halloween and of course Christmas varieties. And you’ll also find a chocolate version of the Calais Dragon though it doesn’t produce fire and steam. But like all specialists, their chocolates are expensive. Open Tues-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-1pm 66 rue Royale, Calais. Tel: +33 (0)3 91 91 62 55 Website

Fish and Shellfish

Les Delices de la Mer  With the owners buying directly from local fishermen, you can’t go wrong here. And if there’s a special catch they put it on their website so you can telephone and order from it. Open Tues-Sat 8.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-7pm; Sun 10am-12noon 160 Boulevard La Fayette, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 34 64 57. Website

Huitriere Calaisienne  This is the place for crabs, lobsters, oysters and all kinds of shellfish that make up those magnificent Plateaux de fruits de mer. Open Wed-Sat 9am-12.30pm & 3-7pm; Fri, Sat 8.30am; Sun 9am-12noon 12 Blvd La Fayette, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 36 50 97 Website

Guide to Calais Wine Shops

In my opinion the best wine shop in Paris is Calais Vins . This great wine emporium is easy to find and it’s family run. The staff speak English (pre- Brexit 20% of their customers were British) and are there to help you taste and choose your wines. They also have beers – many beers, a good range of sparkling wines and prices from the extremely modest to the skies. They source many of the wines individually, so you’ll get small owner-run vineyards here. They also run a good VAT reclaim scheme which you can use easily. Check that out here. There’s also a Philippe Olivier  cheese shop to one side, stocking a huge range of the best French cheeses and there’s a good bread shop and snack bar. And it’s open on a Sunday which is a great advantage. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9.30am-6pm. Zone Curie, Rue Gutenbert, Tel: 00 33 (0)321 46 40 40. Website Calais Vins is located just off the A16 motorway, exit at junction 44 ‘Calais St Pierre’. A few minutes’ drive from the port of Calais and the Eurotunnel terminal.

Bar a Vins  is a great wine shop run by the enthusiastic Luc Gilles. It’s in central Calais and is a shop and wine bar. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9.30am-3pm. Closed Wednesday. 52 Place d’Armes, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 96 96 31

Those Famous Calais Hypermarkets

Cit é Europe , a huge shopping mall of many different shops, including a large Carrerour, is the major destination for Brits shopping in Calais. Carrefour is open Monday to Wednesday 8.30am-9pm, Tuesday, Saturday to 8pm, Friday to 9pm. Cité Europe is open Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday to 9pm. 1001 boulevard du Kent, Tél : 03 21 46 47 48.

Auchan   to the west of Calais, is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 9.30pm. Avenue Roger Salengro. Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 46 92 92.

Markets in Calais

There are two main markets in Calais:

Place d’Armes  (near the Port) on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It’s good for local produce and like all the markets, at its most bustling on Saturdays.

Place Crévecoeur  on Thursday and Saturday, Sunday mornings. Saturday is the day to aim for. Good food stalls selling locally produced cheeses, charcuterie, veggies and more plus household products and general stalls selling clothes, textiles and lace.

Guide to Calais – General Information

In Pas de Calais Department (62) Hauts de France Region 38 km (24 miles) from the English Coast

Tourist Office 12 Boulevard Clemenceau. Tel: +33 (0)321 96 62 40

Pas de Calais Department website

Getting to Calais

By car from the UK: If you’re taking your car, take the ferry from Dover (here’s the guide to ferry travel from the UK). Or choose Eurotunnel Le Shuttle .

By train from the UK: Travel on Eurostar taking from 1hr 36 mins from London St. Pancras International to Calais Fréthun, a distance of around 94 miles/152 km. Normally 5 trains per day travel from London St-Pancras to Calais. Tickets for this journey start from £49.32 when booked in advance. It’s a 10-minute train ride from Calais Fréthun to Gare de Calais Ville in central Calais at 46 Avenue du Président Wilson. Tickets booked in advance are €1.20.

By train from other French cities: From Paris: Take the TGV from the Gare du Nord to Calais Fréthun taking 1 hr 37 mins. From Lille: Take the TGV from Lille to Calais Ville, taking 30 mins.

Getting around Calais

Public transport is good, and what’s even better, it’s free.

More to see in Pas de Calais

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Center gives you a fascinating insight into how the international institution looks after war graves around the world. Eperlecques Blockhouse was designed as a liquid oxygen factory and the place where Hitler’s V2 rockets were assembled. The secret Mimoyecques Fortress where the V3 was developed.

Visit nearby Hardelot for its Victorian castle and Entente Cordiale connections and its Elizabethan theatre.

In winter there are plenty of North France Christmas Markets to visit.

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By ferry (car and foot)
• 2.2.1 Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
• 2.2.2 Roads
• 2.3.1 Eurostar
• 2.4 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 10.1 Consulates

Calais ( Dutch : Kales ) is a city of 73,000 people (2019) in the Hauts-de-France region of France . It is the closest point on the European mainland to England ; Dover lies across the English Channel ( La Manche ) just 32 km (20 miles) away. The town has a major cross-Channel ferry port, and the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel is nearby. Calais is popular with British day-trippers arriving by ferry or on Channel Tunnel shuttle trains one reason being because France has lower taxes on alcohol and tobacco. While most tourists view the town as simply a port, there is much more to Calais.

Understand [ edit ]

Large warehouse supermarkets have sprung up on the outskirts of Calais just to serve the British "booze cruisers" who return to the UK with their car suspensions groaning under the weight of cheap alcohol and cigarettes.

Get in [ edit ]

By ferry (car and foot) [ edit ].

Calais is connected to Dover in England by ferry services operated by P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways . Ferry crossings between Calais and Dover take typically around 1 hr 30 min and there are up to 46 sailings daily. However, as of March, 2024, only P&O allows foot passengers, and that only twice a day. The check-in time is 30 minutes before departure for vehicles and 90 minutes before departure for foot passengers.

The strait of Dover is one of the most frequented shipping lanes in the world. Calais ferry port allows easy access to the town and to shops outside the town, many of which are designed to sell alcohol to visitors from the UK where higher taxation means alcohol of all kinds is normally priced higher.

Free car parking facilities are available in front of the Calais ferry terminal and the maximum stay is three days.

Another popular ferry route is Dover to Dunkirk (near Calais) which is operated by DFDS Seaways and takes around 2 hours.

Passengers travelling by ferry from Dover to Calais/Dunkirk go through French passport/identity card checks in the UK before embarkation, rather than on arrival in France. Passengers travelling in the other direction from Calais/Dunkirk to Dover by ferry go through French exit checks and UK passport/identity card checks in Calais/Dunkirk before embarkation, and UK customs checks on arrival in the UK.

Fares for the Dover-Calais ferry start from £25 (day return) and £39 (single) for a car with up to 9 passengers.

By car [ edit ]

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle [ edit ]

Running from Folkestone to the western edge of Calais (Coquelles), this car shuttle service operated by Eurotunnel takes about 35 min (although only about 20 min in the tunnel) and offers the fastest way to travel between France and the UK. This train service is for passengers with cars only, who remain with their car for the duration of the short trip, as there are no restaurants (except a fast food restaurant) but there are toilets.

Passengers travelling from Folkestone to Calais go through French passport/identity card checks in the UK before boarding the train, rather than on arrival in France. Those travelling in the other direction from Calais to the UK by Eurotunnel go through UK passport/identity card and customs checks in Coquelles before boarding the train, rather than on arrival in the UK.

Roads [ edit ]

The port in Calais is directly linked to the French motorway system. The A26/E15, Autoroute des Anglais , which provides access to the heart of France including Paris and beyond and the A16/E40, a gateway to Benelux and the northern European motorway systems. The A16/E402 directs you to western France.

By train [ edit ]

Eurostar [ edit ].

Eurostar operates high-speed trains between Calais Fréthun station and the following destinations in the United Kingdom and Belgium :

• London St Pancras International station (1 hr 2 min; 3 daily from London; 2-3 daily to London)
• Ebbsfleet International station (44 min; 2 daily from Ebbsfleet; 1-2 daily to Ebbsfleet)
• Ashford International station (35 min; 1 daily from Ashford)
• Brussels Zuid-Midi station (1 hr 2 min; 2-3 daily from Brussels; 3 daily to Brussels)

Note that Calais Fréthun station is some distance from Calais city centre, but there are a number of trains operating between Calais Fréthun and Calais Ville (in the city centre), as well as shuttle buses and taxis.

The Eurostar timetable is available from their website [dead link] .

Passengers travelling by Eurostar from the UK to Calais go through French passport/identity card checks in the UK before boarding the train, rather than on arrival in France. Passengers travelling in the other direction from Calais to the UK by Eurostar go through French exit checks, followed by UK passport/identity card checks in Calais Fréthun station before boarding the train, and UK customs checks on arrival in the UK.

Those travelling by Eurostar between Brussels and Calais are within the Schengen Area.

Although the Brussels Midi-Calais Fréthun route can't be purchased through the Eurostar website, it is available on the Belgian Railways website .

Eurostar fares [dead link] start from £66 return (under 26) and £69 return (adults) from the UK to Calais.

SNCF [ edit ]

Running from Lille , Boulogne , Dunkirk and Paris , Calais is well supported by the French national rail network. Calais Ville is the station serving the city centre, whilst Calais Fréthun is on the outskirts of Calais. There are trains that operate between Calais Ville and Calais Fréthun stations.

By plane [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

Most people travel by car around the town, but there is a comprehensive network of buses running from the town centre to the suburbs and Cité Europe. The port is served by a special shuttle bus although via a footbridge the centre, and the harbour terminal are only 15 min apart.

Bus 5 is useful for reaching the large Auchan and Carrefour hypermarkets and the Cite Europe shopping mall and the 6 goes to Calais Frethun Eurostar station. Services run every 30 min during the day and costs about €1 (board through the front door and pay the driver) and all buses terminate outside the Gare D'Ville.

See [ edit ]

• 50.952358 1.853448 1 Les Bourgeois de Calais , Place du Soldat Inconnu ( outside the town hall ). Rodin's sculpture  
• 50.952101 1.850787 2 Parc Saint-Pierre .  
• 50.952601 1.854382 3 Hôtel de Ville ( Town Hall ), Place du Soldat Inconnu . Get in, and go upstairs through the majestic staircase to the first floor and the wedding room, the ballroom and the "parliament" room. Self-visit (signs to read) or guided tour by Opale Tour. It is possible to access the belfry via a lift.  
• 50.950776 1.860076 5 Cité Internationale de la dentelles et de la mode , ☏ +33 3 21 00 42 30 . An old factory refurbished into a "living" museum about the story of lace, and especially the lace made in Calais on levers. You can see two machines working. Restaurant, bar and lace shop. Worthwhile. Allow at least 2 hours.  
• 50.95677 1.85183 6 Modern Art museum , 25 rue Richelieu . Permanent and temporary exhibitions. Sculpture, paintings.  
• 50.95212 1.85103 7 War museum , Parc Saint Pierre ( in front the Town Hall, located in a real bunker ), ☏ +33 3 21 34 21 57 , [email protected] .  
• 50.94716 1.85341 8 Theatre , Place Albert 1er . Guided tours by Opale Tour.  
• 50.94582 1.83981 9 Le Channel, Scène Nationale . Shows, library, restaurant, in a former slaughterhouse. Really worth a visit for the architecture .  
• Courgain Maritime and fish market . A former fishermen's quarter outside the walls of the city. Rebuilt after the war, but a nice place to buy fresh fish and have a drink.  
• The beach and the jetty . To have a look on the ferries plying the route between France and Britain.  
• The White Cliffs of Dover . Visible in the distance.  
• 50.95647 1.84308 11 Citadelle and Fort Nieulay . Renaissance fort with guided tours.  

Do [ edit ]

• 50.95512 1.84753 1 Swimming pool , Piscine Ranson or ICEO complex .  
• 50.95643 1.89668 2 Skating rink ( Iceo ). ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 50.98555 1.96249 3 Char à voile . base des Hemmes de Marck.  
• 50.95436 1.79939 4 Sailing school , Base de voile, Blériot-Plage ( coast road to Sangatte ).  
• 50.95179 1.85431 5 Alhambra , 2 rue Jean Jaurès ( beside Town Hall ), ☏ +33 3 21 17 73 33 , [email protected] . VOSTF films. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 50.93618 1.80948 6 Pathé Cité Europe ( Cité Europe ). ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 50.94627 1.87992 7 Bowling Alley ( Bowling de Calais ), 1 Avenue Antoine de Sant-Exupéry , ☏ +33 3 21 34 34 22 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Visit the Coast up to "Cap Blanc Nez" (White Nose Cap), Unesco Classified site. If you have no car, you can take the bus (double-decker) at the theatre or the station for €1 there along the see road. Really cool.

Buy [ edit ]

• Alcohol . Since France has slightly lower taxes on alcohol than the UK various establishments have set up to cater for day trippers, although often it is a little cheaper to go to a local hypermarket (and you can pick up other stuff). The main hypermarkets are Auchan and Carrefour [dead link] , the latter within the Cité Europe shopping centre and can both be reached on bus 5. In the town centre, there is a smaller Carrefour located at the back of the Quatre Boulevards shopping centre (near the Opéra).
• 50.935174 1.80832 1 Cité Europe , 1001 Boulevard du Kent ( Located next to the Channel Tunnel terminal. Junction 41 or 42 on the A16 ). Large shopping centre containing 147 shops, 20 restaurants, and a cinema. Note that the shops are closed on Sundays and none of them sell tobacco.  
• 50.94475 1.859334 2 Place Crevecœur Market . on Thursdays and Saturdays .  
• 50.959427 1.849736 3 Place d'Armes Market . on Saturdays .  
• 50.950776 1.860076 4 Lace Museum shop .  
• 50.9501 1.84133 5 Boutique Noyon , Rue des Salines , ☏ +33 3 21 46 79 00 , fax : +33 3 21 97 74 88 . M-F 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:00 . factory-turned-designer shop.  

Eat [ edit ]

• 50.95976 1.84847 1 La Guinguette , 9 Rue de la Mer , ☏ +33 3 91 91 57 63 . Home food, family atmosphere, good quantity/quality value.  
• 50.95991 1.84902 2 L'Ambrosia , 14 Rue de la Mer , ☏ +33 321 36 09 89 . Wok specialist but not Asiatic with good value and price.  
• 50.956051 1.849532 3 L'Hovercraft , 11 Place du Maréchal Foch , ☏ +33 321 34 59 73 . Bar and brasserie. The largest choice of "welsh" dishes (speciality from Calais/Boulogne). Open late. Big terrace.  
• 50.966502 1.84317 4 Friterie des Nations , Digue Gaston Berthe . Some chips in front of the sea  
• 50.95258 1.85169 5 Friterie Wilson , Avenue Wilson, Parc Saint-Pierre ( near Town Hall and railways Station ). may be the best chips in town  
• 50.9592 1.849012 6 Café de la Tour , 5 Place d'Armes , ☏ +33 3 21 34 50 14 . Great omelettes  

Drink [ edit ]

• 50.96092 1.841 1 Le bar du Yacht Club , Bassin Ouest . Nice 1980s music.  
• 50.95967 1.84791 2 La Suite , Rue Jean Quéhen . Night bar: to carry on after Baba ou Mauvaise herbe  
• 50.95853 1.849206 3 Discothèque 555 ( Le 555 ), 63 rue Royale . Old but famous disco.  
• 50.959565 1.848047 4 La Nauvia , 16 Rue Jean Quéhen . Disco.  
• 50.958373 1.849216 5 Le Casino de Calais , 59 rue Royale . Slot machines, blackjack.  
• 50.94572 1.83979 6 Le Channel Scène Nationale , 173 Boulevard Gambetta , ☏ +33 321 467710 . Former slaughterhouse, refurbished in a huge cultural centre with various rooms, café, resto, bookshop. A great place.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 50.963603 1.841883 1 Auberge de Jeunesse de Calais ( Centre Européen De Séjour ), Avenue du Maréchal DeLattre de Tassigny , ☏ +33 321 34 70 20 , [email protected] . Youth hostel, but no age limit with private room. really close to the beach. Nice place  
• 50.948099 1.851405 2 Le Mouton Blanc , 44 rue du Vauxhall ( near the theatre and 4B shopping centre ), ☏ +33 321 34 71 52 . Family owned. Guide du routard recommended  
• 50.960535 1.848888 3 Holiday Inn , 6 Boulevard des Alliés , ☏ +33 3 21 34 69 69 . The car parking is an experience, for good drivers.  

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

To hitch-hike to Belgium or the Netherlands , if you leave the terminal, you must walk 500 m through a large car park, after which you will see roundabout and an on-ramp to the motorway. That is the place to hitch a ride: there is enough space even for a big lorry.

For a more 'traditional' experience of France, Saint-Omer is 43 km (26 miles) down the road from Calais. The Saturday morning market on the main square, the Place Foch, can be enjoyable. There are also good affordable restaurants and friendly bars, as well as interesting architecture.

Other options:

• Ardres — for the old city and its lakes
• Guines — with its marshes, forest and old tower
• Wissant — with the Le site des 2 Caps on the seaside
• Oye Plage — with the natural reserve of Le Platier d'Oye

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Navigation menu

Visit Calais in the North of France | An easy journey from the UK

• Calais has sometimes been tarnished by a bad reputation, but the town is rebuilding its image by becoming the leading seaside resort on the Côte d'Opale.
• Calais beach

How to get around Calais ?

How to come to calais from the uk , why should you visit calais , where to go shopping in calais , what to do in calais , where to sleep in calais , what to do near calais , do not rely on the "bad reputation" of calais.

Although Calais has sometimes been tarnished by a bad reputation, the town is gradually rebuilding its image by becoming the must-visit seaside resort in Northern France. The people of Calais love their town and its surroundings and intend to continue showing off all its riches! Calais is a must-see stopover on your stay on the Côte d'Opale, and the town does everything it can for its residents and tourists alike. In the past, Calais was seen as a stopover, but today it's well worth a visit, making it an ideal destination for a day out or a holiday.

What to do in calais ?  

1. visit the city centre and discover its history and culture.

The richness of Calais town centre is often overlooked. Yet it is proof that there is much more to Calais than its port and the Channel Tunnel. On the contrary, it's packed with historic monuments: the Watchtower, the Citadel... Not forgetting the famous 75-metre-high belfry, which offers a breathtaking view. Rodin's masterpiece, the famous statue of Les Bourgeois de Calais, also takes pride of place on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is an ideal place to find out more about the sculptor. If you're more interested in the Second World War, explore the Musée Mémoire 39-45. Immerse yourself in the history of this magnificent town and discover all its monuments!

2. enjoy the long beach at calais

Calais has a superb white sandy beach stretching for several kilometres. Here everyone comes together: Calaisians themselves, tourists lounging among the famous cabins. Recently, the town has completely renovated its seafront, turning it into a magnificent seafront to walk along, summer and winter alike. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including a children's playground, a skatepark, the Calais dragon and not forgetting the ice-cream vendors lining the beach! We also recommend taking a diversion to the pork side of the harbour, where you can admire the daily ferry trips between Dover and Calais. erdiensten tussen Dover en Calais kunt bewonderen. 

3. see the most beautiful panoramas

Do you love a good view? Head for the lighthouse. From here, you can admire the whole of Calais, its port and the sea. When the weather's fine, you can even see the English coastline! Calais is one of the closest towns to the UK, and many British and French people pass through Calais. The town is served by ferries, the Eurotunnel (from Coquelles) and the Eurostar from Calais Fréthun station. In short, Calais represents a border in itself, making it a multicultural town where it's not unusual to hear English spoken as you walk around!

The best way to get around Calais is to have a car. You can either come with your own or you can find several rental agencies in the city of Calais. It's an easy way to get around, especially if you're planning a road trip around the region. 

However, if you have no choice but to rely on public transport to visit the city of Calais, we have a solution. There are several bus lines in Calais which serve the city. In addition, Calais is not a very important city, so you can also get around on foot. 

4. ENJOY THE AREA AROUND CALAIS

Next to Calais, we recommend a visit to Cap Blanc Nez, which is only a twenty-minute drive away and will blow your mind! The beach at Sangatte is also very pleasant for those looking for somewhere a little quieter. The Oye Plage nature reserve is also incredible for those who enjoy a walk in the heart of nature. Generally speaking, Calais is an accessible town, with free car parks and shuttles available to make your visit to Calais easier whatever the season. 

holiday rentals near calais

If you are looking for a hotel in Calais or a holiday rental near Calais we advise you to stay in Evancy residences. Evancy Bray Dunes, Evancy Oye Plage or Evancy Boulogne sur Mer are located near Calais. Evancy has comfortable flats offering good value for money: go here to book your stay on the Opal Coast.

The journey between France and England is very simple and the Brexit will not change the proximity between our two countries. You should know that there are three different ways to get to Calais. The first is to take the ferry (with your car or as a pedestrian) from Dover to the port of Calais.

Then you can take the shuttle and cross the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Coquelles (which is an area just outside Calais). The last option if you want to go fast is to take the train: the Eurostar leaves from London or Ashford and reaches Calais in 1 hour.

As you can see, you have no excuse! Reaching France is very easy and will suit everyone! If you want to come as a family, with your pet or as a couple, you'll find the solution that suits you best. 

It is common for people from the UK to just pass through Calais. It's a shame though ! You have to know that Calais is a fantastic city and it is very nice to spend a few days there . The good news is that you can easily make the round trip from England over the day.

But if you have a bit more time to spend in France we advise you to spend a few days in Calais to explore the city and its surroundings . To fully enjoy the city and the wonders that surround it, we advise you to stay in our residence in Oye-Plage, for example, which is only a few kilometres from Calais. 

It is a city full of treasures, you will love to discover its architecture, history & culture. The town also has a long sandy beach which is very nice. In summer as in winter it is very pleasant to stroll along the seafront, between the beach and the port while enjoying an ice cream or a waffle! You will even be able to watch the incessant ferry journeys between Calais and England . 

If you wish to make the most of your stay in France and enjoy shopping, Calais is the ideal place. Indeed you can go to the Cité de l'Europe in Cocquelles just next to Calais to do your French shopping. It is one of the largest shopping centres in the region with 140 shops. The Cité de l'Europe shopping centre also has a hypermarket, a cinema, a playground where you can bowl, play billiards etc. There is also a food court with bars, restaurants and fast food outlets. 

Just next door you will also find the Channel Outlet Store where you can find brand name products at low prices.  The Calais shopping centre is very conveniently located right next to the entrance to the Eurotunnel, ideal for last minute shopping before heading back to the UK or continuing on to France.

There is a lot to do in the city of Calais. To get started we would advise you to visit the heart of the city. 

The city is full of wonderful historical monuments such as the Watchtower and the citadel. The belfry is also a must during a stay in Calais ! You can climb the steps and admire the view from a height of 75 metres : you will discover a breathtaking view! You can take the tour in small groups, which will allow you to learn a little more about this early 20th century building. 

If you're fancy about Art & history you should definitely go to the Museum of Fine Arts ! You'll discover some very nice artwork such as "The Citizens of Calais" which is a masterpiece of sculptor Auguste Rodin. In general, there are permanent and temporary exhibitions with works ranging from classical to contemporary. 

If you're more interested in the Second World War then you should definitely go to the Museum of Memory 39-45'.

Finally a visit in this town cannot be made without a beautiful panoramic view of the city!  Go to the Calais lighthouse, you'll find the most amazing view over the city, the harbour & the sea. When the weather is beautiful outside, you can even see the English coastline ! Incredible, isn't it ?

A visit to the port of Calais is also essential as it is the place where the city comes alive. In particular, you will be able to see the Watch Tower which dates from the 13th century. From the port, you will not be far from the beach. Calais' beach is several kilometres long , making it ideal for relaxing and enjoying various sporting activities. 

Speaking of sports activities , there are many in Calais. There are plenty of things to do such as hiking, kite flying, cycling or kitesurfing. It all depends on what you like to do and what attracts you the most! If you have never done kite surfing or sand yachting don't worry, the clubs offer initiations for those who have never done it before. 

Still not convinced? If you are rather attracted by fashion & local handicrafts we recommend you to visit the international city of lace and fashion . It's an incredible museum that traces the history and craftsmanship of an entire region. Did you know that on Kate Middleton's wedding dress there was Calais lace?

Finally Calais has had a little novelty for some time. Indeed if you come to visit the city of Calais you might see a huge dragon in the city centre! The dragon of Calais is walking on the beach dike and it is possible to take a little walk on its board.

The walk takes about an hour, counting boarding and disembarking. It is an original trip that will please children and adults alike! You can go and see it for free but if you wish to board it will cost €9.5 per adult and €7.5 per child. If you wish to book your ride, go to the official website of the dragon of Calais ! 

 We would be delighted to welcome you in the comfort of our Evancy residences which are located near the city of Calais. To be as close as possible to the city, we recommend you to stay in our holiday residence in Oye-Plage which is located only ten kilometres away.

If you plan to visit the town for just one day and stay elsewhere on the Opal Coast , you can stay in our other residences in Boulogne-sur-Mer , Bray-Dunes , Equihen-Hardelot or even Sainte-Cécile . The good news is that wherever you are staying it will be very easy to reach Calais thanks to the motorway that links the whole of the Opal Coast. 

If you're looking for more information about this town & about what to do you should visit Calais' website ! In any case we guarantee that you will not regret your visit to Calais and that you will enjoy your french trip there. 

You can also make beautiful discoveries near Calais. We even recommend a stay of several days in the town so that you can wander around in the surrounding area, which is just as beautiful.

For example, we advise you to go to Oye-Plage to take advantage of an exceptional natural park: the platier d'Oye. If you are a nature lover you will really love this place which is still preserved and wild. 

You can also visit the cities of Dunkirk and Bray-Dunes, which are both very different. Dunkirk is an interesting but rather industrial city, while Bray-Dunes is ideal for a day trip to a typical small seaside resort. Moreover, we have hotel residences which are located only a few metres from the beach of Bray-Dunes. 

Further west, you can enjoy the beach at Sangatte. If there is an exceptional place not to be missed, it is the Cap Blanc nez & Cap Gris nez: a place classified as a UNESCO heritage site and which you must absolutely visit. The small villages of Wimereux, Wissant or Ambleteuse are also very cute and all have their own little charm. These are the perfect places to discover the charm of the French coast without being too far from Calais. 

When we talk about Calais it is not always to talk about positive things. You may have heard about it on television on frightening themes : asylum seekers, migrants, the Brexit, the blockades at the port... but Calais is not just that and you should know that its situation is tending to improve.

You should not be afraid to visit Calais because of the jungle in Calais, the migrants or the difficult situation with the Brexit. None of these elements will prevent you from having a good stay in the city. On the contrary, Calais is a lively city that is looking forward to welcoming you. 

Calais: The Glittering Triumph of Anne Boleyn

Let me introduce you to one of the most beguiling cities of Tudor England: Calais. In the first half of the sixteenth century, Calais was the only jewel of English sovereignty that remained as part of the French mainland. It was a remnant of the vast empire of England’s Plantagenet dynasty; a dynasty that had once reigned across not only England but much of northern and western France, as far south as Aquitaine.

For anyone interested in the story of Anne Boleyn , Calais is a fascinating and significant location. This is not only because this charming city, once full of architectural delights, has been almost completely obliterated (and now, hauntingly, exists simply as a ghost in the imagination), but because during four glamorous weeks in October / November 1532, Anne Boleyn probably surrendered her virginity to the king after six long years of courtship. It was a monumental moment in her story.

Ever since I started researching Calais for In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn , I have been mesmerised by this ancient, lost town. I remember poring excitedly over old town plans; sketches of the city’s skyline; descriptions of the main streets and prominent buildings, as I pieced together how Calais looked during its Tudor hey-day. I walked the streets in my imagination. Sights, sounds and textures filled my mind. Eventually, it was easy to visualise the royal procession as it wound its way from the port through the city’s narrow streets and open squares, heading toward the royal lodgings, which had been made ready at the Exchequer.

To celebrate the anniversary of the historic 1532 visit to Calais, which took place in late October and November of that year, I am posting an adapted excerpt from In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn , in which we go in search of Tudor Calais. This is just one entry, in over seventy, in a book which tells the story of Anne’s life through the places she visited and called home. If you wish to purchase your signed copy, read on to the end.

Calais: The Tudor Gateway to Continental Europe

Dover to Calais was, and still is, the shortest crossing point for ships traversing the English Channel. During the sixteenth century, Calais was part garrison, part trading town; the last outpost of English soil before reaching the rest of the continent and beyond. Within its fortified walls, there was a grid-like network of narrow streets, packed tightly with fine medieval houses owned by affluent Calais merchants. Every so often, these streets would open up into spacious squares used for trading, recreation and the gathering of its townsfolk. A plan of the town, taken from The History of the King’s Works , Volume III , is shown below:

We can only assume that it was when travelling to take up her position as maid-of-honour to the Regent, Margaret of Austria, in 1513, that the twelve-year-old Anne first came to Calais. Perhaps she also greeted the arrival of Mary Tudor on her way to be wed to the ageing King Louis XII at nearby Abbeville. Unfortunately, we have no record of exactly where and when Anne joined the English contingent serving the new French queen. However, she most definitely would pass through the town again on her way back from France in the winter of 1521; no doubt a woman transformed by her social and religious education at the sophisticated French Court.

Sadly, nothing is recorded of Anne’s movements through the town during that time. Yet, the same cannot be said for her only other visit to Calais in the autumn of 1532. Anne would return in triumph at Henry’s side as the newly created Marquess of Pembroke; she was at the pinnacle of her power and influence over the king. The trip was planned as a great celebration, during which the French and English kings would reaffirm their pact of mutual support against Charles V. Anne was also to be formally received by the French monarch, Francis I, thereby effectively endorsing her position as Henry’s queen-in-waiting. It was a significant moment on the political stage of Europe for the thirty-one-year-old.

Tudor Calais – Rediscovering a Lost Town

Tragically, the bombing of Calais during WWII destroyed virtually every remnant of the town’s medieval grandeur. However, due to the efforts of English antiquaries in the nineteenth century, we do know something of the buildings that had survived over the previous 300 years. Combined with contemporary accounts of the town and its history, the modern-day time traveller can yet walk in Anne Boleyn’s footsteps and gain some satisfaction by seeing beyond its unexciting present-day façade, to recreate in their mind’s eye the sixteenth-century town.

Perhaps the best way to begin this virtual tour is to approach Calais as Anne must have done – by boat. A ferry leaving from Dover on a clear day will soon reveal the shores of France looming on the horizon. Imagine the excitement of the twelve-year-old Anne, setting out on a journey of incomparable adventure, or in eager anticipation of her triumphant return in 1532.

A view of the town as it was in the sixteenth century, taken from the Chronicle of Calais in the Reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII , shows the skyline of Calais as Anne would have seen it approaching across the English Channel from Dover. The town was fortified by enormous city walls. Along its length, a series of towers provided a mixture of both accommodation and defence. The Lantern Gate, in the centre of the picture, was the principal gate of the town. Above the gateway, the following words were inscribed: ‘ Then shalle the Frenchman Calais winne, when iron and leade lyke corke shall swimme’. Unfortunately, such unshakeable belief would not prevent Calais eventually falling into the hands of the French during the reign of Mary I.

Like all the gates of the city, the Lantern Gate was locked during an elaborate ceremony every night. Referring to the image above, inside the city walls, follow the long-lost outline of four key buildings which made up the town’s impressive skyline; the churches of Our Lady to the left and St Nicholas to the right, whilst the exquisite medieval structures of the Town Hall and Staple Hall (not to be confused with the Staple Inn, the scene of Anne’s presentation to Francis I at a grand masque on 27 October 1532) stand centrally, directly to the south of the Lantern Gate.

If you dock at Calais today, you will see the gnarled remnants of the old Rysbank Tower over to your right. The ruins of the fortifications are still signposted from within the town itself. Modern-day ferries moor to the east of the town centre. However, if you had been travelling aboard the Swallow with Anne in 1532, your ship would have taken you past the Rysbank Tower to dock against one of Calais’ many quays and jetties, lying directly in front of the old city walls. The image below illustrates this well:

The now-vanished Lantern Gate, whose position is as described above and shown on the street map of Tudor Calais, was the main entrance to the town via Lantern Street, which today is called the Rue de la Mer . This ancient highway opened out into the central Market Place, whose footprint survives today in the form of the Place D’Armes . Only two ancient buildings remain to be seen today in Calais. The first of these is on the south side of the Place D’Armes ; the Tour de Guet is a rare survivor from the Middle Ages, once standing behind the medieval, thirteenth century Town Hall that was destroyed during WWII.

On arriving here, the royal party would have turned right and headed down what was once called the High Street, the then main road heading east-west through the town. This is now called the Rue d’André Gerschel . Henry and Anne made their way towards the now lost church of St Nicholas, where a service of thanksgiving was held for their safe passage across the Channel. Thence, they went on to their lodgings at the Exchequer, situated directly opposite the church.

Here Anne was lodged in a suite of seven rooms, in the splendour that befitted a queen. Sadly, both the Church of St Nicholas and the Exchequer are long lost. The two buildings were situated in the western quarter of the old town and their precise location is difficult to fathom. However, they were oriented facing each other, perhaps somewhere close to where the Rue André Gershel intersects the Rue de la Victoire .

The next notable Calais landmark and one that played a central role in the festivities of the 1532 visit, was located at the intersection of the modern-day Rue Royale and the Rue de Duc de Guise . It is difficult to believe it today, but at this point once stood the most magnificent residence in Calais – the Staple Inn.

Like many of the grand buildings of Calais, its architecture combined Tudor and Flemish styles and was the residence for Henry VIII in 1520, when he travelled to the Field of the Cloth of Gold , as well as for Francis I in 1532. It was indeed here, in the sumptuous rooms of the palace, that Anne made her grand debut before Francis during that very same visit. Along with six of her ladies, she danced for him, and the French and English courts, at a masque held at the Staple Inn on Sunday 27 October.

The Chronicler, Edward Hall, provides us with a wonderful account of the royal visit, including how the Staple Inn was sumptuously decorated to receive the French king. He describes it being ‘hanged with so rich verdore, as hath not been seen, the ground of it was gold and damaske, and all ouer the tuftes and flowers, were of Satten, Silke and Siluer, so curiously wrought that they seined to growe, euery chamber was richer, and other: the second chamber all of Tissue, with a clothe of estate of nedle worke, set with great Roses of large pearle. The third was hanged with Veluet, vpon veluet pirled grene and Crimosyn, and embraudered ouer with braunches, of flowers of Gold Bullion, and garnished with armes and beastes of thesame gold, set with pearle and stone.’

If you turn out of the Rue Royale and into the Rue de Duc de Guise , you will soon come across Rue Marie Tudor on your right; across the entrance to this street once stood the original gateway to the Staple Inn. Fortunately, it was captured in an old photograph, taken around the turn of the twentieth century.

The only other survivor from Tudor Calais is the church of Notre Dame , or ‘Our Lady’, as it was known in Anne’s time. It was also called the ‘Chruch of Sainte Marie’. Edward Hall recounts how both Henry VIII and Francis I rode to the church every day to hear Mass together.

You can reach it by walking right the way along the Rue de Duc de Guise, until you join the Rue de Seigneur de Gourdan . It is worth a visit; just knowing that many kings and queens of France and England have prayed here in centuries gone by. Also, of particular note to the Tudor enthusiast, is the sixteenth-century tomb of John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners, who is buried in the church choir. Baron Berners was the Lieutenant of Calais until he died in 1533. So, it was Lord Berners who would have greeted the king and Anne Boleyn as they stepped off the Swallow.

Did Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn Consummate Their Relationship?

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn set out for Calais, from Dover, aboard The Swallow at 5 o’clock in the morning on 11 October. Happily, on their outward journey, the wind was in their favour and they landed safely at Calais just five hours later at 10 o’clock. In all, the couple spent a little over a month in the town. During that time, Henry left Calais on 21 October to meet with his royal ‘brother’, Francis I. Henry was lodged at the expense of the French King, in nearby Boulogne, for six days, returning to Calais on 27 October. Meanwhile, Anne was lodged magnificently at the Exchequer. This was a grand building that encompassed two privy gardens, enclosed within two central courtyards, a tennis play and a delightful long gallery.

After the official royal visit was over, fierce storms broke out in the region. Some of the English court had already set sail to return; many ships were blown off course and some were shipwrecked. However, with decreased numbers of courtiers present, Henry and Anne remained lodged at the Exchequer with perhaps a greater degree of privacy than was usual. Professor Eric Ives describes it as a sort of ‘honeymoon’ for the couple. The trip had certainly been an outstanding success. Assured of Francis’ support, was it at the Exchequer that Anne finally surrendered herself and slept with Henry for the first time?

Eventually, Henry and Anne Boleyn boarded their ship to return to England at midnight on 13 November. After what must have been a rough twenty-eight-hour crossing, the couple and their entourage arrived back in Dover at 5 o’clock on the following day, St Erkenwald’s Day, 14 November. Henry and Anne then remained at Dover for two days, leaving on 16 November.

Hall has suggested that it was in fact on St Erkenwald’s day that the couple were married. While most historians agree that the true date that Henry and Anne were married was 25 January 1533, some have postulated that perhaps, having consummated their relationship sometime during their time confined in the Exchequer in Calais, the two were finally betrothed after they arrived in England. Since they had already consummated the relationship, this ceremony would have effectively made them man and wife. If this did indeed happen, Dover saw the first day of Anne as Henry’s de facto wife and queen of England.

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2-Day Itinerary: London

If you are visiting London but only have two days to spare and you are wondering about some of the must-see Tudor places in London to visit, then look no further! Here are my recommendations for my ‘BIG three’ must-see locations: Westminster Abbey and Hall, The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. However, if you need extra inspiration for more places to visit, or you are looking to substitute in a different location, then I am including a link to download my ‘Tudor London Made Easy Guide’. This highlights 17 locations in London with links to Tudor history.

In the meantime, let’s do some immersive time travelling!

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The Good Life France

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Some of the best places to visit near Calais on a day trip

• Janine Marsh
• Nord-Pas de Calais

On a day trip from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, you can easily discover the authentic and beautiful countryside, stunning villages and glorious beaches of the Opal Coast. We think one day definitely isn’t enough to enjoy all the charms of the far north of France but here are a few of our favourite things…

The Opal Coast

The Opal Coast, or Cote d’Opale in French, stretches 120km from just outside Dunkerque to Mers-les-Bains, Picardy on the border with Normandy. Along its route you’ll find sandy beaches, hidden coves, Jurassic rocks, dramatic dunes and craggy cliffs. Take the D940 coastal road towards Boulogne. Follow the winding road through the lush landscape of fields, which look like colourful quilts. And enjoy cliff top views  – the White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen on a clear day.

You’ll pass through little fishing villages where you can buy fresh fish from the door steps of the fishermens’ houses. You’ll spot tiny boulangeries and welcoming cafés, monuments and museums for this is a region with an ancient history.

Though there are dozens of places to stop, and you’re bound to find your own favourites, there are some spots that are very special. Here are some of the best along the route from just outside Calais to Le Touquet:

Audresselles

This humble fishing village is like an echo of the past. Here the fishermen still haul their catch onto the beach in traditional wooden boats called Flobards, and then park them in the street like cars. The air is pure and the quality of light which gives the Opal Coast its name make this place quite simply – very special. Here is where the great painter JM Turner admired the views before capturing this coast line on canvas.

The beach is pristine and rocky, little pools teeming with fish where kids can enjoy an old-fashioned net on a stick wade and wallow. There are plenty of very good restaurants round the market square – the perfect location for moules et frites and a glass of wine.

Wine and dine Audresselles

Push the boat out : The Marie Galante ( 173 Rue Edouard Quénu ) is one of the prettiest restaurants on this stretch of the coast and reflects the long history of sea-faring folk from this charming fishing village. It isn’t expensive and is run by sisters Godeleine and Béatrice Cuvellier, they serve the best of fresh fish including lobster landed by fishermen in the village. On a sunny day the terrace is delightful and when the famous breeze blows in from the sea, inside is cosy and welcoming.

Locals Love : La Retour des Flobards ( 58, rue Marin La Meslee ). Set in the main square, this is a charming restaurant with a maritime theme and serves local seafood, crabs, lobster, mussels etc.

Pickled in the past, the little town of Wimereux is one of those genteel, off the beaten-track seaside resorts that people can’t help falling in love with. Its colourful Belle Epoque style villas and quirky shops are alluring and charming. It’s a little faded but still an elegant town with hotels, bars and cafés.

Wine and dine Wimereux

Push the boat out : The Atlantic Hotel ( 6 Rue Notre Dame ) Indulge in a delectable meal created by the Delpierre father and son chefs. Awarded a Michelin Star for their Liègoise restaurant (upstairs) in February 2017 their food is fabulous and as you’d expect – largely fishy. Downstairs is the contemporary style bistro. Here you can enjoy a truly special three course meal that’s great value, including mouth-watering salmon smoked on site by the chef.

Locals Love : Le Sable Rouge (27 Digue de Mer). Traditional French cuisine, mussels and chips, pancakes and beer with friendly service and great sea views.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

The old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer is one of the secret gems of the north of France. Looking just like a film set, this historic town has played host to legions of would be invaders of Britain. Quite literally, as the soldiers of Julius Caesar camped here as did those of Napoleon Bonaparte. Enter the walled old town via one of the vast stone gateways and prepare to fall in love with its historic good looks. Nip into the UNESCO listed belfry to spot the cannon balls fired on the town by Henry VIII. Check out the incredible Basilica Notre Dame church with its Vatican style roof and painted ceilings. Then descend to the crypt, the largest in France and decorated by an ancient artist – it’s truly incredible.

Boulogne is home to 1,000 shops, 200 restaurants, five French markets a week and Nausicaa , the largest aquarium in Europe. Missing this world-class aquarium on a visit to the Côte d’Opale would be to miss a highlight of the region. “A close encounter with the sea” is how it styles itself and it’s an apt description. Home to 3,500 different animals including penguins and sea lions. There are engaging exhibitions as well as a stunning Coral Lagoon.

Wine and dine Boulogne-sur-Mer

Star restaurant: La Matelote ( 70 Boulevard Sainte-Beuve ), seafood heaven at this Michelin starred restaurant/hotel on the sea front near Nausicaa. A taste sensation awaits…

Push the boat out : Chez Jules ( 8 place Dalton ) is not expensive. A classic French brasserie where all the food is made on site from the bread to the chocolate. You’re likely to bump into the Mayor here as well as the market stall holders after they’ve finished work. They’re all enjoying the dishes of Chef Philippe Leleu “Master Restauranteur” in a convivial atmosphere.

Locals Love : Le Chatillon ( 6 rue Charles Tellier ). It’s a little bit off the beaten track in the Capécure fishing quarter, and all the better for it. This restaurant opens at 04.00 in the morning for the fishermen who stop off for a hearty breakfast. But, you’re welcome to join them. It has an authentic atmosphere and a 98% lunch time fish menu. Don’t miss the popular “Parillada” mixed grilled fish and seafood marinated in garlic and olive oil. Check the website for opening times (le-chatillon.com)

Le Touquet Paris-Plage

The ”Monaco of the north” is a swish and swanky seaside resort. It’s the secret ‘get away from it all’ destination of Parisians as well as Brits in the know. It’s a taste of France that is hard to beat with its long golden sandy beaches and pretty Belle Époque villas. There are gourmet shops, fabulous restaurants, great golf courses, horse riding, tennis – I could go on and on. For a small seaside resort, Le Touquet packs a big punch. Not only that, the town prides itself on holding hundreds of events all year round.

There are fabulous restaurants, chichi shops – think Paris style. And, a myriad of sports activities in the place that was once the jet set nirvana. Ian Fleming based his book “Casino Royale” on the local casino where Cole Porter tinkled on the pianos keys and Noel Coward entertained his friends. Sean Connery signed his first Bond contract here. This place was THE place to go and it retains its air of glitz, glamour and gorgeousness.

Wine and Dine Le Touquet

Push the boat out : Le Pavillon at the Westminster Hotel ( Avenue du Verger ). Run by French chef (with an English sounding name) William Elliott, who has one Michelin star. Le West, as it’s known to the locals, is an Art Deco dream building. It’s glamorous in that oh-so-French effortless way.  In the elegant setting of the restaurant with its lovely terrace overlooking the iconic lighthouse of Le Touquet you’ll experience an impeccable fine dining experience where it’s all about the food. Relaxed and not remotely pretentious, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, expertly prepared dishes and skilled wine choices ensure this is completely faultless refined dining event.

Locals Love : Chez Perard ( 67 Rue de Metz ) is one of the greatest fish restaurants in France. Don’t take my word for it, ask Lord Alan Sugar, he flies his plane to the local airport regularly – just to eat here. The soup made at the restaurant is famous all over France. Order it from the menu and they’ll offer you a top up – they’re so proud of it. The food here is fabulous. Fresh oysters, sea urchins, salmon smoked on the premises and the best bouillabaisse outside of Marseille (in my opinion).

Fish and Chips : So-Fish ( 16 Boulevard de l’Impératrice, Etaples-sur-Mer )) is one of the best-kept secrets of the Opal Coast. It’s popular with Parisians who flock to this part of France for a tranquil break at their second home villas in Le Touquet. You’ll find So-Fish just across a pink granite bridge leading from Le Touquet to Etaples. This tiny little restaurant has been featured in Elle and Paris Match for its authentic and tasty fish and chips. Chef Sophie-Perrault uses only the freshest fish. She makes the crispiest batter and piquant tartare sauce, making this a stand-out stop off.

More on northern France

Montreuil-sur-Mer , walled town with an ancient footprint which inspired Victor Hugo to write Les Miserables… Cassel , the hilltop town where the Grand Old Duke of York marched his men! What to see and do in Dunkirk

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Calais tourism and travel guide

Photo is of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez at 11 km from Calais

Visit Calais: highlights and tourist information

Calais is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department and Hauts-de-France region.

Below you can see some of the places that we have visited and reviewed and can recommend when you are sightseeing close to Calais in Hauts-de-France.

Popular places to visit nearby include Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez at 11 km and Wissant at 15 km.

Calais, France: places to visit and attractions

Note that all distances below are 'direct' and real driving distances will be greater!

Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Aire-sur-la-Lys

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pas-de-Calais

Arrange a visit to Calais

Book hotels, car hire and flights.

• Book a visit

Hotels in Calais

Booking.com: best prices

For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com

Reserve excursions

Map of places to visit near calais, markets in and near calais.

Market days in Calais: weekly market: Wednesday & Thursday & Saturday;

• Calais: market Wednesday & Thursday & Saturday (0km)
• Coulogne: market Monday (3km)
• Ardres: market Thursday (14km)
• Audruicq: market Wednesday (18km)
• Grand-Fort-Philippe: market Monday (18km)
• Gravelines: market Sunday & Friday (20km)
• Ambleteuse: market Wednesday (23km)
• Bourbourg: market Tuesday (24km)
• Boulogne-sur-Mer: market Wednesday (31km)
• Desvres: market Tuesday (31km)

More information about Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Tourist attractions near calais, france.

What to do at Calais? Some places with official tourist classifications and other places of interest to visit nearby that should provide inspiration if you are visiting Calais.

• Nausicaa - Centre national de la mer (30km)

Grand sites of France

• Cap Blanc-Nez / Cap Gris-Nez (10km)

Heritage sites

• Beffroi de Calais (Belfries of Belgium and France) (0km)
• Beffroi de Gravelines (Belfries of Belgium and France) (20km)
• Beffroi de Boulogne-sur-Mer (Belfries of Belgium and France) (30km)
• Beffroi de l'église St-Éloi de Dunkerque (Belfries of Belgium and France) (38km)
• Beffroi et hôtel de ville de Dunkerque (Belfries of Belgium and France) (38km)
• Beffroi de Bergues (Belfries of Belgium and France) (41km)
• Beffroi d'Aire-sur-la-Lys (Belfries of Belgium and France) (51km)

National Monuments

• Column of the Grand Army (28km)

Recommended detour towns (fr: plus beau détour)

• Gravelines (20km)
• Bergues (41km)

Regional Natural Parcs

• Caps et Marais d'Opale (23km)

Remarkable gardens

• La ferme du mont des Récollets (47km)

Sites of natural beauty

• Cap Blanc-Nez (10km)
• Réserve naturelle du Platier d'Oye (16km)
• Cap Gris-Nez (21km)
• Réserve naturelle nationale des grottes et des pelouses d'Acquin-Westbécourt et des coteaux de Wavrans-sur-l'Aa (35km)
• Réserve naturelle nationale des étangs du Romelaëre (36km)
• Dunes d'Écault (38km)
• Réserve naturelle de la Baie de Canche (48km)

Towns of Art and history

• Boulogne-sur-Mer (30km)
• Saint-Omer (36km)

Villages in bloom 4* (fr: ville fleurie)

• Loon-Plage (26km)
• Grande-Synthe (33km)

Geography and distances

Calais is in the north of France at 98 kilometres from Arras, the department capital (general information: Calais is 235 kilometres from Paris).

Geographical Information

Commune: Calais

Canton: Calais

Arrondissement: Calais

Department: Pas-de-Calais

Region: Nord-Pas-de-Calais

New region: Hauts-de-France

Postcode: 62100

Distance to Calais

from Arras (prefecture): 98 km

from Paris: 235 km

from Calais: 0 km

from Nice: 903 km

from Bordeaux: 703 km

from Strasbourg: 498 km

Getting here

For driving distances to Calais from anywhere in France see driving distances and route planner .

We have 5 other places listed as being close (less than kilometres from ): Coquelles , Coulogne , Frethun , Les Attaques and Nielles-les-Calais .

This page in French: Visiter Calais

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‘Exceptional’ medieval village crowned southern France’s most beautiful hidden gem

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If you want to avoid tourist traps and spend your next holiday somewhere breathtaking, this tiny French village is well worth your consideration.

Car rental firm Avis recently conducted a study into southern France ’s most beautiful hidden gems, using destinations from the PBVF’s (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) official list alongside data from Tripadvisor and Google.

And according to the research, Le Malzieu-Ville takes the crown for the remotest and most picturesque spot, with an overall score of 90.77 out of 100.

This quaint hamlet, nestled in the heart of the Lozère region, was a hit with visitors thanks to its medieval architecture and array of natural beauty spots.

A trip to Le Malzieu-Ville also offers exceptional French cuisine, charming gite accommodation options, warm summer weather, and a chance to explore off the beaten track.

Why you should visit Le Malzieu-Ville

Le Malzieu-Ville only has around 900 inhabitants, so you certainly won’t have to fight through crowds if you choose to have your next holiday there – and you can drive there too, which is perfect if you’re a nervous flyer.

Speaking of the 13th century medieval city’s nickname, Pearl of the Valley, France Voyage states: ‘Natural curiosities, tourist facilities and shops mingle harmoniously with its exceptional heritage and nature of the Monts de la  Margeride which still earn it its name.’

‘The small village of Malzieux is beautiful with lots of little cobbled streets,’ said Cindy in a review of one local Airbnb , while Charlotte described the area as ‘A real little slice of paradise.’

Things to do in Le Malzieu-Ville

As mentioned, this spot is known for its rich history. To get a feel for the centuries that have gone by here, explore Malzieux’s Bodon Tower (now Office of Tourism) and Clock Tower, both of which offer amazing panoramic views. Then, take a walk around the village’s ancient walls and gates, and trace the story of the ‘Beast of Gévaudan’ who roamed the streets in the 1760s through a series of statues and a mini museum.

@lozeretourisme Une journée dans le Nord Lozère en Margeride 🤩 #lozere #lozeretourisme #malzieu #saintchelydapcher #village #margeride #tourdapcher #nordlozere #visite #tiktoktravel #pourtoi ♬ Riptide – Vance Joy

The Museum of the former Ursuline convent is well worth a visit too, as is the treasure-filled Saint-Hippolyte church. And if you don’t mind going further afield, the historical site of Apcher tower is just 10 minutes’ drive away.

If you’re more of a nature lover, the Sainte-Eulalie European Bison Reserve is 20 minutes from Malzieu, while the Gévaudan wolf park (just over 20 miles away) lets you observe 115 of these majestic animals as they roam the spacious enclosure. Adventurers also have the gorges of the Truyère and a number of hiking routes right on their doorstep.

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It’d be remiss to talk about a French getaway without mentioning the food, and Malzieu’s offering is as quintessential as it gets. Chez Pierrot has a sweet little terrace where you can enjoy a delicious dinner, and Le Margeride serves up regional delicacies in a familiar bistro-style setting.

How to get to Le Malzieu-Ville

Le Malzieu-Ville doesn’t have a major train station directly within its limits. To travel to Le Malzieu-Ville, you can take a train to St-Chély-d’Apcher from a transport hub like Clermont-Ferrand or Nîmes, and it’s a roughly 10-minute drive.

If you’re flying, the closest airports with routes from the UK are Montpellier and Lyon, although you’re looking at between two and three hours’ drive once you arrive in France.

Alternatively, you can take your car and go through the Eurotunnel, with the journey taking around 10 hours from London to Le Malzieu-Ville.

Weather in Le Malzieu-Ville

During the warmest month, July, you can expect average temperatures of 24°C in Le Malzieu-Ville, with nine or 10 hours of sunshine each day. It does have a tendency to shower here, but the summer climate is mostly dry and not too windy. 

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Winter time is much colder with averages of around 6°C and occasional snow. Ski resorts in Aubrac and Mont Lozère are nearby, though, if you’re looking for a different type of getaway in the region.

Southern France's most beautiful hidden gems

• Le Malzieu-Ville
• Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
• Brousse-le-Château
• La Garde-Adhémar

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Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

• Iran attack on Israel – live updates
• Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , in the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said that Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right. His comments came ahead of a war cabinet meeting alongside Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the country’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Tehran has warned it will strike again with greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike on Israel by more 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. The air raids , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Israeli state, brought a years-long shadow war into the open and threatened to draw the region into a broader conflagration as Israel said it was considering its response.

However, the attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan. An air force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a seven-year-old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two western intelligence sources told Reuters .

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the UN, the council’s president said in a statement.

Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source has told Reuters . The source also said that the US conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be “within certain limits”. These reports come after Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian , said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran that Iran had informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence only.

John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said. News outlet Axios reported that Joe Biden , the US president, had told Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved in Israel’s defence, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack, with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher Khasawneh , warned that any escalation in the region would lead to “dangerous paths”, joining a chorus of condemnation from world leaders to the attack. Other countries including the UK, Spain, the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, have called for restraint amid fears of a regional escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the UK , France , and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour news agency reported .

Major airlines across the Middle East, including Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways , announced they would resume some of their operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Israel said it had reopened its airspace as of 7:30am local time on Sunday morning, with Beirut airport also reopening this morning. Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, however, have cancelled flights until Monday.

• Middle East and north Africa
• US military

Most viewed

The 5 Best Airlines For First Class In 2024

• Airlines are still focusing on premium products, including first class.
• Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines have quality first class experiences.
• However, All Nippon Airways could be the best first class experience to discover in 2024.

Despite airlines shying away from first class seating during the past few years, especially before the pandemic, there has been a resurgent focus on premium products in 2023 and 2024. Demand for first, business, and premium economy class seating has driven airlines to innovate and refresh their top-of-the-line products, with several carriers introducing new first class seats and suites.

If you were to look to tick off a few bucket list-worthy first class seats to fly on in 2024, several airlines have introduced or are planning to introduce new first class cabins during the year, indicating that the crème de la crème of airline seats is not going away anytime soon.

Air France’s La Première

Announced in: may 2022.

Aircraft available on:

• Boeing 777-300ER

While the cabin is not available yet, Air France has promised that it will be during the upcoming winter season, which starts in October 2024. The carrier announced that it was redesigning its La Premiere cabin, exclusively deployed on its 777-300ERs, in May 2022.

At the time, Air France said that La Premiere would be the longest on the market, offering up to three modular configurations that can be fully privatized, including transforming the seat into a sofa or a bed. Furthermore, the carrier promised that it would appear on more aircraft than previously.

Benjamin Smith, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air France, said that La Premiere represents the best of French excellence and is a vital part of the airline’s DNA. The executive noted that even at the peak of the pandemic, the airline saw the importance of a first class cabin, especially on routes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Pictures: Air France Teases New First Class Seat Design

Lufthansa allegris, announced in: february 2023.

• Airbus A350
• Boeing 787-9
• Boeing 777X

While Lufthansa teased the new designs of its first class cabins in October 2022, the German airline officially introduced the new Allegris cabins, including new first class seats, in February 2023. The seats will feature on Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and 777X aircraft, upon their delivery to the German airline.

At the time, Lufthansa said the new Allegris seats would be introduced with its latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2024. However, two of its most recent Airbus A350-900 aircraft were straight sent to the desert, reportedly because supply chain issues derailed the airline’s plans to introduce the new cabins on the two aircraft, which is why they are now parked at Teruel Airport (TEV), Spain.

Why Lufthansa Has Flown Two Brand New Airbus A350s Straight To Storage

Nevertheless, while they might be delayed, the first class cabins will still have plenty on offer, including unprecedented privacy for the German airline’s top-of-the-line seats. For example, Lufthansa said that customers can warm or cool their seats in the suite according to their needs.

Lufthansa Pushes New Cabin Launch To 2024 Due To Delivery Delays

Etihad airways the residence, announced in: may 2014.

• Airbus A380

While ‘The Residence’ is not a new product, the fact is that with the return of the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft, passengers once again can enjoy ‘The Residence,’ an even more luxurious cabin than first class on the UAE-based Etihad Airways flights.

The one new development with the self-advertised three-room suite in the sky is that starting April 2024, the airline will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to fly between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). When the aircraft returned to service in July 2023, the airline deployed it only on the AUH – London Heathrow Airport (LHR) route.

A380 Return: The Fleet Of Etihad Airways In 2024

Singapore airlines first class, announced in: july 2013.

While it has been more than a decade since Singapore Airlines first unveiled its newest first class product, the cabin still has been one of the top-rated cabins globally as the airline has managed to provide an unparalleled experience to its customers.

Unfortunately, the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER only welcomes four first class passengers since its other long-haul aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, A380, and Boeing 787-10, only have business class seats. The only exception is the Airbus A380, with the airline offering the ‘Suite’: a similar experience to Etihad Airways ‘The Residence.’ When Singapore Airlines announced the cabin in July 2013, it said that the seat would introduce a new industry benchmark for premium air travel, including redesigning its business and economy class seats.

5 Reasons Flying Singapore Airlines Is Worth It

All nippon airways the suite, announced in: july 2019.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced its new first class seats in July 2019 . The airline, which also publicized its newest business class seat on the same date, described the then-new suite as designed by combining Japanese heritage and Western design.

While Skytrax rated Singapore Airlines’ first class as the superior product in 2023, maybe ANA, whose first class was ranked as the third-best seat in the world, will have what it takes to take it to the next level. After all, Air Frances’s La Premiere, voted second-best, is getting a refresh, which could go either way and provide a potential opportunity for ANA.

The Japanese carrier offers its first class product on two aircraft, its iconic ‘Flying Turtles,’ the Airbus A380s, and the Boeing 777-300ER. When it introduced the new suites, ANA said that this was the most spacious fully enclosed seating ever seen on an ANA aircraft, adding that features include privacy-enhancing doors and a 43-inch monitor, which also showed entertainment in a 4K resolution.

Which US Airlines Still Have First Class In 2024?

Weekend Rundown: Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

Congress passes bill that could unlock billions in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine

The House passed a foreign aid package Saturday as well as what's called the REPO Act, which would allow the Biden administration to confiscate billions of dollars’ worth of Russian assets sitting in U.S. banks and transfer them to Ukraine for reconstruction.

“By delivering urgently needed aid to Ukraine, the United States has reasserted itself as the leader of the free world and as a reliable partner to its allies," Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., said on social media .  "The US has a singular obligation to help freedom fighters fight for their freedom, and nowhere more so than in Ukraine, whose self-defense against Putin’s aggression must prevail."

The REPO Act, which would authorize Biden to confiscate the frozen Russian assets in U.S. banks and transfer them to a special fund for Ukraine, is part of the foreign aid package that was stalled for months in the House. More than $6 billion of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets are sitting in U.S. banks. Most of the $300 billion in assets are in Germany, France and Belgium.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson , R-La., released the package that would include tens of billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

“I’m going to a allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will on this,” Johnson told reporters, defending his decision to allow the vote to go forward Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government invested heavily in the euro and the dollar over the years to keep the ruble stable, planting $300 billion worth of foreign currency reserves. 

But in early 2022, following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, all of the Group of Seven countries — the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan — banded together and froze all of the $300 billion of Russian foreign currency reserves held in banks in those countries, most of it in Europe.

“The Russians were surprised when, right after the war started, the Europeans took the exact same measures as the United States, freezing all of the reserves that were there, and the Japanese did the same, which is why most of Russia’s reserves today are frozen in Western banks,” said Chris Miller, a professor at the Fletcher School of global affairs at Tufts University.

The idea to confiscate the Russian assets, which emerged last year, has been hotly contested by economists and foreign policy experts.

In a recent op-ed in The New York Times, contributing opinion writer Christopher Caldwell argued that it’s a “terrible idea” to confiscate the Russian funds because other countries might stop investing in the U.S., which could negatively affect the economy in the long run.

“This could weaken the dollar’s status as the main global reserve currency. The dollar is probably the most valuable strategic asset the United States has,” Caldwell argued.

Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia who has been lobbying for the REPO Act for months, clapped back at Caldwell’s assertion and said the use of Russian assets for Ukraine would send an important message to autocratic nations around the world.  

“There are those that say, 'Well, this will hurt the dollar. It’s bad for our reputation.' I have a pushback to that. I don’t want criminals investing in American Treasury bonds,” McFaul said.

One of the diplomatic challenges would be to persuade the other G7 countries to do the same. While the U.K. is on board with the idea, France and Germany have been reluctant. 

“We’re making good progress in how to access that funds on an agreed basis that I think we can take forward to the G7,” U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron told reporters April 9.

Amid the diplomatic maneuverings, one group in the background has been persistently applying pressure on members of Congress, the White House and G7 countries to move forward with the idea of confiscating the funds.

The Renew Democracy Initiative, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization promoting democracy and American interest overseas, sent a letter Friday urging Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to work together to get the REPO Act passed. 

“Your leadership through legislative action will increase the likelihood that the administration does what is necessary to confiscate Putin’s billions,” wrote Chairman Garry Kasparov and CEO Uriel Epshtein.

In an interview Friday, Epshtein said he believes it will take U.S. action to bring about a G7 collaboration to confiscate the funds.

“Other G7 countries will only act to confiscate Russian assets if the U.S. leads,” he Epshtein.

Anna Schecter is a senior producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit.

Natasha Lebedeva is NBC's Senior Director for International Affairs, based in Washington.

Matt Bradley is a London-based foreign correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC.

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