Monumental Cap Blanc Nez

How to define the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez? A breathtaking landscape, a breathtaking view towards England, a feeling of freedom! A few kilometers off the coast of Calais stands at 134 meters high Cap Blanc Nez, a preserved area labeled Grand Site de France.

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

The dike in winter

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!

Going on a journey and detours
Winter slide of a young man well wrapped up under his scooter hat in the Calais skatepark©Nohcab

Touching the Lace of Calais Caudry

The Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode has become the essential place to learn everything about this industry that is a major part of local history. Lace has had such an influence on the city and contributed to shaping the southern part of the city that we cannot ignore this expertise, a symbol of French luxury, when we set off to discover Calais.

Experience XXL emotions
Demonstration of Leavers crafts at the City of Lace and Fashion by a Tulle Maker©F. Collier

Calais and its port

In Calais, the port and the sea hold an important place. Rich in testimonies of 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 the fortress of Fort Risban which symbolises it.

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!

The sea as a horizon
See all
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!
See all the agenda
Foire hivernale
From Saturday, January 18, 2025As of Sunday, February 09, 2025
winter fair
More information
La vie secrète des vieux
From Friday, January 17, 2025As of Saturday, January 18, 2025
CALAIS More information
Dafné Kritharas
Saturday January 25 2025
CALAIS More information
Not to be missed

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....

Seeing the big picture
Belfry Cultural heritage

The Belfry of Calais

Discover the history of Calais
Sea fishing trip Gastronomy

Maritime identity & delights of the sea

Enjoying seafood
A family on a winter walk on Calais beach, near the pier and its iconic lighthouse. The wet sand reflects the grey sky, creating a peaceful and natural scene, perfect for a relaxing moment by the sea in all simplicity.
Activities & leisure

Winter walk by the sea

Go for a walk on the coast
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

atmospheres
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
The Calais Dragon surrounded by many passers-by during a winter sunset on Calais beach. ©Fred Collier

8 activities to do with family

Winter special
Activities to share, nature walks, unusual trips aboard a dragon, it's all there!
The special winter top
Close-up view of the clock face of the Belfry of Calais Town Hall ©Nohcab

5 must-sees!

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.

4 bird watching sites

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

5 places to eat fish

From local fishing to innovative recipes, discover our hidden gems!
Enjoying fish
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!
immensely vast

Chef Filipina Leroy

Filipine Leroy, chef of the restaurant l'Aquar'Aile ©Nohcab

Young chef of the panoramic restaurant l'Aquar'aile

Discover his vision of cooking

Meeting with Pierre Lavallée

Pierre Lavalée, creator of the beautiful country garden in Marck ©Calais XXL

The creator of the Garden of the Beautiful Country

Discover his wonderful garden

Need help in the area?

The app to guide you

  • Prepare your visit
  • Let yourself be guided by the geolocated routes
  • Visit cultural sites and enjoy the audio guides so you don't miss a thing.
Download Wivisites Wivisits

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
Christmas tree Calais clock belfry
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Calais Dragon walking the Calais waterfront under a winter night sky with ferries passing in the background. ©Fred Collier
The Notre Dame de Calais church and its central bell tower showing the English influence in its architecture. ©Nohcab
A family walking on the Calais pier with its lighthouse in the background. ©Nohcab
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