It’s estimated that 10 million Brits make the trip over to Calais each year. However, alongside the great value wine we have available here, there is another side to the city that is rich with historical and cultural heritage, which we recommend all visitors take the time to explore.
The city of Calais is divided into two parts, Calais-Nord and Calais-Sud.
Calais-Nord is the Old Town that was destroyed during WWll and has since been rebuilt. The canal separates the Old Town from Calais-Sud, where you will find the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the commercial, shopping district.
What to do in Calais…
Calais plays host to some stunning architecture, and there are some great cultural experiences to have and restaurants to visit. We’ve put together some of our top picks for you to discover during your time here.
NOTRE DAME CHURCH
Notre Dame Church was built during the English occupation of France and remains the only English Gothic-style church in France. The 13th century church appears rundown but it is one of the oldest monuments in Calais. It took over 100 years to construct, and continues to have renovations made to it.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Calais lighthouse was built in 1848 to replace the lantern of the watchtower and has withstood World War ll. We recommend going to see if for the great panoramic views of the sea in which it offers.
LE BLOCKHAUS
During World War ll, General Dornberger was called to an urgent meeting in Berlin where he received an order by Hitler to construct a bunker to help defend against an imminent British attack. That bunker is today located in the Eperlecques Forest in a museum which houses some of the most dangerous weapons used during the war. This includes examples of the infamous V1 and V2 rockets used against London towards the end of the war. It’s a truly fascinating museum to visit.
THE BELFRY
An integral part of the Town Hall, the Belfry symbolises the reuniting of Calais and Saint-Pierre in 1885. Today, visitors are able to climb to the top of the Belfry and admire the magnificent views of the city of Calais following the major renovation work that took place during 2011.
CALAIS BEACH
Calais’ beach is one of its best kept secrets. The beach is situated just 1km from Place D'Armes and is perfect to relax on a sunny day. The beach is lined with white beach huts to create a picturesque beach effect. All that needs adding is a nice bottle of wine and cheese while watching the seagulls trying to chase the ferries out of the port. Further along this beach was where the first ever trans-channel flight took place in 1909 by pioneer aviator Louis Blériot.
RODIN'S 'SIX BURGHERS'
English King Edward lll wanted a base in France, and Calais was naturally the perfect choice with it being the closest point to England. Rodin created the sculpture in 1895, representing this event during the Hundred Years War: Edward offered to spare the people of the city if six of its leaders would surrender themselves to him to be executed - their lives were spared by the intervention of England's queen, Philippa of Hainault, who persuaded her husband to exercise mercy by claiming that their deaths would be a bad omen for her unborn child.
THE INTERNATIONAL CITY OF LACE AND FASHION
Situated in the Saint-Pierre district lies the historic centre of the lace industry. It’s a factory which is representative of the 1870s and a collection of different aspects of lace including fashion and design are displayed. Here is one quick fact you need to know before coming to Calais...you can actually see the Clock tower in Calais from the white cliffs of dover. After all, it is England’s nearest continental neighbour!
