Your Holiday in Calais

Things to see and do in Calais

Many visit Calais purely for the shopping, but there is more to Calais with several places of interest both in Calais and the surrounding area, which are worth visiting.

The Six Burghers Monument: Calais most famous monument which was sculpted by Rodin in 1895 . The statue represents the six noblemen who surrendered themselves to Edward III of England, following the siege of the city, on 4th August 1347, in order to save the townsfolk. Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa de Hainault, successfully asked her husband to spare their lives. The city then remained in English hands until 1558.

Fine Art and Lace Museum (Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle): Exhibitions shows the history of lace-making from when it was hand-made in the 16th century up until the modern machine made lace, and tells the story of how the lace industry in Calais originated from Nottingham in England. Other exhibitions include sculptures and paintings by Rodin as well as other artists from the Dutch and Flemish schools.

The War Museum (Musée de la Guerre): is set in a blockhouse, which was once the command post to the German navy and its exhibitions illustrate life during the war in Calais and the surrounding area with a collection of arms, uniforms, flags, models, period newspapers, posters, items from planes shot down in the region, different types of propaganda used and information on the Resistance. In 1940 British and French troops attempted to hold out against the Germans who, following round-the-clock bombing, took over the town and made it a heavily fortified command post in the belief that the Allies would invade at that point. The Allies played on this belief to draw attention away from the D-Day landings, which marked the beginning of victory in Europe for the Allies. The Canadian forces liberated Calais in October 1944.

The Beaches: The fine sandy beaches of the Opal Coast extend along the coast for 50 kilometres, which offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation, beach games, sailing, windsurfing, and much more.

Calais Town Hall: Due to the success of the lace-making industry, the population in the village of Saint-Pierre increased greatly and in 1885 it merged with Calais. Work began on the new Town Hall in 1911 although it was not completed to 1925 because of World War I. The Town Hall was built in a Flemish Renaissance style and the spire of the belfry reaches 75m high from where electric bells ring out the hours.

The Citadel: Built on the site of a medieval castle that was built in 1229 by order of Philippe Le Hurperel, Lord of Boulogne, and partially financed by the inhabitants of Calais to provide protection from their enemies. The Lords of Boulogne and Artois first lived there and later it became the residence of the English Kings, including Edward III, until 1558. The French King then decided to turn it into a great fortress by building a citadel, designed by Vauban. Nowadays, the Mediaeval ramparts and the "Boulogne door" can still be seen.

Calais Lighthouse: Standing 51m high, with 271 steps to the top, the lighthouse has must see views over Calais.

Nieulay Fort: Designed by Vaubanwas and built in 1677. It was used as a tollgate for visitors to the city but also the locks of the fort were also designed to flood the land around the walled city of Calais in the event of attack and thus prevent the enemy from advancing. Nowadays, the ruins of the fort form part of a pleasant park.

Church of Notre-Dame:  Built between the 13th and 15th centuries by Flemish Masons but using English architects’ plans, thus creating a very original building in a mixture of Flemish and English styles. The church suffered damage during World War II and renovation is still ongoing.

The Risban Fort:  Built during the Hundred Year Wars, in 1328 and in 1622, under Louis XIII, became the starting point for the construction of a sea wall running along the coast to Sangatte. In 1850 the Fort was the main defence for the harbour, and during the World War II many residents of Calais used it as a shelter during the bombardments of the town.

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