Calais Town Guide

Calais, a mere stone’s throw from the white cliffs of Dover, whether you choose to travel by road and tunnel or ferry, or by train, is much visited from the shores of the U.K. Shoppers flock to benefit from the incredible array of supermarkets, wine emporiums and tobacco stores, but once there, one becomes aware that there is much more to see and enjoy in Calais than these rather transitory pleasures. There are undoubtedly a wealth of shops of all kinds to visit ranging  from gift shops, souvenir shops and fashion outlets to shops selling everything from local produce, food and groceries to wine and tobacco - if shopping is the reason for your visit.  Thereafter, a variety of bars, restaurants and hotels await when you tire of such exertion. The Calais Tourist office can supply details of the many options that await you.

Culture

For the culturally inclined, there is a fascinating Fine Art & Lace Museum at 25, Rue Richelieu, well worth a visit, as much for the model of the old town as for the lace, paintings and sculptures to be found there.  A 2nd World War Museum and Park are opposite the town hall, whilst the 16th Century Fort Risban, built on a former English tower, defends the entrance to the port and dates from 1346.  If you feel energetic, you can climb the 271 steps to the top of the Calais Lighthouse or Phare for a wonderful view from a height of 64 metres. Built in 1848, this lighthouse is one of only two in France located in a town centre.

History

The Church of  Notre Dame which dates back to the 13th Century, mingles Tudor with Gothic.  General de Gaulle was married here in 1921.  Water from the church roof runs into a reservoir which dates from the 17th century and was built on the orders of Louis XIV for the population and garrison of Calais during a time of drought. The countryside surrounding Calais is equally appealing with sandy beaches, often the site of sand yachting and kite flying, wonderful cliff top walks with superb views, and a plethora of fishing villages between the two Caps (Gris Nez and Blanc Nez).  Near Sangatte, Bleriot Plage is named after Louis Bleriot who, in 1909, was the first person to cross the Channel by air.

The Burghers of Calais

Calais is one of France’s ‘ville fleuries’ and the town hall gardens have wonderful floral displays.  Here you can admire Rodin’s famous monument to the six Burghers of Calais, saviours of Calais in one of the most important episodes in the history of Calais.  In 1347, when the English had laid siege to Calais for a whole year, the people could no longer continue and offered to surrender. Edward III of England was so enraged at the trouble the people of Calais had caused him, he would only accept their pleas provided six people agreed to come out with ropes around their necks, bare headed and with the keys of the town. In the event, six of the wealthiest inhabitants offered themselves to the King. The pregnant Queen of England who was visiting the King, implored him to be merciful to the six brave burghers and the King, unable to refuse her request, gave her the six men to do as she pleased with.  After she had wined and dined them, she freed them, giving each one six nobles in currency in recognition of their courage.       

Market Days and more Info on Calais

Market days - Wednesday and Saturday mornings - Place d'Armes and Thursday and Saturday mornings - Place Crevecoeur.

For more  detailed information on Calais - see calais-guide.co.uk

Copyright text : Sarah Francis

See more images of Calais - Copyright photos : http://www.mincoin.com and Informationfrance
 

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