Calais, which lies in the northernmost tip of France at the closest point to England, is best known for its ferry port and shopping facilities. The town is known to many as the gateway to France, as the ferry port is the busiest in France and is the first part of France seen by many as they disembark to set foot on French soil.
It began life as a mediaeval walled and moated town, but the successive wars in which Calais was bombarded, flattened almost all of the original walls and changed the face of the town for ever. Some parts of the old town remain, however, and the 13th century watchtower and the Church of Notre Dame, from the same time, are reminders of what used to be.
Seeing Calais...
The old harbour is now a very attractive and bustling marina with pleasure craft on its waters. Don't forget also that Calais has some excellent sandy beaches, and a lovely coastal path which positively invites you to enjoy a walk in the bracing air.
Shopping...
Calais is a shopper's heaven. Wandering the streets of the town with time to explore, you will find countless intriguing little shops selling delights such as chocolates, local cheeses, rare wines and particularly lace. Calais is famed for its lace, and there are factory shops and retail outlets which specialise in providing this dainty fabric at great prices.
Nightlife in Calais...
Calais has discotheques, bars, nightclubs and casinos to keep you going for as long as you can stay awake. If your tastes run to something a little quieter in the evenings, however, you may prefer to sample some of France's best gastronomic delights. After all, you are in France!
Getting here...
By Air:
Fly to Paris Beauvais and continue to Calais by train or car.
By Ferry:
Calais is France's busiest and most popular ferry port, so the ferry is an obvious mode of travel. Catch the ferry from Dover.
