Calais, France » Entertainment » Attractions

Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais and has hidden gems that make it worth visiting. The World War II museum on Part St Pierre, The Citadel on Avenue Roger Salengro, Watch Tower are the most historical monuments in Calais.

The Burghers of Calais (Les Bourgeois de Calais)

The Burghers of Calais is a sculpture by Auguste Rodin. It depicts the heart-wrenching story of six men who surrendered to England's King Edward III to be hanged. But, queen Philippa de Hainault requested her husband to spare the lives of six French freedom fighters. The city continued to be under the rule of English till 1558. This sculpture was installed in 1895 to commemorate the historic event.

Address: Pl. du Soldat Inconnu, 62100 Calais, France.

Calais Town Hall (Hôtel-de-ville)

The Town Hall is an iconic landmark famous for its architecture and historical importance. The construction of the Town Hall started in 1911 to merge the towns of Calais and Saint-Pierre. Its construction was interrupted during World War I, but finally completed in 1925. A brick and stone building in a neo-Flemish style, the spire of the belfry tower stands 75 metres tall from where an electric bell rings every hour. The Town Hall structure is so distinguishing that it can be seen from miles around.

Address: Place du Soldat Inconnu 62100 Calais, France.

Calais Lighthouse (Phare de Calais)

The Calais Lighthouse stands at a towering height of 51 metres and has a spiral 271 step staircase that leads to the lantern. Climbing the lighthouse may seem a little tiring, but the breathtaking view of the Calais town and the English Channel is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If the sky is clear, you may see the White Cliffs of Dover, which are 26 miles away.

Address: Place Henri Barbusse 62100 Calais, France.

Church of Notre-Dame de Calais (Église Notre-Dame)

The Church of Notre-Dame de Calais depicts a mixture of Flemish and English architectural styles. It is a Roman Catholic parish church that dates back to the 12th-14th century. It is the oldest church in Calais, and this is a place where General Charles De Gaulle married his Calaisian wife Yvonne in 1921. The imaginative mindsets of Flemish masons and English architects have given this structure an out-of-the-ordinary Flemish-Gothic look.

Address: Rue de la Paix 62100 Calais, France.

Calais Beaches

The sandy beaches of Calais that run along the Opal Coast offer a panoramic view of the English Channel. Take advantage of the infinite sports and recreational activities provided at the beach, such as cycling, yachting, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, sand yachting, jet ski, etc. There are also plenty of restaurants along the waterfront.

The Citadel

The Citadel is a fortification built by Philippe Le Hurperel, Lord of Boulogne, in 1929 to protect Calais from attacks. It initially served as the residence of Philippe Le Hurperel, Lord of Boulogne, and then for English rulers such as King Edward II till 1558. When the French took over the city, the King renovated it into an extravagant fortress with a citadel designed by Vauban.

Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes is the largest square in Calais. When Calais was a territory of England, it was called Market Square (place du Marché). After the French took over the town, it was renamed Place d'Armes. It holds a fair twice a year and a bustling Wednesday and Saturday market.