Take a ferry to Calais, a small port city in Northern France with a strategic position and turbulent history and one of the most important ports in France!
Calais is a prominent port city in Northern France in the Hauts-de-France region. Its strategic location is important as it is situated on an artificial island bordered by canals and harbors overlooking the Dover Strait and is considered the closest French city to England, providing an important maritime link between the two nations.
The town was originally a fishing village but it gained prominence during the Middle Ages when it became a fortified town and was first occupied by England and then recaptured by France. Known for its wool production, Calais also served as a gateway for trade between England and Europe.The role of the town was also important during the Second World War when it was occupied by German forces!
Arriving in the present day Calais is considered one of the most important passenger ports in France, serving millions of travelers annually through its ferry connections to England! Its importance is also due to the fact that it has facilities for roll-on/roll-off vessels which cater for both passengers and lorries traveling across the Channel.
Can you visit Calais as a day trip from the UK?
Could Calais be a day trip from the UK? The answer would be that it is perfectly possible as it is only 32 nautical miles from Dover! After disembarking, take the bus or a bike and head into the city to experience a historic city!
Ferry connections to Calais
The ferry connections from Calais are mainly to Dover and Folkestone. Calais connects France with England providing the opportunity for travelers wishing to cross the English Channel.
- Ferry Dover to Calais: One of the most popular, due to the frequency of the routes and the short duration of the crossing. There are many daily routes with an average sailing time of about 2.5 hours
Calais provides strong ferry links mainly with Dover, with very frequent services on a weekly basis and caters for both foot passengers and vehicles.
Port of Calais
The port of Calais was and is an important transport link between France and England and a major maritime hub, holding the distinction of being the largest passenger port in France and the fourth largest port in the country.
Passengers traveling from Calais to Dover have to pass both French exit and UK entry checks before boarding their ships since parallel border controls were decided with the signing of the Le Touquet Treaty in 2003.
There are three shipping companies operating regular services from Calais with a significant passenger traffic of 11.52 million passengers per year.
The port has been undergoing expansion works since 2015 with the aim of improving the facilities to accommodate larger vessels, including cruise ships.
Finally, the port is well connected with bus services linking the port to the Gare de Calais-Ville station and with trains making access to the port very easy!
Getting around Calais
Getting around Calais is sufficient and there are various transport options available for both residents and visitors. Let's take a look at the means of transport that visitors can use in the area!
- Public transportation: Calais' public transportation system is not well-developed. You can, though, get information about bus schedules by clicking here
- Taxis: Grab a taxi from the street or book one here
- Walking: Due to its small size and compactness, the city of Calais can be explored by walking. There are sidewalks that make it safe for pedestrians to walk around
- Driving: Most of the residents use the car for their commuting and business due to the rural nature of the area
- Bicycles: A good choice as the surrounding areas are bike friendly with beautiful local paths for scenic walks in the countryside
Top things to do in Calais
When asked what are the top things to do in Calais, we would say that there are many attractions that highlight the rich history, culture and scenic beauty of the city. Wandering along the coastal boulevard , imposing churches, museums , beaches and the local market are some of them. Calais is a blend of historical importance, artistic heritage and natural beauty!
Let's see below a detailed list of the top things to do in Calais:
- Rodin’s Burghers of Calais: An iconic sculpture by Auguste Rodin, located in the Place du Soldat in front of Calais Town Hall, commemorating six Calais citizens who sacrificed their lives during the Hundred Years' War
- Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum): The museum houses an exhibition dedicated to Rodin's work "The Burghers of Calais" along with other notable works of art. In addition, the museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, presenting paintings and watercolors from different periods
- Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and Belfry: The Town Hall is an architectural gem designed by Louis Debrouwer and reflects the Flemish style. With its striking stained glass windows and grand staircase leading to important historic rooms, including the wedding hall where Charles de Gaulle was married. Attached to the Town Hall is the 75-meter-high Belfry, where visitors can climb up and enjoy stunning views of Calais
- Le Phare (Calais Lighthouse): A prominent landmark that is visible from afar. It is a historic lighthouse built in 1848 with a height of 58 meters and a panoramic view from its observation platforms after 271 steps
- Le Musée de Mémoire 39-45 (World War II Museum): Located in the Parc Saint-Pierre opposite the City Hall, it focuses on the history of the Second World War, especially for Calais and its surroundings. It may be small but it is particularly impressive for history buffs as it offers exhibits detailing local experiences during the war
- Calais Beach: Known for its soft golden sand and unique beach huts dating back to the 1940s. During the summer months there are events such as sand sculpting competitions
- Front de Mer (Seafront): A seaside area ideal for beautiful leisurely walks but also with several events taking place during summer festivals. In 2021 it was renovated with a huge investment of 46 million euros
- Local Markets: A very pleasant experience is to visit the weekly local farmer's markets in the Place d'Armes where the visitor will get to know the local culture through fresh produce, handmade products and local specialties such as cheese and wine
Beaches in Calais
The beaches of Calais are located along the Opal Coast, whose coastline features vast stretches of fine sand and picturesque cliffs. The city of Calais presents one of the best sandy beaches in the north of France, works by the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin and all its beaches are famous for their amazing natural beauty! The beaches of Calais offer a unique mix of recreational activities combined with stunning natural scenery, to satisfy every taste.
- Calais Beach: The main beach of Calais is one of the best in the area with a large sandy area suitable for swimming. It offers stunning views of the English Channel and the visitor can enjoy many activities such as fishing, walking or simply relaxing while enjoying the picturesque view of the white cliffs of Dover
- Sangatte Beach: Located to the west of Calais and is known for its wonderful surroundings with the backdrop of Cap Blanc-Nez adding to its charm. It is ideal for water sports and is therefore more popular among Kite surfers, paddle boarders and windsurfers due to the favorable wind conditions
- Fort Vert and Hemmes de Marck: Located east of Calais, having extensive sandy areas, ideal for various outdoor activities. At low tide, the visitor can walk several kilometers to the shore, making it an excellent spot for sand riding. It is ideal for nature lovers and for walks because, although less developed than others, it offers a more natural experience
