Supervised swimming at Calais beach in summer, an ideal spot to stay cool. ©Nohcab

Coastal freshness

10 places to discover on the coast

Seaside pleasures

In every season, Calais and the entire region offer the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities. We even offer the luxury of not having to choose, like our indoor skatepark and our beach skatepark! Summer is always a festive time with a packed program of events on Calais beach!

Going on a journey and detours
Calais beach, its chalets, terraces and the jetty in the background.©Nohcab

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
Aerial view of Cap Blanc Nez during exceptional high tides. The sea retreats the furthest due to the high coefficients.©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.
See all events
Summer Program 2026 préparez votre été : Calais LA Plage ‘Lets Dance !’
The long-awaited, extensive program for the summer season of 2026 has arrived!
2026 poster for the Calais LA Plage 'Let's Dance' program
Program details
Calais Beach Party
Saturday July 18 2026
CALAIS learn more
Spectacle de fauconnerie
Sunday July 19 2026
CALAIS learn more
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
Cultural heritage

Calais Town Hall and its UNESCO belfry

The history of Calais Town Hall
Maritime

Maritime identity and the delights of the sea

Discover maritime culture
The Calais Dragon on the beach, interacting with visitors and its environment.
Culture

The urban theatre of the Compagnie du Dragon

Discover the City Hall
Lace City Know-how

The City of Lace and Fashion

A unique expertise in the world
Graffiti Discover African

City of 100 Street Art Walls

An open-air gallery
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
Close-up view of the clock face of the Belfry of Calais Town Hall ©Nohcab

Calais' top 10!

Must-see
To start your visit to Calais XXL off right, you definitely need to visit these 10 must-see places!
The complete guide
A family driving a Rosalie on the promenade of Calais beach with the sea and the sea wall in the background. ©Nohcab

10 activities to enjoy as a family

In Calais
All our suggestions for an unforgettable family holiday!
10 memorable places
a family on the Coulogne cycle route along the Calais-Saint-Omer canal. ©Nohcab

5 bike rides to do

Around Calais
Calais XXL, at the crossroads of 3 Euroveloroutes!
5 bike rides to do around Calais
Axe throwing at a target in an activity bar. ©Airam Dato-on

Top places to play with friends

Share a game of board games, darts, or even try your hand at axe throwing!
Having fun with friends
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!
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Signature F

Portrait of Françoise Wheatley, the creator of Signature F ©Timothe Lovergne

reinvents Calais lace

Signature F reinvents Calais lace

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
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    Patricia Cunha exhibition on Rue Royale in Calais and her colorful ribbons. ©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao
    Calais beach, its chalets, terraces and the jetty in the background. ©Nohcab
    The Belfry of Calais and the French Remembrance Monument in Saint-Pierre Park. ©Nohcab
    The Calais monitor lizard enjoys the sunrise in Calais XXL ©Nohcab