Calais is renowned to Brits for being the arrival destination when you take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone as well as for ferries coming from Eastern British coastal towns such as Dover. While these are convenient journeys into France, the city itself has plenty to offer visitors on a day trip to Calais.
With a long history showcased from its forts, churches and statues as well as remaining a significant town during the Second World War and still today due to its location by Belgium, the UK and not far from Paris, there are plenty of things to uncover in Calais in a day.
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Getting To & Around Calais
As is well known, you can reach Calais easily by ferry in around 90 minutes from Dover, or from Folkestone in around 35 minutes, both close by in Kent.
Both are very affordable options when travelling to Calais from the UK. You can even use your Tesco vouchers, doubling their worth for use on LeShuttle when booking your crossing for an even cheaper journey.
Plus, you can bring your own car, making it one of the most convenient ways to start your holiday in France. You can book the ferry crossing here.
Calais is not too far from other cities, at just 180 miles from Paris, making it around a 3-hour drive if you’re heading down from Calais or flying into Paris and renting a car to drive up.
Lille is even closer, at just 70 miles from Calais and around 90 minutes by car, while Brussels is around 120 miles away, and 2.5 hours by car.
This is one of the reasons Calais is an excellent stop for a day trip, as you can easily get around to other beautiful cities if you’re on a Northern European road trip.
If you are travelling into Calais from further afield and you need to fly, however, you may be better off flying into Paris or Brussels airports and taking the train.
The high-speed TGV from Paris Gare du Nord takes your journey time down to just 90 minutes, or stays the same at around 2.5 hours from Brussels. You can view train schedules here.
You won’t have the convenience of your own car, but public transport in this region is very reliable and comfortable, so you can relax and take in your surroundings.
Within Calais, most of the attractions are easily accessible on foot as they’re close together in the centre. Plus, with the delightful beachfront, walking along the promenade is a pleasant activity in the good weather, so find a central car park and enjoy the rest of your day on foot.
1-Day Calais Itinerary
With its port, churches, statues, museums and towers, there is plenty to enjoy over one day in Calais from all kinds of perspectives. If you’re having a longer holiday in France, Calais is well worth a stopover on your way from the ferry or Eurotunnel, or a final stay before saying au revoir to France.
Calais Town Hall & Statue of the Bourgeois of Calais
The first stop should be the most important, and ours encompasses two of the most historically and culturally important attractions in the city: the town hall and the Statue of the Bourgeois of Calais.
The Hôtel de Ville de Calais is a masterpiece of neo-Flemish architecture and a symbol of the 1885 merger between the port city of Calais and the lace town of Saint Pierre.
Construction of this stunning building began in 1911, and it stands as one of the most beautiful town halls in France. The exterior boasts an impressive façade, but the real marvels lie within. Visitors can explore the Art Deco stained glass windows and the magnificent halls on the first floor, including the great hall.
Adjoining the town hall is the belfry, part of a group of belfries in Belgium and northern France recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. This addition underscores the building’s historical importance and architectural grandeur, making it a must-see for visitors.
You can get to the top of the belfry via a lift for just €5 to enjoy panoramic views of the city from 78 metres up.
As you leave the Town Hall, just in front, you’ll see the famed Rodin statue Les Bourgeois de Calais (sometimes known as the Burghers of Calais in English).
This sculpture is the city’s most photographed monument and commemorates a pivotal moment in Calais’ history during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1346, after an 11-month siege by King Edward III of England, six noblemen, led by Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered to surrender themselves to save their starving city upon request by the King, only to be later pardoned by the Queen.
This act of bravery and sacrifice is immortalised in Rodin’s powerful sculpture, which visitors can further appreciate by viewing his preparatory studies at the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Notre Dame Church
A short walk away from the town hall is the historic Eglise Notre-Dame which beautifully combines Gothic and Tudor architecture as well as a significant place in 20th century history.
After the English took over Calais following the Hundred Years War, they began enlarging the church, hence the combination of two styles, and showcasing a rare instance of English religious architecture in mainland Europe, still proudly displaying a Tudor garden.
The church was unfortunately damaged quite significantly by bombs dropped during World Wars I and II, however, the church remains a stunning place to visit, and holds more fond memories for locals, as the location of the marriage of Charles de Gaulle – leader of the Free French during WWII – and local Yvonne Vendroux in 1921, commemorated by a stone outside the church and a statue in nearby Place d’Armes.
Head over to Place d’Armes en route to your next stop in Calais to see the statue as well as the oldest monument in Calais, the Tour de Guet. Built in the 13th century, this 39-metre-tall stone watchtower is an impressive structure and an iconic symbol of Calais.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can also catch the local market here to get a glimpse of the local Calaisien produce. The market is held in Place Crèvecœur on Thursdays.
Calais Lighthouse
Heading closer to the edge of the port and entrance of the English Channel stands the 200-year-old Calais lighthouse, or Phare de Calais, which replaced the Tour du Guet.
Having stood strong despite the bombardments of the Second World War, this 58-metre-high monument is in excellent condition, and welcomes visitors up the 271 steps to enjoy the incredible panorama over the English Channel and even across to the White Cliffs of Dover on a clear day.
On a visit to the lighthouse, you can also learn about the history of the structure, from the rotating lights’ original paraffin to the modern-day electrics and its use through the ages in the lighthouse’s discovery room.
The lighthouse is open from 10 am to 12 noon, and 2 pm to 5 or 6:30 pm daily (depending on the season), with tickets priced at €4.50 for adults.
Forts of Calais
The next stop – or rather, stops 4, 5, 6 and 7 – encompasses more of Calais’ history with a walk along the beach and around the city.
Starting at the central, beachfront Fort Risban, you can walk along the sandy beach to Fort Lapin, before either heading back to the central Citadel if you’re short on time, or taking a longer walk out to Fort Nielay if you’ve got the whole afternoon to explore.
Fort Risban
Fort Risban itself cannot be entered, but its location on the sandbank at the port’s entrance is worth a visit for the scenic views from the hill as well as the pleasant Risban perré path leading to the beach.
The fort was originally just a tower built by the English in 1347 but was developed significantly in the 16th century and was renovated in the 19th century after an explosion where the cannons were stored in 1800.
After admiring the fort, you can take a 30-40 minute stroll along the beach, or speed up your journey by taking the number 5 bus to Fort Lapin.
Fort Lapin
Fort Lapin was erected in 1690 to support the defensive system comprising Fort Nieulay. Initially simple stone structures with four cannons and ten men, it evolved in 1860 into a moat-surrounded fort with a thirty-man guardhouse.
Designed under Louis Philippe amidst Franco-English tensions, it later played a crucial role during the German advance in 1940 and became part of the Atlantic Wall.
It hasn’t been fully reconstructed due to the difficulties of the environment, however, it makes an interesting visit for those with a keen interest in history, as well as a nice stop while enjoying a walk along the beach.
Fort Nieulay
From Fort Lapin, you can take a 20-minute bus journey (on the number 3) to the impressive Fort Nieulay, or take the number 3 bus in the opposite direction for 30 minutes to head back into the city to see the Citadel of Calais.
Fort Nieulay was a crucial part of Calais’ defence, guarding its western side. Initially, it featured a bridge over the Hames River with a toll, but in 1525, the English built a fortress with locks to flood the area if attacked.
In the 17th century, legendary French military architect Vauban designed the current fort with thick brick walls, stilts, and three locks, housing up to 28 officers and 480 soldiers. It’s one of the few surviving Vauban lock forts in France.
If you’ve got longer than one day, you can enjoy wandering around the surrounding paths which offer peaceful strolls and insights into Vauban’s defensive strategies.
Citadelle de Calais
Taking the number 4 bus back into the centre for 35 minutes, or discovering more of the city on foot for 40 minutes, you’ll reach the amazing Citadel of Calais.
After Calais was reconquered by France in 1558, the French Kings demolished the mediaeval castle and nearby buildings to construct a large fortress. From 1560, a new citadel was built to accommodate advanced artillery techniques, with Vauban later renovating it.
Briefly under Spanish control from 1596 to 1598, the Citadel served as the governor’s residence until 1636 and housed a garrison for centuries. During the German offensive of May 1940, it was the city’s main defence point before surrendering after a 36-hour siege.
Today, the citadel functions as a sports stadium and remains popular for visitors to explore, especially near the Porte de Neptune.
Grand Theatre of Calais
Now back in the centre, head slightly south towards the Grand Théâtre de Calais to spend your evening.
This area around the Grand Théâtre de Calais is perfect for an evening meal, offering a vibrant setting and diverse dining options. This central location features restaurants that highlight the region’s fresh seafood, including fish like bass, sole, plaice, mackerel, and seasonal shellfish, all sourced from local waters.
To complement your meal, try the local Bourgeoises de Calais beer, available in blondes, bitters, and ales, truly offering something for everyone.
The lively atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced ingredients make the area around the Grand Théâtre a top choice for a memorable and authentic evening meal in Calais.
Have More Time?
If you’ve got more time in Calais, it’s definitely worth spending more time in the centre to discover one of the city’s incredible museums, or taking a day trip slightly further afield to explore the region.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Visiting the Fine Arts Museum in Calais is essential for art lovers. Situated opposite Richelieu Park, this museum features airy, bright galleries across two levels, hosting a diverse collection of artworks from the 16th to the 21st century.
A highlight is the ground floor Rodin room, dedicated to Auguste Rodin, showcasing studies and variants of the “Monument des Bourgeois de Calais,” with significant contributions from the Rodin Museum in Paris.
The museum also presents “Calais d’ici et d’ailleurs,” a section with 150 works linking local art history to broader narratives, featuring artists like Louis-Antoine Barye and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
Additionally, the museum alternates exhibits of old Flemish paintings and English watercolours by artists like William Turner and Richard Bonington. This rich blend of local and international art makes it a must-visit if you’ve got more time in Calais.
Lace and Fashion Museum
The City of Lace and Fashion in Calais, situated in the historic Saint-Pierre district, is also worth a visit in Calais due to the local link.
Housed in a 19th-century factory, the museum spans five galleries, showcasing lace-making techniques, fashion, and contemporary design. Year-round events include temporary exhibitions, conferences, fashion shows, and workshops.
The museum also features a documentation centre, a restaurant with courtyard views, and a canal-side shop, so you can spend a few hours exploring the whole site and learning about the local lace-making traditions.
Admission is €7 for adults, and the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, although open for an extra hour during peak seasons and closing on bank holidays.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer, only 30 minutes from Calais, is perfect for a day trip from Calais if you’re staying in the area for longer. It boasts Nausicaá National Sea Centre, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, with amazing marine life exhibits, perfect for families with young children.
The old town is particularly picturesque, featuring cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the stunning Boulogne-sur-Mer Cathedral. Additionally, the Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer houses a museum with diverse exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to local history.
This charming coastal town offers a blend of cultural, historical, and educational experiences, making it a delightful detour from Calais if you’re spending time in the area.
Where to Stay in Calais
B & B Les Secrets des Loges – A comfortable bed and breakfast offering city views of Calais, this place is great for mid-range visitors. They offer an exceptional breakfast along with lots of comfortable rooms.
B&B Le Cercle De Malines – Another great B&B, this place has both double and family rooms to choose from, a great (beachfront) location for exploring Calais and both breakfast and free parking available.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Calais hotels!
Calais is much more than a stopover town when en route to other places in France; with plenty of history, culture and natural areas to explore, you can spend a full and diverse day in Calais at any time of year.
Are you planning to visit Calais? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
