Final scene of the confrontation ©Nohcab

Dragon and Varan triumphed.

Lilith leaves the City

The sweetness of autumn

In any season, Calais and the entire destination allow you to organize a stay between indoors and outdoors. We even offer you the luxury of not choosing, like our indoor skatepark, and our beach skatepark! Autumn is also a time of transition offering magnificent landscapes to discover during the voyages of the Dragon de Calais.

Going on a journey and detours
Boarding a Dragon journey on Calais beach with the public waiting to climb the steps hidden in the animal's tail.©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao

Land of giants for 30 years

For thirty years, the region has seen the passage of giants who have shaped our urban theater culture. Whether you're traveling aboard the Dragon de Calais or discovering the monitor lizard in Voyage next November, we'll take you on a grand journey to discover our cultural traditions!

Experience XXL emotions
The Dragon of Calais in full urban opera in the streets of Calais in 2019.©Angelique Lyleire

Monumental Cap Blanc-Nez

How can you define the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez? A breathtaking landscape, a breathtaking view of England, a feeling of freedom! A few kilometers off the coast of Calais stands Cap Blanc Nez at a height of 134 meters, a protected area labeled a Grand Site de France along with its equally famous neighbor, Cap Gris Nez.

Take a breath of fresh air
View of the coastline cut by the immense cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and the paths that run along the coast.©Nohcab

Maritime sweetness

In Calais, the port and the sea hold an important place. Rich in testimonies to the local maritime soul, the Courgain Maritime district is dominated by the lighthouse. Climbing to its summit reveals the different aspects of the port; as for the military heritage of the past, it is symbolized by the fortress of Fort Risban. The maritime reality is also revealed on our coastline through the vast natural spaces and gigantic foreshores that provide the stage for the spectacle of the sea coming and going.

Going to meet Calais
Panoramic view of the maritime courgain and its emblematic buildings which curve the perspectives with their orange roofs.©Nohcab

Browse our inspirations to slow down time infinitely, or live everything at 100 miles an hour!

Dragon Horizon Badge
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XXL Agenda Logo
Feel the region vibrate to the rhythm of its events, festivals and traditions! Find our complete calendar of events in the 14 municipalities of the destination.
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Yiqing Yin : D’air et de songes
From Saturday, June 14, 2025As of Sunday, January 04, 2026
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Laurent Baffie se pose des questions
Friday November 14 2025
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Calais Générosité
From Friday, December 05, 2025As of Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Must-see

visit in a big way

Rather than giving you a list of what to see or do, we have chosen to list the starting points that will lead you to discover our inexhaustible treasures....

Air Sea Badge
The Dragon Activities & leisure

The Dragon of Calais

Discover urban theater
Sea fishing trip Gastronomy

Maritime identity & delights of the sea

Enjoying seafood
The interior of the belfry of Calais Town Hall, offering a unique view of the back of the clock face, illuminated by the exterior light.
Cultural heritage

Panorama from the top of the Belfry

Discover the City Hall
Lace City Know-how

Calais-Caudry Lace

Attend the demonstrations at the Cité de la Dentelle
Graffiti Culture

Museums and Street Arts

Street Art in Calais
Selection

the top XXL Logo

Badge Seen from the sky
To discover without counting, we decided to count for you! Here are the top activities, ideas, recommendations from all over our territory!
See all activities
A family in the middle of an adventure game within Prison Island, an indoor park of challenges and challenges. ©Prison Island

Top 8 activities and leisure activities

Cool weather special!
From the Dragon of Calais to lace puzzles and adventure games!
Hiking with the family
Close-up view of the clock face of the Belfry of Calais Town Hall ©Nohcab

The Big Five of Calais!

Must-see
To start your visit to Calais XXL off right, you definitely need to visit these 5 must-see places!
The Fantastic 5
A family on the Cape Blanc-Nez lookout point equipped with binoculars to observe the panorama. ©Nohcab

Top 4 Observation Sites

Special flora & fauna
Find our 4 exceptional natural places to contemplate the local birdlife.
I observe!
Scallop dish at the Aquar'Aile restaurant ©Nohcab

The Top 5 best restaurants

Fish special!
From local fishing to innovative recipes, discover our hidden gems!
Enjoying fish
Statue of De Gaulle and Churchill in Richelieu Park in Calais ©nohcab

The Top 5 in the footsteps of Charles de Gaulle

Discover De Gaulle and his undeniable connection with the city of Calais.
Follow Charles de Gaulle
Meeting the

calaisians

Like the 'Greeters', here are the testimonies of our 'locals' who transmit their passion without counting. Here are the portraits and testimonies of personalities who forge the deep and warm values ​​of our territory!
Louis Bleriot Badge

Textile sculpture with Yiqing Yin

Portrait of designer Yiqing Yin during her visit to Calais. ©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao

On the occasion of his monograph at the City of Lace and Fashion

Meeting with the designer Yiqing Yin

Visit with Sophie Henwood

Sophie Henwood, curator in charge of the Rodin collections at the Museum of Fine Arts in Calais. ©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao

Curator of the new Rodin Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts

Chat with Sophie Henwood

Riding with Constance & Gatsby

Portrait of Constance and her horse Gatsby on the beach. ©Nohcab

Discover the beauty of the natural spaces of Cap Blanc Nez

Equestrian immersion in the Opal Coast

The Calais Knife by Franck Ackermann

Portrait of Franck Ackermann in a sailor-style sweater and making a knife. ©©Franck Ackermann

Know-how and passion in an eponymous object

Discover the Calaisian Couteau

Need help in the area?

The app to guide you

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  • Let yourself be guided by the geolocated routes
  • Visit cultural sites and enjoy the audio guides so you don't miss a thing.
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Calais is located in the north of France, in the Hauts-de-France region, near the English Channel. The Calais XXL destination brings together the 14 municipalities of the Grand Calais Terres & Mers conurbation. Calais is accessible by car (A16, A26), train, bus and ferry from Dover.

All means of access

It is recommended to move on foot to explore the city center and the main attractions. You can also use public transport which is completely free in the metropolitan area or borrow a bicycle from the 70 stations available.

Getting around and parking in Calais and the surrounding area

The starting point for many adventures, Calais XXL is full of treasures! Whether you’re travelling in complete peace, off the beaten track or 100% local experiences, our advisors have found all the answers for you!

Browse all our inspirations
Calais Dragon walking the Calais waterfront under a winter night sky with ferries passing in the background. ©Fred Collier
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The Notre Dame de Calais church and its central bell tower showing the English influence in its architecture. ©Nohcab
The interior of the belfry of Calais Town Hall, offering a unique view of the back of the clock face, illuminated by the exterior light. ©Nohcab
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