What to do in Calais?

Calais is the first port of entry in the North of the France for those coming from Britain. It only serves as a passage for most people going to Paris or in other towns in France. However, if you spend an hour or a day in Calais, you can discover the city in its most unique guise. You can visit popular tourist sites on foot in the town centre. With a little more time on your hands, you can also take advantage of Calais' wide, beautiful sandy beaches.

Visiting Calais: what to see in the town centre?

The city hotel is located just across the canal from the centre with a neo-renaissance and Flemish style for your stay. The city centre of Calais has a rather compact appearance. It is surrounded by canals and ponds and is known for its art deco stained glass windows. The city is also famous for the site of the civil marriage of Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux which took place in 1921. There are so many wonderful things to see if you visit the town of Calais. Here are 4 examples of places you can visit during your stay in Calais: 

1- Calais Belfry and Town Hall

To begin a visit to the town of Calais, pass by the town hall which is a flamboyant example of Flemish architecture as well as the backdrop for Rodin's Les Bourgeois de Calais. It was designed by Louis DebrouwerHe was an architect and a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete. The hotel has beautiful stained glass windows and a grand staircase that leads to the wedding hall on the first floor.

The Calais belfry is linked to the town hall by an arch. For those who are not afraid of heights, the challenge is to climb the steps of the belfry and then enjoy the breathtaking view. The tower offers a magnificent panoramic view of the whole city. Incidentally, it was built in 1885 during a meeting between the communes of Saint-Pierre and Calais.

2- Statue of the Burghers of Calais

The statue "The Burghers of Calais" represents the 6 burghers at the beginning of the Hundred Years War in 1337 - 1453. It was designed in 1347 by Auguste Rodin which has thus become emblematic for the city. At the time, they gave their lives to save the inhabitants of Calais, which was under siege by King Edward III of England.

3- Saint-Pierre Park for the family

The Saint-Pierre Park comes from the name of the former commune of Calais in 1885. It was inaugurated in 1863 under the Second Empire and houses works of art. Don't miss the Parc Saint-Pierre when you stay in Calais. It is located opposite the town hall and is easily recognisable thanks to the hundred-year-old trees that give it a wooded feel. The ideal place to go out with the family and play petanque, the park offers a shaded playground. You can also discover the fountain decorated with the " Three Graces "There is also a beautiful historical monument to the dead and a sculpture by Bernard Mougins. Saint-Pierre Park also houses the Musée Mémoire, dedicated to the Second World War of 1939 - 1945.

4- Richelieu Park

Located in the heart of the city of Calais, the Richelieu Park is a space accessible to everyone for a relaxing break. A statue of "De Charles de Gaulle and Churchill" stands in the centre of the park.

Visiting the area around Calais: what to see around the city at weekends?

There are many things to see and visit around Calais at the weekend, for example 

• Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez
• The Fortress of Mimoyecques
• The Boulogne-sur-Mer
• The Saint-Omer
• The Ardres
• Seaside resorts, including Wissant, Audresselles, etc.

What activities and hobbies can be done with the time available?

For one hour: 

• you can discover the rooms of the town hall (wedding room, council room, grand salon d'honneur) or
• go up to see the belfry (UNESCO World Heritage Site) or
• admire the statue of the Bourgeois de Calais.

For half a day: 

• Discover the sights of Calais on the "must-see tour"!
• Follow in the footsteps of General Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux via the thematic route!
• You can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of the Memory of the Second World War.

With a duration of one day in Calais or more: 

• discover Cap Gris-nez and Cap Blanc-nez,
• discover the main sites and museums of the city,
• There are also three walking routes from Blériot-plage and Sangatte for hikers,
• you can even have an unforgettable time at Iceo. A leisure centre with an ice rink and swimming pool.

Gourmet stopover in Calais: which restaurant to choose to savour the soul of the North?

After strolling through the historic centre of Calais and exploring the town's enchanting parks, a gourmet break is in order. There are places where you immediately feel welcome, and Calais has no shortage of them. You've walked along the windswept beaches, admired the belfry, strolled through the Parc Richelieu... Now it's time to immerse yourself in a delicious meal. cosy restaurant in CalaisA place where the spirit of the North mingles with the aromas of the dishes and the laughter of neighbouring tables.

Taste the soul of Calais, one bite at a time

As well as its ancient stones and panoramic views, the heart of Calais also beats in its restaurants, where you can savour the flavours of the region. Imagine yourself sitting in a restaurant, somewhere near Coquelles, on the edge of the Cité Europe, in a place where conversations mingle with the crackle of open kitchens. The brewers there are storytellers: their beers, brewed on the premises, each carry a story, an anecdote from the region. Although they should of course be consumed in moderation, they are a perfect accompaniment to dishes with bold flavours, as robust as a strong sea breeze, and they are a welcome addition to the warmth of the décor.

Restaurant in Calais: a taste for encounters, quite simply

In the restaurants of the North, you don't just eat. You taste, you share. The food itself becomes a bridge to the stories of others. And what could be better, after a day spent wandering through the narrow streets of Calais, than a meal shared in a place like this? Sitting down to a well-stocked meal, you'll be swept up in an experience where every mouthful and every smile will reflect the very soul of this border town.

In Calais, the journey doesn't end when the visits are over: it continues at the restaurant table, over a drink and a dish that warms the soul.

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Claudia Bernard

Claudia turned her passion for travel into a sustainable lifestyle by becoming a digital nomad. She explores the globe while working remotely, offering practical advice for those who want to combine work and a passion for travel. Discover her tips for finding the best work spots, managing jet lag and living a balanced nomadic life.

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