Calais may be a mere 34 kilometres from the English cliffs of Dover, but northern France feels a million miles away. This town is a great place to sample the flavours of mainland Europe life, from unique cuisine to the local passion for fashion.
Visit idyllic beaches, see beautiful buildings and learn local heritage from the country’s northern gateway.
The marriage of art and history
It is impossible to explore the most iconic art exhibitions without delving into Calais’s history. The Burghers of Calais is the city’s most famous monument and one of the best-known sculptures by artist Auguste Rodin.
This distinctive work tells the story of a fabled siege during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. This open-air artwork was commissioned in 1885 and has stood as a reminder of Calais’s role in historic battles since the end of World War II.
The Musée des Beaux Arts is less than a kilometre away, set beside an idyllic garden in the city’s bustling centre. Here, fine paintings, contemporary photography and history sit side-by-side. The exhibits are focused on French and British art – again testimony to the city’s unique geography.
The Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode – or City of Lace and Fashion – is the port town’s quirkiest museum, showcasing Calaisian luxury garments from the 19th century. Whether you are a fashion expert, history buff or simply love shimmering fabrics, this mixture of heavy industry and glamour is well worth a visit.
The Grand Theatre is another iconic building where four lamp-lit galleries showcase the city’s musical and artistic heritage.
Sunshine and seafood
Calais beach is lined with colourful beach huts and dynamic French restaurants. These sands are a centre of relaxation, where bucket-and-spade vacationers can spend a slow-paced afternoon.
The wide and uncrowded strand is a popular place to watch the ferries go by, enjoy an ice cream or try fine dining in a venue overlooking the sea.
Architectural delights
Calais’s architecture tells the story of the city’s past, so strolling around town with a camera is a popular way to experience Calais.
The beautiful town hall – look out for signs to the hôtel de ville – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the region’s most-photographed locations. This regal red-brick construction has stood since 1885 as a symbol of the union between the historical cities of Calais and Saint-Pierre. A 75-metre belfry provides a recognisable chime to match the building’s grand facade.
The Calais lighthouse is another must-see building. If you feel adventurous, it’s even possible to climb 271 steps to the black lantern room, home to the city’s best panoramic views.
Tour the northern coast
If you find yourself tempted by the allure of France, its northern frontier is the perfect launchpad for a grand road trip.
Northern France is speckled with jewels, from the eastern French Flanders to the curving coasts of Normandy.
Some of the most beautiful beaches are peppered along the Opal Coast between Calais and Boulogne. Informal seafood treats and quiet promenades characterise this region.
The Ambleteuse commune is one of the more picturesque spots, with a historic fort set at the Slack River’s serpentine mouth. Le Touquet Paris-Plage is a peaceful beach set beside an upmarket town. Over time, this getaway has earned its reputation as the luxurious Monaco of the North.
Stay in town, tour the coast or take off into inland France. Let your imagination set the limits when you rent a car in Calais.
