Spring reflections

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! Spring is also a magical time, offering magnificent landscapes to discover amidst the ever-changing colors of the Opal Coast.

Going on a journey and detours
A couple on the trails of the Dunes of Fort Mahon and the beach of Sangatte below.©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!

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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 events
Jazz festival Le Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival
From April 2nd to 26th, 2026: the twentieth edition
Poster celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Beautiful Swamp Blues festival, featuring a black and white photograph by artist Kaz Hawkins
Discover the program
Le Bus Tour Séries Mania à Calais
Thursday March 12, 2026
CALAIS Learn more
Marché des créateurs
Sunday, March 15 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
The Dragon Activities & leisure

The Dragon of Calais

Discover urban theater
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
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 in the middle of an adventure game within Prison Island, an indoor park of challenges and challenges. ©Prison Island

8 activities and leisure

Cool weather special!
From the Dragon of Calais to lace puzzles and adventure games!
Hiking with the family
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!
Louis Bleriot Badge

Nature Tour with Pierre Lavalée

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

The creator of the Garden of the Beautiful Bays

Meeting with Pierre

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

Culinary Heritage

Chefs Alain Moitel and David Gauduchon prepare a dish at the restaurant Les Grandes Tables du Channel ©Timothe_Lovergne

the great tables of the Channel

The Great Tables of the Channel: from Alain Moitel to David Gauduchon, a Calais culinary heritage

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
Aerial view of Sangatte beach and the waves crashing on the breakers. ©Nohcab
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The Belfry of Calais and the French Remembrance Monument in Saint-Pierre Park. ©Nohcab
The Notre Dame de Calais church and its central bell tower showing the English influence in its architecture. ©Nohcab
The Calais monitor lizard enjoys the sunrise in Calais XXL ©Nohcab
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