©Nohcab 10 places to stay cool in Calais
When the sun beats down and the heatwave sets in, the coastline of Hauts-de-France, and in particular Calais become real refuges against the heat. Thanks to the sea, the wind, the wooded areas, the territory is full islands of freshness where you can breathe, escape and fully enjoy summer. By combining these 10 places with the right recommendations for use: staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun, Calais has what it takes to offer you a refreshing break!
1. The beaches of the Opal Coast coastline
From Marck to Escalles, via Calais, a palette of freshness. On the Opal Coast, the coastline of Calais and its surroundings offers a wide variety of beaches for escape the heat and enjoy the freshness of the sea.
In Calais, The family beach is well-equipped and lively, perfect for swimming since it is supervised. Seaside walks and sunsets are also particularly recommended since even the light wind keeps you warm.
©Nohcab Blériot-Plage is also a popular spot for families and young people with its small beach located as an extension of Calais beach. A renowned beach bar provides entertainment on summer evenings.
On the Sangatte side, The constant wind delights water sports enthusiasts and guarantees cooler air even in the height of summer. The developed seawall remains very exposed to the sun, but the air there is more breathable.
Escalles beach, Accessible via the Cran d'Escalles, it offers a more natural experience, between pebbles and cliffs, for a break in the great outdoors, facing the English Channel. Everywhere, the water remains cool thanks to the coastal current: a valuable natural advantage for staying cool even during heatwaves.
In Marck, The wilder expanses appeal to those who love tranquility on the marked trails. Shade is rarer there, but the foreshore remains windswept. It's also a greener space that offers cool weather in the morning and evening.
All the beaches on the coast
©Nohcab 2. Iceo swimming pool and its outdoor beach
The fun and family aquatic center
This must-see aquatic center in Calais offers indoor spaces and a family-friendly outdoor beach. The water feels cool, even in summer, and the trees and shaded areas provide a true haven of freshness. It's the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day away from the heated asphalt. From July 1st, the outdoor area is open every day From 13 p.m. to 18 p.m., including public holidays! A great alternative for those looking to cool off in Calais during the heatwave, with family or friends.
The Iceo Swimming Pool
©Iceo 3. The Parks: islands of freshness
Richelieu Park: fresh air circulates under the trees
Right in the center of Calais, Richelieu Park serves as a temperate bubble, protected by century-old trees. You can breathe there fresher air, away from the sunny boulevards. The fountain, the shaded benches, and the surrounding calm create a perfect urban refuge for stroll, read or picnic without overheatingIt is also the ideal spot to get some fresh air between visits to the surrounding museums.
Stroll through Richelieu Park
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©Nohcab Saint-Pierre Park: urban freshness at the foot of the town hall
Located a stone's throw from the UNESCO-listed belfry, Saint-Pierre Park is a vast green space in the heart of the city. The trees, some of them centuries-old, shade a magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1863. The basin is similar to that of the gardens of Versailles, the Three Graces by Germain Pilón. Crossed by wide tree-lined paths, it constitutes a a true island of freshness in the heart of Calais. It's the perfect place to sit in the shade, take a walk or let the children get some fresh air escaping the urban heat.
Wandering in Saint-Pierre Park
©Nohcab 4. The Memory Museum 39-45
In the heart of the Parc Saint-Pierre, we also find the Musée Mémoire 39-45, housed in an authentic reinforced concrete bunker, the longest in Europe. It is a natural refuge from the summer heat. Constant temperature, thick walls and rare openings guarantee a cool moment, while discovering local history through poignant exhibitions on the Second World War.
The Calais 39-45 Memory Museum
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5. The Place d'Armes
Water games, shops and shaded terraces
In the heart of Calais, the Place d'Armes brings together all the ingredients for Stay cool in the city: dancing fountains where children can play freely in a mirror of water, shaded benches and numerous café and restaurant terraces. Families will find a lively island of freshness, Safe and lively, under the watchful eye of the lighthouse and watchtower. A simple and pleasant solution to avoid the heat in the heart of Calais town center, without sacrificing the excitement.
©Nohcab 6. The Garden of the Beautiful Country
Plant freshness and tropical butterflies
This landscaped park with shaded paths offers a refreshing break in nature for the whole family. Under the trees and along the trails, you'll discover animals, rare plants, games, and resting areas. In the greenhouses, the temperature is controlled to preserve the 600 exotic butterflies: it's warmer, but the ambient humidity remains moderate. A fun, educational getaway that's ideal for staying cool, especially outdoors! This garden in Marck is an ideal destination during heatwaves, especially for those who want to combine nature, games, and shaded areas.
Botanical Garden of Beau Pays
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©Pierre Lavalee 7. The Museum of Fine Arts
When the temperature rises, the museum becomes a refuge. You can linger in front of the works of Rodin, Bourdelle, or contemporary artists in a relaxing atmosphere. A great opportunity to combine artistic curiosity with a desire for fresh air. Don't miss it. the new gallery recently inaugurated around the largest repository of works from the Rodin Museum in France.
Visit the Calais Museum of Fine Arts
©Charles Delcourt 8. The City of Lace and Fashion
Luxurious know-how and fashion, fresh!
Housed in a former 19th-century lace factory, the City of Lace and Fashion benefit from thick walls which keep the cool, reinforced by discreet air conditioning. The building itself constitutes a temperate island, ideal for exploring collections, lace crafts or fashion exhibitions without suffering from the strong heat.
Touching the Calais-Caudry Lace
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©F. Kleinefenn 9. Cape Blanc-Nez
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A few kilometers from Calais, the heights of Cap Blanc-Nez are known for their powerful winds. Here, the air circulates freely, providing a feeling of freshness even in the middle of summer. Be careful, however: the site is in full sun. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen to fully enjoy the XXL panorama and the refreshing effect of the sea wind.
10. Ice cream break at the beach
This is the last issue of this top, and a bit of a bonus from the team: It's impossible to talk about freshness without mentioning a ice cream break ! On the beach in Calais, the ice cream parlors Diego and Sigler melt gourmets with their artisanal ice creams. Creative flavors or great classics, everything is there for a fresh parenthesis facing the sea, between two walks or after a swim.
Top 8 activities to do with the family
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