Things to see and do in the Calais Area
Hôtel de Ville / Town Hall
The Town Hall is definitely the most eye-catching building in Calais. Built in a neo-Flemish style it has a Belfry that rises 75 metres above the town square, making it visible from just about anywhere around town. It has been an UNESCO listed building since 2005. In front of the hall are some well-kept gardens, and in the middle, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin. A little known fact about the hall is that Charles de Gaulle married here.
Le Phare / The Lighthouse
This 58 metre lighthouse was built in 1848 to replace the lantern of the Watchtower. There's a 271-step spiral staircase if you are inclinened to get to the top, where there's a great view of Calais and the ferry port.
La Tour du Guet / The Watchtower
The oldest building in Calais, built in the 13th century. It has suffered down the years, with events including an earthquake in the 16th century, and fire in the 17th and worst of all, World War II.
The Citadelle
The Citadelle is a stone castle built by Count Philippe le Hurapel in 1229, but was captured in 1347 by the English. English Kings regularly stayed at the castle until 1558 when it was re-taken by the French. Louis XIII and XIV both made improvements.
Fort Risban
Fort Risban is one of the three main fortifications built to protect Calais, the others being Fort Nieulay and the Citadel. Work began on the fortifications in the 13th Century, but there have been many alterations over the years, much of the now visible brickwork being from the 19th Century.
Fort Nieulay
Fort Nieulay is at the western entrance to Calais, a key English defence between 1360 and 1558. These days you can see a rare example of a French lock-gate fort.
Le Courgain Maritime
Visit the fisherman's quarter of Calais where you can buy fresh fish direct in the mornings.
World War II Museum
Located in a former German war bunker in Parc St Pierre in Calais, relive the occupation of the years 1939-44.
Fine Art Museum
Has permanent and temporary exhibitions. Most famous works by Auguste Rodin.
www.musee.calais.fr
International Centre of Lace and Fashion
Over 500m sq devoted to lace and its environment.
www.citedentelle.calais.fr
Other notable attractions include...
Le Musee Historique - www.musee3945.com
Le Blockhaus d'Eperlecques - www.leblockhaus.com
La Tour de Horloge - www.tour-horloge-guines.com
Le Village St. Joseph - www.st-joseph-village.com
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