Things to do in Calais

Calais is located just 21 miles from the coast of England and as a result, it sees a relatively constant flow of Britons crossing into France. With the Channel Tunnel linking the two countries, the trip has been made even easier. Approximately nine million British travellers head to Calais annually. Admittedly, Calais may lack some of the traditional charm of other French towns, but it has a rich history and cultural heritage, and is the gateway to quaint old towns scattered throughout the region.

Calais has a number of interesting sights and charming buildings. As the city is not large, its possible to explore it on foot. The city is divided into two main parts. Calais-Nord, which is the Old Town, was destroyed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt. It is dominated by rue Royale and Place d'Armes. Although the town walls are no longer standing, the canal, which earlier formed a moat around the town, remains. The canal separates the Old Town from Calais-Sud, where you will find the City Hall (Htel de Ville) and the main shopping area.

City Hall

The City Hall (Htel de Ville) was constructed in the 15th century in the neo-Flemish style. Its belfry is more than 240 feet high and the sound of its bell is known as one of the most beautiful in northern France. Rodins historically significant statue, The Six Burghers, can be seen in the gardens here.

War Museum

Opposite the City Hall, in a wooded area of the park, is the War Museum (Muse de la Guerre). It was once a German communications bunker. The stark realities of WWII are chronicled in the museum and there are some interesting interactive displays that will appeal to all ages.

La Forteresse de Mimoyecques

The fortress is a maze of tunnels and chambers, which can be accessed from the side of the hill. Joseph Kennedy, who was the brother of US President John F Kennedy, was killed here during an air raid in 1944. The underground area was created during WWII to protect V2 rocket launchers, which were installed to shoot rockets across the Channel.

Foret d'Eperlecques

The Blockhaus and La Coupole are two other notable fortresses, situated in the Foret d'Eperlecques. These sites were used for producing liquid oxygen and to launch V2 rockets to England during WWII.

Watchtower

The 13th century watchtower was spared during WWII and is well worth a visit. The tower is situated in Place d'Armes and once acted as a lookout for approaching enemies. In addition, be sure to visit the old harbour and its lighthouse (Le Phare), from which there are picturesque views of both the port and the coast. The lighthouse dates from 1848.

Muse des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle

This museum, dedicated to fine arts and lace-making, features both permenant and temporary exhibits of sculpture, watercolours and the history of lace-making. The museum also has a section on clothing, exhibiting accessories and lingerie. Website: www.mairie-calais.fr/musee.htm

Church of Notre Dame

From the Muse des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle, if you walk to rue de la Paix, you will come to the church of Notre Dame, where Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux, a young woman from Calais, in 1921. The church was built during the English occupation of France, with the nave dating to the 13th century. It also lays claim to being the only English Gothic-style church in France.

Outside of Calais

There is much to see and to do in the area around Calais. To the southwest, the scenic coast features the spectacular Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Griz Nez. Also nearby are several quaint French country towns.

There are lovely parks and splendid architecture in Cassel, a short drive from Calais. Worth a visit are the 17th century mansions on rue Gambetta, the Muse Henri-Dupois and the Muse de l'Hotel Sandelin. There are also commanding views from the top of the hill in town.

Le Touquet, a nearby seaside resort, offers clean beaches and abundant nightlife, including a casino. It has been a major tourist destination for many years. St Omer is also a worthy addition to any holiday itinerary. Its 13th century Notre Dame Cathedral (finally opened in 1559) is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Pas-de-Calais region. The original mechanism for the cathedrals astrological clock, dating from 1558, continues to function today.