Calais Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic city of Calais, France with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay and more.


Looking for a city that beautifully blends scenic views with its rich history? Look no further than Calais. Situated in the Hauts-de-France region of France, Calais has been serving as an important port city since the middle ages. With its picturesque beauty, rich history and warm weather, Calais makes for a perfect vacation destination. Explore our comprehensive travel guide to Calais for a perfect vacation.

Introduction to Calais

Calais is a ferry port city, located in the area of the French coast where the English Channel narrows, just a short distance from the UK. This once-pivotal town has witnessed many significant historical events and played a crucial part in World War II. Today it’s a city with stunning beaches, fantastic seafood and rich history.

List of Places to Visit in Calais

With its rich cultural history and stunningly scenic views, Calais offers many exciting places to visit and explore. Here are a few must-visit attractions in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Calais Lace Museum - This museum showcases the history of lace in Calais and features a wide collection of beautiful lace that dates back to the 19th century.
  • Calais Town Hall and Belfry - Built in the 1920s, this building showcases the city’s unique architecture and history.
  • Museum of Fine Arts - This museum houses an impressive collection of artworks and sculptures, covering various periods that dates back to the 16th century.

Natural Attractions of Calais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cap Blanc-Nez - A popular tourist spot, this chalky cliff is famous for its stunning scenic views and is a perfect spot for hiking and cliff-top walks.
  • The Beaches of Calais - With miles of white sand beaches, Calais offers a calming and serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Calais

Calais is home to several hiking and biking trails that meander through scenic trails and make for a fantastic adventure. Here are a few must-visit hiking and biking trails of Calais.

  • The GR120 - This hiking trail is perfect for nature enthusiasts, winding through the French countryside
  • The EuroVelo 5 - This biking trail is perfect for bikers looking to explore the French countryside and its beautiful landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Calais: Activities and Tours

From activities on land to water and everything in between, Calais has options for everyone. Here are some of the must-try activities and tours in Calais.

  • Wine Tasting - Calais-based vineyards offer tours and tasting.
  • Fishing Tours - Take a fishing tour of the Calais coastline and experience its natural beauty.
  • City Tours - Get an insight into the city’s culture and history with a guided city tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Calais

Planning to spend a week in Calais? Here’s our ideal itinerary for a week-long vacation in Calais.

Day 1: Arrive in Calais, and explore the city’s central square, Place d’Armes.

Day 2: Visit the museums and historical places of Calais, including the Lace Museum and the Town Hall & Belfry.

Day 3: Take a cycling tour of the French countryside.

Day 4: Visit the beaches of Calais.

Day 5: Hike the cliffside trail of Cap Blanc-Nez.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a town with a rich cultural history.

Day 7: Take a wine-tasting tour of the vineyards in Calais.

Food and Drink Scene of Calais

Calais offers a rich culinary experience with various seafood restaurants and local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages in Calais.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moules Mariniere - A classic dish of mussels in white wine sauce.
  • Escargots - A dish of snails cooked in garlic butter.
  • Welsh Rarebit - A traditional Welsh dish of melted cheese on toast.

Local Beverages

  • Biere Chti - A deliciously brewed beer with a local touch.
  • Kir aperitif - A traditional French aperitif with white wine.

Where to Stay in Calais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Calais offers a variety of affordable and comfortable accommodations, ranging from hotels, hostels and guesthouses. Here are few recommendations for hotels in Calais:

  • Hotel de la Plage - A beachfront hotel that offers stunning scenic views of the coastline.
  • Ibis Calais Tunnel sous la Manche - A recently renovated hotel with modern amenities.
  • Hotel Meurice - A cozy and elegant hotel in the heart of Calais.

What to Buy in Calais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From local specialties to souvenirs, Calais offers a wide variety of products to take back home from your vacation. Here are some must-buy products:

  • Tapestry - A symbol of French art and history, tapestry is a great souvenir to bring back home.
  • French cheese - A variety of high-quality French cheese is available in Calais to take back home.
  • Artisanal Sauces - Calais is famous for a wide variety of artisanal sauces, ranging from spicy, sweet and tangy.

Local Culture and Customs of Calais

Calais is a city with a rich culture and history. French is the official language of Calais, and the city celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Calais Folklore Festival and Calais International Kite Festival.

Best Time to Visit Calais

The best time to visit Calais is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of Calais

Do:

  • Try local seafood and local wine and beer.
  • Carry a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes while enjoying the scenic views and outdoor activities.
  • Use French phrases while communicating with locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the city or on the beaches.
  • Engage in unethical activities, including excessive drinking or passive smoking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Calais

Calais is a safe city and is frequently visited by tourists. However, one should stay alert and vigilant, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Calais

Calais has excellent healthcare services and offers medical facilities in case of emergencies.

Getting to Calais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Calais has several transportation options that make getting to the city easy.

Airports Near Calais

  • Calais-Dunkerque Airport - Located 10 km away from the city, this airport is well-connected to other major cities in France and across Europe.

Bus Stations Near Calais

  • Calais Ferry Terminal - The ferry terminal is well connected to London, which is an ideal region to launch into the rest of the UK,

Other Options

  • Taxis - Taxis are readily available, and their booking can be made through mobile apps.

How To Get Around in Calais

Calais has an excellent transportation system, with numerous options to get around the city, including buses, trains, car rentals and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Calais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Calais serves as a perfect gateway for exploring other destinations in the Hauts-de-France region or across Europe. Some recommended places include:

  • Boulogne-sur-Mer: A beautiful port town with a rich cultural history.
  • Lille: A city with a blend of modern and ancient architecture.
  • Brussels: The capital city of Belgium is home to impressive cultural attractions and superb local cuisine.

Conclusion

Calais is a picturesque city with a rich history and natural beauty. From cultural attractions to scenic views, Calais offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today, and experience the beauty of Calais.

Calais pier. Calais pier. Cranes in the ferry terminal, Calais Cranes in the ferry terminal, Calais Tour Bus, in a train car, in the Chunnel Tour Bus, in a train car, in the Chunnel Tour du Guet Tour du Guet