scenic viewpoint
Cap Blanc-Nez
Dazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.
11 km · about 20 min drive
Hauts-de-France, France · Europe
Calais is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Coulogne, 42km from White Cliffs of Dover.
Calais is a town located in Hauts-de-France, France. With a population of 74,433, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Calais sits in France, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Paris time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Calais to your route.
Calais (UK: KAL-ay, US: kal-AY, traditionally KAL-iss, French: [kalɛ] ) is a French major port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais. The population of the city proper is 67,585; that of the urban area is 144,488 (2022). Calais overlooksRead more
the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only 34 km (21 mi) wide here, and is the closest French town to England. The White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen from Calais on a clear day. Calais is a major port for ferries between France and England. The Channel Tunnel has connected Calais and Folkestone since 1994.
Because of its position, Calais has been a major port and an important centre for transport and trading with England since the Middle Ages. Calais came under English control after Edward III of England captured the city in 1347, followed by a treaty in 1360 that formally assigned Calais to English rule. Calais grew into a thriving centre for wool production, and came to be called the "brightest jewel in the English crown" because of its importance as the gateway for the tin, lead, lace and wool trades (or "staples"). Calais remained under English control until its recapture by France in 1558.
During World War II, the town was virtually razed to the ground. In May 1940, it was a strategic bombing target of the invading German forces, who took it during the siege of Calais. The Germans built massive bunkers along the coast, in preparation for launching missiles at England.
The old part of the town, Calais-Nord, is on an artificial island surrounded by canals and harbours. The modern part of the town, St-Pierre, lies to the south and south-east. In the centre of the old town is the Place d'Armes, in which stands the Tour du Guet, or watch-tower, a structure built in the 13th century, which was used as a lighthouse until 1848 when a new lighthouse was built by the port. South east of the Place is the church of Notre-Dame, built during the English occupancy of Calais. Arguably, it is the only church built in the English perpendicular style in all of France. In this church, former French President Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux. South of the Place and opposite the Parc St Pierre is the Hôtel-de-ville (the town hall), and the belfry from the early 20th century. Today, Calais is visited by more than 10 million annually. Aside from being a key transport hub, Calais is also a notable fishing port and a centre for fish marketing, and some 3,000 people are still employed in the lace industry for which the town is also famed.
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Calais offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Calais is located in Hauts-de-France, France, Europe. The coordinates are 50.9519 latitude, 1.8563 longitude.
Calais has a population of approximately 74,433 people, making it a town in France.
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Essential numbers in France
Carrying a warning triangle and hi-vis vest in your vehicle is mandatory. Motorway emergency phones connect to official breakdown services only.
Full driving guide for France7 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Dazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.
11 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.
21 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Europe's largest aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France with a stunning open-ocean tank and conservation mission.
31 km · about 35 min drive
castle
A medieval fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the Key to England due to its strategic defensive significance.
42 km · about 50 min drive
natural wonder
Iconic chalk cliffs reaching up to 110 meters high along the English Channel, symbolizing Britain for centuries.
42 km · about 50 min drive
tunnel
50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
52 km · about 60 min drive
beach
Belgium's widest sandy beach, famous for land-yachting and bordering the wild Westhoek dunes near the French border.
53 km · about 60 min drive
April to October
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