Calais is far more than a ferry port — this northern French city is brimming with history, culture, and surprising attractions waiting to be uncovered.
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Calais City Hall and the Burghers of Calais
The centrepiece of Calais is its stunning Flemish Renaissance-style City Hall, built between 1911 and 1925. Its towering belfry, a UNESCO World heritage site, offers panoramic views of the city and the English Channel. In front of the City Hall stands Auguste Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Burghers of Calais”, commemorating six citizens who sacrificed themselves to save the city during the Hundred Years’ War. Rodin himself considered this one of his finest works. The statue is free to view, and the City Hall interior can be visited on guided tours offered by the tourist office. As of 2026, the belfry climb costs €8 for adults.
The Calais Lighthouse and the Port
For a different perspective on Calais, climb the 271 steps of the Calais Lighthouse. Built in 1848 and standing 50 metres tall, the lighthouse offers sweeping views of the port, the coastline, and on a clear day, the white cliffs of Dover. The adjacent port area is fascinating to explore, with massive ferries coming and going throughout the day. The Calais port processes over 10 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest in Europe. A stroll along the harbour wall provides excellent photo opportunities and a front-row seat to the maritime hustle and bustle. Lighthouse admission is €5 as of 2026.
Musee des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle
Calais has been a centre of lace production since the 19th century, and the Musee des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle (Museum of Fine Arts and Lace) is the perfect place to explore this heritage. Housed in a former lace factory, the museum showcases exquisite lace samples, machinery, and contemporary fashion pieces. The fine arts collection includes works by Dutch and Flemish masters. Interactive displays explain the intricate process of lace-making, from bobbin to finished garment. The museum shop sells authentic Calais lace as a unique souvenir. Admission is €7 for adults as of 2026, with discounts for students and seniors.
The War Memorial and World War II History
Calais played a significant role in both World Wars. The city was heavily bombed in 1940 and later became a key site during the Allied invasion of Europe. The Calais War Memorial, located near the port, honours the fallen. The nearby Blockhaus d’Eperlecques, a massive Nazi bunker built to launch V-2 rockets, is a sobering but important historic site. Guided tours explain the brutal conditions of forced labour and the scale of the Nazi armaments programme. The Dunkirk Evacuation sites are also a short drive away, providing context for one of the most dramatic episodes of World War II. Entry to the Blockhaus costs €10 as of 2026.
Calais Market and Local Cuisine
One of the best ways to experience the real Calais is through its market. The Calais Market, held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, is one of the largest in northern France. You will find fresh seafood — including the local favourite, moules (mussels) — seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie. The food scene in Calais is heavily influenced by its coastal location: try the moules-frites, a hearty plate of mussels steamed in white wine and garlic served with crispy fries. Local cider and Belgian-style beers pair perfectly. If you time your visit right, the market offers a true taste of French everyday life at very reasonable prices.
Exploring the Calais Citadel
The Calais Citadel, a star-shaped fortification built in the 16th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s military history and provides some of the best views of the surrounding area. Originally constructed on the orders of King Francois I after the French recaptured Calais from the English in 1558, the citadel was designed to protect the strategically vital port from future attacks. The fortifications were later upgraded by the famous military engineer Vauban in the 17th century, adding the distinctive bastions and moats that characterise the structure today. Visitors can walk along the ramparts and explore the underground tunnels that connected different parts of the fortress. The citadel grounds include a park where locals come to relax, jog, and enjoy picnics on sunny days. The views from the north-eastern bastion stretch across the port, the English Channel, and on clear days, the coast of England. Entry to the citadel grounds is free, and the site offers a peaceful escape from the busy port area.
The Calais Dragon
One of Calais’s most surprising attractions is Le Dragon de Calais, a massive mechanical dragon that roams the city’s port area. Built in 2019 as part of the city’s cultural regeneration, this 12-metre-tall, 72-tonne mechanical beast is inspired by the legend of the dragon that once terrorised the region. The dragon moves along a dedicated track, raising its head, flapping its wings, and breathing smoke and fire as it carries passengers on its back. The creature was created by La Machine, the French performance art company responsible for similar mechanical wonders in Nantes and Toulouse. Rides last about 45 minutes and take passengers through the port area while the dragon interacts with its surroundings. The experience is genuinely thrilling and appeals to visitors of all ages. Tickets cost around 10 euros for adults and 7 euros for children as of 2026, and the dragon operates on a seasonal schedule with more frequent rides during summer and school holidays.
Have you ever given Calais a proper chance beyond the ferry terminal?
Practical tip: Calais is the closest French port to England at just 34 km from Dover. The ferry takes 90 minutes and a day return costs roughly $40 per person as of 2026. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes 35 minutes and costs around $80 per car for a day trip. The Calais tourist office at 12 Boulevard Clemenceau offers free maps. The city market on Thursday and Saturday mornings sells the best regional cheeses and wines.
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