Calais, the gateway to England

Calais attracts tourists thanks to the charm of its typical northern streets and its monuments steeped in history. The Watchtower is one of the town's oldest monuments. This 38-metre tower dates back to the 13th century and has been a listed monument since 1931. Thetown hall has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. In front of the building is a group of statues composed by Rodin based on the story of the sacrifice of six men to save the lives of the inhabitants of Calais: the Bourgeois de Calais.

A little further on, you can't miss the Calais Citadel. Begun in 1560, it was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the course of the town's history. The interior was ransacked during the Second World War, but you can still explore the medieval ramparts and stroll along the flower-lined paths of the Porte de Neptune. Another building that suffered extensive damage during the Second World War was the church of Notre-Dame de Calais. It took over 60 years to restore it!

As points of interest in Calais, let's not forget to mention the many museums! From the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la dentelle, the Cité Internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode to the Musée de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, there's plenty to do!

And of course, you can't talk about Calais without mentioning its port. Even if this big complex isn't particularly aesthetic, the port is a major part of the town, which has developed in particular thanks to its proximity to England. The port of Calais handles many passengers and goods bound for the UK, making it ** France's **leading passenger port. To the east of the port, you can see the Walde lighthouse, which has marked the boundary between the English Channel and the North Sea since 1857.

The Calais area is a great place for walking, with more than 30 routes available on foot or by bike. In all, more than 3,000 kilometres of foot paths are maintained and signposted to help you discover the heritage of the Hauts-de-France region. You are free to choose your itinerary and personalise it as you wish. You can also cross the marshes, rivers, gardens, canals, hills and dunes of the Côte d'Opale on horseback.

The more adventurous can go paragliding, parachuting, rafting, jet-skiing or paintballing. If you prefer calmer activities, Calais is a paradise for sailing, golf and fishing. Although the water is not very warm, the beach next to the west jetty is also one of the town's attractions.

The largest town in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, Calais is well worth a visit if you're planning a holiday in the Hauts-de-France. Allow a short day's visit to tour the town and its monuments and take advantage of the activities it has to offer.

🚌 How do I get to Calais?

Calais is around three hours from Paris by car via the A1 and A26. Its TGV station also makes it easy to reach the town by train. Our readers from the south of France or elsewhere who would like to come by plane can land at Lille airport.

🍴 Where to eat in Calais?

Calais gastronomy can be discovered in authentic, refined restaurants or directly from the artisans who sell delicious local produce in their small shops.

Fish, meat or poultry accompanied by endives, watercress, cauliflower or rattes, all washed down with beer or jenever (a strong alcohol flavoured with fruit)... That's what's on offer at mealtimes at La Champenoise restaurant, our little favourite in Calais.

👉 What to bring back from Calais?

Don't leave Calais without a little souvenir! For example, you could leave with a sugar tart, jenever or a piece of lace work.