- typical visit
- 45 min
France
Calais
Calais, a refined port city in the Hauts-de-France region, invites travelers to experience its unique blend of history, commerce, and coastal charm. With a population of approximately 73,000 residents as of 2019, this city holds a strategic position just 32 kilometers from England across the English Channel—Dover’s white cliffs are visible on clear days. Known for its bustling ferry port and proximity to the Channel Tunnel, Calais is a gateway to the UK and a hub of international trade. While many visitors arrive for the convenience of lower taxes on alcohol and tobacco, Calais reveals much more beneath its portside façade—rich history, vibrant local culture, and a resilient spirit that echoes through its centuries of transformation.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do
## What to do in Calais Calais is a lively Channel port where maritime history, contemporary culture and open-air adventure come together. For a sense of what Calais is famous for, start with its lace-making heritage at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, where working machines and fashion exhibitions show how local lace became internationally renowned. The city is also known for Rodin’s **Burghers of Calais**, displayed beside the striking neo-Flemish Town Hall. Climb the Town Hall belfry for views across the port, coast and city, or explore the Museum of Fine Arts, whose collections include works connected with the famous monument. For what to do in Calais city centre, combine the Town Hall and Burghers of Calais with a walk through the Art Deco streets and the city’s open-air street-art trail. More than 60 murals bring colour to the post-war architecture, while the historic Courgain Maritime district and Calais Lighthouse offer a closer look at the city’s fishing and seafaring past. The lighthouse provides wide views over the port and coastline when open, and Fort Risban stands near the harbour entrance. Along the seafront, Calais Beach is ideal for an easy walk, cycling, family time or watching ferries cross the Strait. The beach is also where the spectacular Calais Dragon appears: this large mechanical creature gives guided rides and moves along the promenade in a memorable piece of urban theatre. Active visitors can try sailing, kite surfing, beach volleyball, coastal walking or char à voile (land yachting), with popular sand-yachting opportunities around Les Hemmes de Marck. On rainy days, museums, the Alhambra cinema and Calais’s cultural venues provide indoor alternatives. Weekend activities in Calais can easily combine the city and the coast. Allow time for the museums and heritage quarter, then head west to the **Grand Site de France des Deux-Caps**. At Cap Blanc-Nez, paths lead across chalk downs and towards Escalles beach, with dramatic views of the English coast and busy Channel shipping; walkers and cyclists can continue towards Cap Gris-Nez on coastal routes including the GR 120. Check tide and weather conditions before descending to the beaches, and allow extra time if travelling without a car. Together, the beach, dragon, lace, street art, historic centre and nearby cliffs make Calais suitable for a short stop, a full day or a relaxed weekend on the Opal Coast.
Things to do
## What to do in Calais Calais is a lively Channel port where maritime history, contemporary culture and open-air adventure come together. For a sense of what Calais is famous for, start with its lace-making heritage at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, where working machines and fashion exhibitions show how local lace became internationally renowned. The city is also known for Rodin’s **Burghers of Calais**, displayed beside the striking neo-Flemish Town Hall. Climb the Town Hall belfry for views across the port, coast and city, or explore the Museum of Fine Arts, whose collections include works connected with the famous monument. For what to do in Calais city centre, combine the Town Hall and Burghers of Calais with a walk through the Art Deco streets and the city’s open-air street-art trail. More than 60 murals bring colour to the post-war architecture, while the historic Courgain Maritime district and Calais Lighthouse offer a closer look at the city’s fishing and seafaring past. The lighthouse provides wide views over the port and coastline when open, and Fort Risban stands near the harbour entrance. Along the seafront, Calais Beach is ideal for an easy walk, cycling, family time or watching ferries cross the Strait. The beach is also where the spectacular Calais Dragon appears: this large mechanical creature gives guided rides and moves along the promenade in a memorable piece of urban theatre. Active visitors can try sailing, kite surfing, beach volleyball, coastal walking or char à voile (land yachting), with popular sand-yachting opportunities around Les Hemmes de Marck. On rainy days, museums, the Alhambra cinema and Calais’s cultural venues provide indoor alternatives. Weekend activities in Calais can easily combine the city and the coast. Allow time for the museums and heritage quarter, then head west to the **Grand Site de France des Deux-Caps**. At Cap Blanc-Nez, paths lead across chalk downs and towards Escalles beach, with dramatic views of the English coast and busy Channel shipping; walkers and cyclists can continue towards Cap Gris-Nez on coastal routes including the GR 120. Check tide and weather conditions before descending to the beaches, and allow extra time if travelling without a car. Together, the beach, dragon, lace, street art, historic centre and nearby cliffs make Calais suitable for a short stop, a full day or a relaxed weekend on the Opal Coast.
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