Calais
Calais, Hauts-de-France, 62100
The town of Calais, located on the northern coast of France, is more of a throughway than a destination. That’s because each year, tens of millions of people pass by en route to Dover, but very few stop. Still, seasoned travelers say this major ferry port, the largest city in Pas-de-Calais, has a few hidden gems worth checking out.
The basics
Stop in Calais to explore the World War II museum near Parc St Pierre, housed inside a former German military bunker; the museum’s 21 rooms are filled with photographs and artifacts. The Citadel on Avenue Roger Salengro once housed a medieval castle, but today, travelers can venture here for epic views of the White Cliffs of Dover. The watchtower, which dates back to 1214, is one of the most historic monuments in Calais.
Calais is particularly popular with British day-trippers, who visit here to take advantage of the tax gap on alcohol and cigarettes.
Things to know before you go
Rue Royale, Boulevard Jacquard, and Boulevard Lafayette are popular shopping spots. Keep in mind most shops are closed on Sundays.
Many visitors buy items with lace, such as scarves, tablecloths, clothes, and handmade jewelry that local artisans make.
A recent attraction, the Calais Dragon, is a giant structure made from steel and carved wood that carries passengers around town on a 45-minute journey.
The stretch of coast between Calais and Berck-sur-Mer is known as the Opal Coast.
How to get there
Travelers can cross the English Channel into Calais by ferry or train. Three railway stations—Gare de Calais-Frethun, Gare de Calais-Ville, and Gare des Fontinettes— service the town; it’s a 55-minute train ride from London and about a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Dover. Be sure to allow time to get through border controls and security.
When to get there
Calais boasts a pleasant climate year-round. The summer season from June through September is warm, dry, and sunny, with periods of rain through the late summer and early fall. Many French people take vacations in July and August, which means seaside towns like Calais can be crowded during these months.
Dunkirk
Along the coast, about 27 miles (43 kilometers) east of Calais, you’ll find Dunkirk. Known for its roles in World Wars I and II, this town also attracts art lovers looking for more than 1,500 contemporary pieces, dating from between the 1940s and 1980s, at LAAC. At the same time, history buffs can check out the Musee Portuaire, which explores Dunkirk’s past.
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