A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Calais, France

Calais, a charming town in northern France, offers much more than its ferry port linking the stunning white cliffs of Dover to the Côte d’Opale. It's also a popular spot for Brits stocking up on 'affordable' French wine at hypermarchés for their return home.

Once ruled by the English for nearly two centuries, from 1347 to 1558, Calais is steeped in a rich and turbulent history, evident in its caramel-yellow bricks, UNESCO-listed belfry, and sprawling sandy beaches. The breathtaking Calais beach features an endless stretch of powdery gold and is dotted with nostalgic beach huts dating back to the 1940s, making it a hit with children. The newly revamped Front de Mer, completed in 2021 with a €46 million investment, adds to its charm.

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Don't just rush through; take time to explore Calais's transformation into a trendy seaside destination reminiscent of the glamorous belle époque, when stylish beach chalets emerged before WWII devastation. Swap impersonal supermarkets for lively farmers' markets (held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at place d’Armes) and specialty shops like La Maison du Fromage et des Vins (1 rue André Gerschel), where shopping includes tasting delicious local cheeses like Dôme de Boulogne, Sable de Wissant, and Fleur d’Audresselles, embodying the flavors of the nearby sea and land.

Indulge in exquisite seafood dishes at Le Grand Bleu or classic bistro meals at Histoire Ancienne, located along Calais’s bustling main street, rue Royale. At the historic Café du Minck, situated across from the harbor where fishermen sell their daily catch, savor Calais’s unique culinary offerings, including smoked herring and t’chien d’mer (sun-dried dogfish shark), paired with refreshing rosé or picon-bière (beer with Picon bitters). À nous guifes! (that’s 'Cheers!' in the local ch’ti dialect).

Prepare for your visit to this often-neglected gem with our comprehensive guide to Calais for first-time explorers.

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When is the best time to visit Calais?

Summer, from June to early September, is packed with excitement. Enjoy sand sculpture contests, outdoor movie screenings, 'bubble football,' and a wide array of music concerts, evening markets, and cultural activities along the seafront (Digue Gaston Berthe) and in the two main squares (place d’Armes and place du Grand Théâtre). During Calais’ annual Village d’Été (April to mid-September), local artists and artisans showcase handmade jewelry, sun hats, espadrilles, and more at numerous pop-up stalls by the beach. Expect a lively atmosphere, a party vibe, and plenty of refreshing sea swims.

August is the peak month, bringing the hottest temperatures—around 20°C (68°F) if you’re fortunate, with the sea sitting at a brisk 17.7°C (63.8°F). For those who enjoy cold-water swimming, be aware that the sea can drop to a chilling 6°C (42.8°F) from January to March.

Accommodation prices reach their highest in July and August but decline during the shoulder months of May, June, and September, making this a great time for budget-conscious travelers. The unpredictable weather in northern France can be a gamble in the low season, so consider scenic coastal walks instead of beach activities. On windy or rainy days, indulge in museum visits and warm up with hearty bowls of moules-frites (mussels and fries). In winter, Calais largely goes quiet.

How much time should I spend in Calais?

Plan for two to three days to fully enjoy the main attractions. If the weather is nice, you might want to extend your stay, basking on the beach, taking a boat trip along Calais’s charming canal, and discovering the picturesque Côte d’Opale.

For weekend visitors, kick off your Calais adventure at the Phare de Calais—the only lighthouse located in the heart of a town. Climbing its 271 stone steps, which date back to 1848, rewards you with breathtaking views of the city. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Dover’s white cliffs shimmering across the English Channel. Explore the Courgain Maritime district, stroll over Pont Henri Hénon to the lush mounds of the 14th-century Fort Risban, and check out Calais’s famous dragon guarding the port. From this point, the beautiful urban beach stretches 8 miles west to the iconic white cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez, just a delightful 50-minute bike ride away.

On your second day, dedicate a few hours to visiting museums and monuments, then head back to the beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque seafront, known as la digue to locals, towards Blériot-Plage, where three walking routes commemorate the daring adventures of French aviator Louis Blériot, the first person to fly across the English Channel on July 25, 1909.

Is getting around Calais straightforward?

You can expect around three hours by regional TER train (from €34) from Paris Gare du Nord to Calais’s central station (listed as 'Calais Ville'), or just two hours by high-speed TGV (from €57) to Calais-Fréthun, located 6 miles south of the city, followed by a quick 10-minute bus or TER train ride (€2.50) to the center. Ferries and the Eurotunnel provide connections between Calais and Dover and Folkestone in southern England.

Calais is compact and easily navigable on foot. Calais Ville train station is only a 10-minute stroll to place d’Armes and a further 15 minutes to Plage de Calais beach. Prefer public transport? Good news—all local transport in Calais is free! You can also use the blue-and-white public-sharing Vel’In bikes (one hour free, then €2/hour) managed by Calais Opale Bus. Set up an account online in advance and download the app to unlock bikes and check their availability in real time.

Is it possible to take a day trip to Calais from the UK?

Absolutely! Calais is just 32 nautical miles from Dover, making it a convenient day trip destination. However, given its beautiful sandy beaches, works by renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin, and some of the best frites (French fries) this side of the Channel, a longer visit is recommended. Once you arrive in Calais, you can catch the free Balad’in shuttle bus to the town center or rent a bike at the Vel’In station near Terminal Transmanche and cycle the 2 miles.

Expect a 35-minute journey via car-train from Folkestone (using the Eurotunnel with LeShuttle, foot passengers not permitted) and about 90 minutes from Dover via car ferry (plus an additional 90/20 minutes for check-in and disembarkation). DFDS, Irish Ferries, and P&O Ferries operate 10–15 sailings daily, but P&O is the only company that accommodates foot passengers. To secure your spot (as ferries can fill up quickly year-round), purchase your tickets online well in advance. Don't forget to bring your passport, which should be valid for at least three months.

If you’re planning a shopping trip to la belle France for alcoholic beverages, you can bring back 42 liters of beer and 18 liters of regular wine into the UK, along with 4 liters of spirits or 9 liters of sparkling wine and champagne. These limits apply per adult, not per vehicle.

Must-see attractions in Calais

Riding the impressive 12.5m-high (41ft) and 25m-long (82ft) sea dragon along the seafront is not just about the thrill; it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of this fantastical wooden and metal creature. The Calais Dragon (adults/ages 4–11 €9.50/€7.50) is a standout highlight of Calais’s revitalization, one of three magnificent creations by François Delarozière from La Machine in Nantes (where you can also ride an elephant or mount a minotaur in Toulouse).

After your dragon adventure (lasting about 45 minutes; around the dragon forecourt in winter and along a portion of the seafront in summer), be sure to check out the 4m-long (13ft) Sentinel Iguana perched atop a shipping container in the dragon forecourt. You can even try operating this mechanical marvel from the command post for free. Finish your outing with takeaway frites (fries) served in paper, along with merguez (spicy sausages) or fricadelle (meatballs) from Friterie des Nations (Digue Gaston Berthe). This famous seaside kiosk sells 200kg (440lbs) of fries daily during peak season, prepared twice-fried in vegetable oil and topped with brown vinegar. Enjoy your meal on the beach or at a bench with a view of the sea, accompanied by curious seagulls.

It’s a challenge to pull kids away from Plage de Calais. The expansive promenade features three fantastic playgrounds (for children up to 14 years), a large skate park, multi-sports area, fitness zone, and a food village filled with kiosks offering ice cream, crepes, waffles, donuts, churros, and more. On the beach, don’t miss the Banksy mural on one side of the lifeguard station, which is staffed from July to September. The town is also home to numerous striking murals; download a DIY street-art tour from the Calais tourist office, and catch both French and international artists creating works during the Festival Street Art in June.

Medieval pilgrims on their journey from Canterbury to Rome picked up the Via Francigena in France right outside the 13th to 17th-century Église Notre-Dame (17 rue Notre-Dame), where Charles de Gaulle famously wed in 1921. Built predominantly by the English, the church showcases striking Perpendicular Gothic architecture and beautiful Tudor flower gardens, making it a worthwhile stop (2–5:30pm July and August). Stroll past the Musée des Beaux-Arts (free entry) and a bronze statue of De Gaulle and Winston Churchill in the landscaped Parc Richelieu, leading to the grand red-brick Hôtel de Ville (1925). Taking the elevator to the top of its ornate, Flemish and Renaissance-style belfry is a must, as is snapping a photo in its splendid garden featuring Rodin’s renowned Burghers of Calais sculpture (1889).

On rainy days, immerse yourself in the art of local lacemaking at the canal-side Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, which established Calais as a textile hub in the 19th century. Purchase your ticket to join an exciting mechanical-loom demonstration – envision 3500 vertical threads working in tandem with 11,000 horizontal threads, all following instructions from perforated Jacquard cards.

What budget should I plan for during my trip to Calais?

When it comes to French cities, Calais offers great value – few seaside resorts in Europe allow you to sip coffee at a café terrace for just €1.50 or ride the bus for free. The city's top attraction, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, welcomes visitors at no cost, as do its churches and impressive outdoor street art museum. Here’s a breakdown of daily expenses in Calais:

• Double room in a three-star hotel: €80

• Bag of fries by the seaside: €3

• Pain frites (chip sandwich): €4.50

• Picon-bière aperitif in a bar or restaurant: €6

• Midrange two- or three-course lunch/dinner menu: €25/28

• Sun-lounger and parasol rental: €8/16 for half/full day