Calais
Introduction
You will find yourself in a major French port city situated in the Pas-de-Calais department. Located at the narrowest point of the English Channel, you can look out across the Strait of Dover to see the White Cliffs of England on clear days. As the closest French town to England, your surroundings are defined by its role as a primary hub for ferries and the Channel Tunnel connection.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by noting the unique commercial landscape surrounding the city. You will find large warehouse supermarkets situated on the outskirts of Calais, specifically established to serve travelers returning to the UK.
Getting there
You can reach Calais by sea via ferry services from Dover, which provide access to the town and nearby shops. If you are traveling by car, the port offers free parking for up to three days in front of the terminal. Alternatively, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle provides a faster route from Folkestone to the western edge of Calais for those traveling with vehicles. For rail travelers, the city is served by both Calais-Ville and Calais-Fréthun stations. The latter serves as a hub for high-speed Eurostar trains connecting to London, Brussels, and other destinations, while the SNCF network provides regional connections from cities such as Lille, Boulogne, Dunkirk, and Paris.
If you prefer to fly, the Aéroport de Calais-Dunkerque is located nearby in the town of Marck. For those continuing your journey by road, the port links directly to the French motorway system, providing routes toward Paris, Benelux, and other parts of northern Europe.
Getting around
You can navigate the town primarily by car, but a comprehensive network of buses connects the town centre to the suburbs and Cité Europe. If you are heading toward the port, a special shuttle bus is available, though the harbour terminal and the centre are also accessible via a footbridge.
Specific routes offer convenient connections for your errands:
- Bus 5 provides access to the Cite Europe shopping mall and the large Auchan and Carrefour hypermarkets.
- Bus 6 takes you to the Calais Frethun Eurostar station.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to local landmarks. If you prefer a social environment near the coast, a youth hostel offers private rooms and sits very close to the beach. For a more traditional experience, a family-owned establishment provides a comfortable stay near the theatre and shopping center.
Alternatively, you can find lodging in areas with convenient access for those traveling by vehicle. One option provides parking that is noted as an experience specifically for good drivers.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors of Calais by sampling traditional "welsh" dishes at a brasserie featuring a large terrace and an extensive selection of these regional specialties. If you prefer a more intimate setting, enjoy home-style cooking in a family atmosphere or visit a café known for its great omelettes. For those seeking international flavors, you can find wok specialties nearby, while several locations offer the opportunity to enjoy chips in front of the sea or near the town center.
Your evening can continue at various establishments offering distinct atmospheres:
- Experience 1980s music at a bar by the water.
- Visit a famous, long-standing disco or a nearby night bar to keep the night going.
- Relax in a large cultural center housed in a refurbished former slaughterhouse featuring a café and restaurant.
- Test your luck with slot machines and blackjack at the local casino.
What to see and do
Explore the historic architecture and cultural landmarks of the city, starting with a visit to the Hôtel de Ville. You can ascend the majestic staircase to see the ballroom and parliament room before taking a lift to reach the belfry. Nearby, you can view Rodin's sculpture, Les Bourgeois de Calais, or explore the Museum of Fine Arts to see various paintings and sculptures. For a unique look at local heritage, visit the Cité Internationale de la dentelles et de la mode, an old factory repurposed into a museum where you can see lace being made on traditional machines.
Experience the maritime atmosphere of the region by visiting the lighthouse for views from the top or heading to the beach and jetty to watch ferries crossing between France and Britain. You can also explore the Courgain Maritime and fish market in a former fishermen's quarter, or travel toward Cap Blanc Nez to see the coastline. History is preserved in several locations, including the war museum housed in a reinforced concrete bunker and the Renaissance fort of Citadelle and Fort Nieulay.
- Cité Internationale de la dentelles et de la mode
- Hôtel de Ville
- Phare de Calais
- Musée Mémoire 39-45
- Citadelle and Fort Nieulay
- Le Channel, Scène Nationale
- Notre Dame Church
Three days in Calais
Day one, you can explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of the city located near the English Channel. You might take time to walk through the streets of Calais as you prepare for your upcoming travels across the Strait.
Day two, you can focus on your transit plans. Whether you choose to travel toward the UK via the Channel Tunnel or opt for the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle toward Folkestone, you can enjoy the journey across the water toward England and the White Cliffs.
Day three, you can plan your onward journey through Europe. You might take a bus or train toward destinations such as London, Paris, Brussels, or Lille to continue your travels beyond the region.