Things to do in Calais and nearby

The apartment is ideally located to explore Calais on foot and the Opal Coast by car. Here are our ideas, from a one-hour stroll to a full day out. Please check opening times before you go.

In Calais

  • The Town Hall and its belfry: the belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the top for views over the town, the port and, on a clear day, the English cliffs. In front stands Rodin's famous Burghers of Calais.
  • The Dragon of Calais: a giant mechanical dragon that walks along the seafront carrying passengers on its back. Unforgettable, especially with children.
  • The International Centre for Lace and Fashion: the story of Calais lace, working looms and fashion exhibitions.
  • The Fine Arts Museum and the Memorial Museum 1939-1945, housed in a former bunker in Saint-Pierre park.
  • The lighthouse: over 270 steps for a panoramic view of the town and the sea.
  • The Watchtower (Tour du Guet), the town's oldest monument, and Fort Nieulay, a Vauban fortification.
  • Richelieu park and Saint-Pierre park for a green break in the town centre.

Beach and sea

  • Calais beach: a long sandy beach about 3 km away, reachable by free bus. Promenade, colourful beach huts and views of the ferries heading to England.
  • Blériot-Plage, where Louis Blériot took off in 1909 for the first flight across the Channel.
  • Sand yachting, kitesurfing, sea walking: several schools offer taster sessions on the beaches of Calais and Sangatte.
  • Icéo, the Calais swimming centre, for rainy days.

The Opal Coast (15 to 40 min by car)

  • The Two Capes site, a "Grand Site de France": Cap Blanc-Nez and its chalk cliffs (about 15 min), then Cap Gris-Nez, the closest point of France to England (about 30 min). Walking trails and spectacular views.
  • Wissant and its wide beach between the two capes, and the fishing villages of Audresselles and Ambleteuse (Vauban fort on the beach).
  • Wimereux, a seaside resort with Belle Époque villas and a lively promenade.
  • Boulogne-sur-Mer (about 40 min): Nausicaá, one of Europe's largest aquariums, the walled old town and the fishing port.

Further afield, for a day trip

  • Saint-Omer and its marshes, best explored by boat, and La Coupole, a history centre in a former Second World War site (about 45 min).
  • Dunkirk, its beaches and the Dunkirk 1940 museum (about 40 min).
  • Lille (about 1 h 15) and Bruges in Belgium (about 1 h 30).
  • England: the ferry port and Eurotunnel terminal are minutes away. About 1 h 30 by ferry to Dover, or 35 min on the Eurotunnel shuttle. Perfect for a day in Dover and its white cliffs, or in Canterbury. Remember to check UK entry requirements.

Good to know

  • Calais buses are free: handy for the beach and the town centre.
  • Shops 50 m from the apartment: bakery and butcher's, supermarkets a few minutes' walk away.
  • Try the local specialities: welsh rarebit, mussels and chips, Maroilles cheese, waffles, local beers.
  • Any question or looking for a tip? Write to us from the Contact page, we reply quickly.
70 € / night
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