Lonely PlanetJul 10
A guide to visiting Calais, France
From the beach to the museums and the best ways to travel around, get to know Calais in north France with this guide.
14th-century fort with grassy mounds.
25 things in this story
- Calais beachSightEndless swathe of powder-soft gold with 1940s beach huts.
- Front de MerSightSpectacular seafront makeover completed in 2021.
- place d’ArmesMarketFarmers markets held Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
- La Maison du Fromage et des VinsRestaurantShop for cheese and wine with tasting opportunities.
- Digue Gaston BertheSightSeafront promenade with summer events and markets.
- place du Grand ThéâtreSightOne of two main squares for summer events.
- Village d’ÉtéTheme parkAnnual summer event with pop-up chalets by the beach.
- Phare de CalaisSightFrench lighthouse in the middle of town, climb for views.
- Courgain MaritimeNeighborhoodHistoric seafaring quarter where fishers sell their catch.
- Fort RisbanSight14th-century fort with grassy mounds.
- Calais DragonSightFantastical wood-and-metal beast that breathes fire and water.
- Cap Blanc-NezSightIconic white cliffs, 8 miles west of Calais beach.
- Blériot-PlageSuburbSandy beach with walking itineraries about aviator Louis Blériot.
- Calais VilleTrain stationDowntown train station, 10-minute walk to place d’Armes.
- Calais-FréthunTrain stationTGV train station 10km south of Calais.
- Terminal TransmancheSightBike station for Vel'In bikes.
- Sentinel IguanaSightMechanical creature lounging on a shipping container.
- Plage de CalaisSightUrban beach with playgrounds, skate park, and food village.
- Friterie des NationsFast foodSeaside kiosk selling fries and meatball sandwiches.
- Banksy artworkSightStreet art on a lifeguard station wall.
- Street Art FestivalFestivalSummer event featuring French and international artists.
- Église Notre-DamePlace of worshipHistoric church where Charles de Gaulle married.
- Musée des Beaux-ArtsMuseumFree admission museum.
- Parc RichelieuParkLandscaped park with a bronze statue of De Gaulle and Churchill.
- Pont Henri HénonSight