Things to do in Calais and the surrounding area

Calais, the Côte d'Opale and beyond

The flat is ideally located for exploring Calais on foot, the Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast) by car, and even Belgium or England for a day trip. Here are all our ideas, from a one-hour stroll to a full-day excursion.

Times shown are approximate, by car from the flat. Remember to check opening hours before you set off.

1The heart of Calais

Everything is within walking distance of the flat.

The town hall and its belfryon foot

The belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be visited by lift or by the stairs: views over the town, the port and, on a clear day, the English cliffs.

The Burghers of Calaison foot

In front of the town hall stands Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture group, a tribute to the six burghers who surrendered themselves to the King of England in 1347 to save the town.

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The Dragon of Calaisseafront

A gigantic mechanical creature that roams the seafront carrying passengers on its back. An unforgettable sight, especially with children: book your ride in advance during the season.

Calais lighthouseon foot

More than 270 steps for a 360° panorama over the town, the port and the sea. A fine reward after the climb!

The Tour du Guet (watchtower)on foot

The oldest monument in town, on the Place d'Armes in the heart of old Calais: a former medieval watchtower.

The Church of Notre-Dameon foot

A Gothic church and a rare example of English-influenced architecture in France. It was here that Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux, a local Calais woman, in 1921.

The Cité de la dentelle et de la mode (Lace and Fashion Museum)on foot

The story of the famous Calais lace, working Leavers looms and fashion exhibitions. A surprising museum, even for those who don't expect to enjoy it.

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The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)on foot

Paintings, sculptures (including Rodin's studies for the Burghers) and temporary exhibitions, right in the town centre.

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The Musée Mémoire 1939-1945 (WWII Museum)on foot

Housed in a former German bunker in Parc Saint-Pierre: life in Calais under the Occupation and during the Second World War.

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Fort Nieulay10 min

A Vauban fortification surrounded by greenery, to the west of the town: pleasant for a walk, with a few events in season.

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Parc Richelieu and Parc Saint-Pierreon foot

A green break right in the centre: lawns, children's play areas and flower gardens, just next to the town hall.

2The beach and the sea

Free buses to the beach, or a lovely 40-minute walk.

Calais beach≈ 3 km

A long beach of fine sand with colourful beach huts. From the promenade, watch the ferries leaving for England.

Blériot-Plage≈ 5 km

The wilder continuation of the beach, from where Louis Blériot took off in 1909 on the first flight across the Channel. Superb at sunset.

The port and the ferries≈ 2 km

Watch the comings and goings of the ferries between Calais and Dover from the pier: impressive, and free!

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Sand yachting, kitesurfing, sea walkingbeaches

Several schools offer taster sessions on the beaches of Calais and Sangatte, for beginners and experienced sportspeople alike.

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Icéo, the aquatic centre≈ 10 min

Sports and leisure pools, water slides and a wellness area: the ideal outing for rainy days.

3The Côte d'Opale

The Site des Deux Caps, a designated Grand Site de France, between 15 and 40 minutes' drive away.

Cap Blanc-Nez≈ 15 min

Its high chalk cliffs offer views as far as the cliffs of Dover. Several paths lead from the car park down to the beach at Escalles.

Cap Gris-Nez≈ 30 min

The point in France closest to England (around thirty kilometres away). Its lighthouse, cliffs and seabirds are well worth the detour.

Wissant≈ 25 min

A huge beach of fine sand between the two capes, popular with sand yachters and kite flyers.

Audresselles≈ 30 min

A charming fishing village of low houses, famous for its crabs and lobsters.

Ambleteuse and the Vauban fort≈ 30 min

A 17th-century fort sitting on the beach, facing the sea: a picture-postcard scene.

Wimereux≈ 30 min

A seaside resort with Belle Époque villas and a lively promenade lined with ice-cream parlours and seafood restaurants.

Boulogne-sur-Mer≈ 40 min

The fortified old town with its ramparts you can walk around, the belfry, the basilica and France's leading fishing port.

Nausicaá≈ 40 min

One of the largest aquariums in Europe: sharks, rays, penguins, sea lions and the spectacular big tank, "Journey to the High Seas". Allow half a day.

4Further afield, for a day out

Ideas for day trips by car, in France, Belgium and England.

The Audomarois marshes≈ 45 min

Around Saint-Omer, a maze of canals to explore by rowing boat, traditional bacôve or canoe, amid market gardens. A real change of scene.

La Coupole≈ 45 min

A gigantic Second World War bunker, now a history centre and planetarium: a memorable place for understanding the war and the conquest of space.

Dunkirk≈ 40 min

The beaches of Malo-les-Bains and the Dunkirk 1940 museum, dedicated to Operation Dynamo.

Plopsaland De Panne≈ 1 h

In Belgium, just over the border: a large family theme park, with rides for little ones and roller coasters for older kids. Check opening days.

Bruges≈ 1 h 30

Its canals, gabled houses, the Markt square and its belfry: the "Venice of the North" makes for a wonderful day out.

Lille≈ 1 h 15

The Grand-Place, the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), Old Lille and its traditional estaminets, not forgetting the waffles from Meert.

Dover and its white cliffsferry ≈ 1 h 30

About 1 h 30 by ferry, or 35 min on the Eurotunnel shuttle: Dover Castle and the clifftop walk. Remember to check the entry requirements for the United Kingdom.

CanterburyEngland

Its cathedral, medieval centre and half-timbered houses, half an hour's drive from Dover.

5Our top tips

To enjoy Calais like a local.