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.
Iconic white cliffs, 8 miles west of Calais beach.
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