The moment your ferry docks or your train pulls into the station, Calais greets you with a blend of French charm and maritime history that makes it far more than just a transit point.
Calais also offers surprisingly excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants lining the harbour serving freshly caught fish, mussels, and the local specialty of moules frites prepared with cream and white wine. The covered market, held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Thursday and Saturday mornings, bursts with local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie that make perfect picnic supplies.
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The Iconic Calais Lighthouse
Beyond the ferry terminal, Calais conceals a wealth of architectural treasures that reward those who take the time to explore beyond the immediate waterfront. The Tour du Guet, a medieval watchtower dating back to the thirteenth century, offers panoramic views across the city and the English Channel after climbing its one hundred and twenty-seven steps. The tower has served as a lighthouse, a telegraph station, and an observation post throughout its long history. The Phare de Calais stands as a proud sentinel over the port city. climb the 276 steps to the top for panoramic views of the coastline, the harbour, and on a clear day, the white cliffs of Dover across the English Channel. The lighthouse has guided ships since 1848 and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in the region. The surrounding park is a lovely spot for a picnic while watching ferries come and go.
Calais also offers surprisingly excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants lining the harbour serving freshly caught fish, mussels, and the local specialty of moules frites prepared with cream and white wine. The covered market, held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Thursday and Saturday mornings, bursts with local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie that make perfect picnic supplies.
The Burghers of Calais by Rodin
Auguste Rodin’s famous sculpture The Burghers of Calais stands in the square in front of the Hotel de Ville. This powerful bronze group commemorates six citizens who offered their lives to save the city during the Hundred Years’ War. The detail and emotion captured in the figures are remarkable, and the sculpture is considered one of Rodin’s greatest works. The Hotel de Ville itself is a stunning Flemish Renaissance building worth exploring.
Calais also offers surprisingly excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants lining the harbour serving freshly caught fish, mussels, and the local specialty of moules frites prepared with cream and white wine. The covered market, held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Thursday and Saturday mornings, bursts with local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie that make perfect picnic supplies.
Cite Europe Shopping and Leisure
One of Europe’s largest shopping centres, Cite Europe is a major draw for visitors. It features over 200 shops, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema. Fashion brands, homeware stores, and French speciality food shops line the spacious halls. The centre also hosts events throughout the year, from fashion shows to cultural exhibitions. It is a perfect destination for a rainy day or a spot of duty-free shopping before heading home.
Calais also offers surprisingly excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants lining the harbour serving freshly caught fish, mussels, and the local specialty of moules frites prepared with cream and white wine. The covered market, held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Thursday and Saturday mornings, bursts with local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie that make perfect picnic supplies.
The Calais Beach and Coastal Walks
Calais boasts a long sandy beach that stretches for miles along the Opal Coast. The promenade is ideal for walking, cycling, or simply sitting and watching the waves. During summer, the beach is popular with families and windsurfers. The nearby Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez offer dramatic cliff-top walks with breathtaking views of the Channel. These headlands are part of the Grand Site des Deux Caps and are perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Calais also offers surprisingly excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants lining the harbour serving freshly caught fish, mussels, and the local specialty of moules frites prepared with cream and white wine. The covered market, held on Place du Général de Gaulle on Thursday and Saturday mornings, bursts with local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie that make perfect picnic supplies.
Fort Nieulay and the War Memorials
History enthusiasts will appreciate the remnants of Calais’s military past. Fort Nieulay, built in the 16th century, defended the city for centuries. The area is also rich in World War II history, with several memorials and bunkers along the coast. The Calais War Memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the conflicts that shaped the region. A guided tour provides fascinating insights into the strategic importance of this port city.
Have you ever considered Calais as a destination rather than just a stopover?
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