HOW TO SPEND A DAY OR A FEW HOURS IN CALAIS, FRANCE
When you think of a city in France that is very popular among tourists, Calais is definitely not one of them. I could say that it is not even on the long list for tourists. I thought, however, to give this place an article as well, thinking that maybe there are people, like I was, who have the opportunity to be "passing" there and want to enjoy what this city offers from a tourist point of view.
Having the experience of visiting a French city, Paris to be exact, I had created expectations for the way this city would be. Somehow, I expected little Calais to resemble Paris. My expectations were not exactly with the reality regarding the cleanliness of the place, which was a plus, considering that Paris is the dirtiest city I have visited, on the other hand, Calais is of exemplary cleanliness. The beauty of the buildings, on the other hand, was as expected. Although it is quite a small town, it has some important buildings, which are of particular beauty and which you cannot help but admire. For me, France remains number 1 when it comes to architecture.
Located in the north of France, Calais is a city connecting with Great Britain, in its ports arriving both commercial cargo and passenger ferry boats, which make the connection with the town of Dover in England.
The city was unfortunately a major target during the devastating bombings of the two world wars, suffering huge damage that significantly changed the appearance of many areas and destroyed many historic buildings. Many neighborhoods and edifices were irreparably damaged, and the reconstruction of the city required great efforts and a long period to restore the locality to some of its former charm. Fortunately, however, a few of the buildings of great architectural and historical value managed to withstand the attacks and survive, thus preserving a window into the city's past.
These iconic structures, which have remained standing despite the surrounding destruction, today represent a valuable heritage and a testament to the city's turbulent history. Among them are old buildings with ornate facades and unique architectural details that manage to recall their heyday and the architectural styles specific to the era in which they were built. Today, these constructions attract visitors and impress them with their resistance over time, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and the city's ability to be reborn after the dramatic events of history.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALAIS:
If you intend to stay overnight in Calais, perhaps the suggestions below can help you find the right accommodation unit for you. I leave some of the options that caught my attention and have good ratings on Booking:
Pasithéa Loft Spa Privatif - house-type accommodation unit, with a bedroom with a double bed, kitchen, sauna, indoor pool and terrace. Parking and internet are included in the reservation price;
La bulle romantique - apartment-type accommodation unit, with a single bedroom with a double bed. It has a spacious terrace, hot tub and parking;
Front de mer - apartment-type accommodation unit, with a single bedroom with a double bed and a living room with an extendable sofa. It has its own kitchen, parking included in the reservation price and is pet friendly.
WHAT CAN BE VISITED IN CALAIS
As I said above, I was just passing through Calais, where I spent only a few hours. We had enough time to enjoy the peace of the city, without too many tourists. We walked the streets, admired the fascinating architecture and enjoyed the goodies of the French pastries.
If you arrive here by car, you have a convenient free parking option on Avenue du President Wilson, located right next to the park. This street offers generous parking spaces, which makes arriving and leaving very comfortable without having to look for parking spaces or worry about parking fees. We parked here and set out to explore the town and surroundings.
The first stop was the famous "Beffroi de Calais" building, which is the emblem of the city and which we admired from the outside. It can also be visited inside, and the price is 3.50 euros (for the tower and the main building).
Inaugurated in 1925, in Renaissance style, the building, together with the 75m high tower, were built to mark the birth of the city of Calais.
The theater of Calais is another building that fascinated me. Inaugurated in 1905 in Baroque style, the theater is a real architectural gem. The facade of the building is decorated in an imposing style, having double columns that add an air of elegance and architectural grandeur. Between these columns, impressive statues rise, each 2.5 meters high and made with great attention to detail, which gives them a special realism. These statues, positioned so as to dominate the gaze of those who admire them, are each dedicated to an artistic field, each symbolizing a certain type of art: that of poetry, comedy, dance and music.
Calais beach also definitely deserves attention, being a special place that offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all visitors. This beach covers a generous area, being quite wide and long, which gives enough space for every visitor to enjoy the tranquility, even during the busiest times. With fine, soft sand, the beach is ideal for both long walks along the shore and recreational activities such as beach games, building sandcastles or simply relaxing in the sun.
In addition, the beach is well maintained and has various facilities, and the bright blue sea water completes the charm of this place. On clear days, Calais beach even offers a distant view of the British coast, adding a special touch to the experience. All these elements make the beach of Calais an unmissable destination, which offers both moments of relaxation and an enchanting natural landscape. It is equipped with showers, toilets, playgrounds, skateboard tracks and even portable stores with sweets, ice cream and soft drinks. It can be the ideal place in the city to enjoy the sunset.
The lighthouse near the beach is another important place of the city, being both an interesting tourist attraction and an essential structure for maritime navigation in this area. With a long and meaningful history, the lighthouse has been operational since 1848, safely guiding vessels navigating these waters for nearly two centuries. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of this iconic building by climbing the spiral staircase that leads to the top, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the coast, with spectacular seascapes stretching to the horizon.
Entrance to the lighthouse is open to the general public, and the price of a visit ticket is 5 euros per person, offering an accessible and particularly interesting experience for those passionate about maritime history or simply unique landscapes. Visiting this lighthouse is a real journey back in time, a rare opportunity to see the mechanisms of a historic lighthouse up close and feel the atmosphere specific to the times when it was essential for the safety of sailors.
If you are looking for more unique activities, you can reserve a few hours for an escape game, where you have to find clues to win. This game is suitable for both adults and children. Details and reservations, here.
CONCLUSION ABOUT CALAIS:
Calais is not a town of great tourist importance, nor is it among the traditional destinations sought by visitors, but if you are in the area or passing through on your way to other places, it is definitely worth a stop for a short walk and discover its authentic charm. This port city, although less frequented, offers a special atmosphere, with quiet streets, old buildings full of history and an architecture unaltered by modern trends, which preserves the spirit of the place. I highly recommend a visit it if you're looking for an authentic experience, in a place that isn't overrun by tourist groups or remodeled specifically to appeal to the masses.
In Calais, you can feel the real pulse of the city, with its inhabitants living their daily lives away from the hustle and bustle of other busy tourist destinations. A walk through the old center gives you the opportunity to admire authentic architectural details and discover hidden corners, and near the port, you can feel the fresh sea air, thus completing the experience of a relaxing and special stop.
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Read also about other less touristy, but absolutely gorgeous locations: 3 locations to visit in Wales, Holy Island from England, or about a location from Romania, Targoviste. In addition, you can be inspired for the following trips on how to travel cheaper, or on what you need to know when renting a car. For more travel destinations and photos, you can also follow me on Instagram, or you can subscribe to be up to date with the latest posts, only your email address is required.
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