Close-up view of the clock face of the Belfry of Calais Town Hall ©Nohcab

Top 5 must-sees in Calais

The Calais XXL destination, rich in history and culture, is home to unmissable sites. The Belfry of the Town Hall, a neo-Flemish masterpiece and architectural gem, offers a breathtaking view of Calais. The various museums immerse you in the history of war and lacemaking expertise. Finally, the Grand Site des Deux-Caps dazzles with its natural and preserved landscapes.

1 › Heading for the White-Nez!

We love Cap Blanc-Nez because it is a feast for the eyes and the lungs! It is the panorama over the English Channel and its maritime traffic that immediately grabs you. You will definitely have something to observe as you take the green paths of this Grand Site de France that descend from the top of the cliff.

With your nose in the air, sometimes you can see as far as England! Below, on the beach of Escalles, you feel very small at the foot of this immense white chalk cliff that contrasts with the surrounding flora. But your nose... while enjoying this fine sand beach, be careful not to get caught out by the rising tide.

Discover Cap Blanc-Nez
white cap nose stops dover patrol ©Nohcab

2 › The Beaches of Calais and surroundings

Between the cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez and the Platier d'Oye nature reserve, we are lucky to have very large beaches of fine sand. No matter what your tastes are in terms of beaches, there is something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can go sailing, sand yachting, longe côte, volleyball and kite surfing.

Hikers, you can admire the dunes, the long stretches, the local flora on the GR 120 trail but also follow in the footsteps of Louis Blériot who took off there to reach England. Or quite simply, for lovers of idleness, you can walk on the sea wall and contemplate the departure of the ferries for Dover and their twin cliffs, the White Cliffs.

Explore the coastal beaches
The lunar view of the beaches that run along the communes of Sangatte - Blériot - Plage and their characteristic breakers. ©Nohcab
The Dragon of Calais, a colossal mechanical animal that moves along the renovated Calais seafront and its fine sandy beach in the background. ©Fred Collier

3 › Monumental heritage

Known for its strategic role as a seaport, Calais has been at the heart of many significant events in history. Its heritage is marked by iconic monuments such as the town hall, with its belfry UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Rodin's famous statue of the Burghers of Calais. The city also bears witness to its medieval past and its importance during the Second World War, offering a journey through the eras that shaped its identity.

Take a look at the history of Calais! Climb to the top of the belfry, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover the exceptional panorama of the city and the port. Don't worry, an elevator will allow you a gentle climb! But if you want to work your calves, prefer the stairs... which are also worth the detour for architectural photos with a hypnotic vanishing point.

Arrived at the top of 75m, walk around the rampart walk, you rub shoulders with the Duke of Guise in a golden suit and you overlook the statue of the Burghers of Calais and the garden that surrounds it. The Calais belfry, a square tower of red bricks and white stones, contains a clock and a carillon that punctuate the life of the people of Calais. You can immortalize the spectacle of the enormous dials during the climb.

The town hall and the Belfry of Calais
Calais Town Hall and its Belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seen from the gardens. ©Nohcab
Panoramic view of the city of Calais from the top of the 75m Belfry of Calais/ ©Nohcab

4 › Lace and its City, a mecca of fashion

Immerse yourself in the industrial adventure of Calais Lace, listen to the unique sound of the machines and admire the haute couture collections that dress so many personalities! Share a unique experience in this building where people are at the heart of industrial activity.

A Tulle maker will pass on his know-how to you thanks to real-time demonstrations on these machines, real pieces of goldsmithery. The mix of modern and industrial architecture offers you a panorama of colors and authenticity. Long prosperous, the lace factories shaped the architecture of the city and made it the pride of its inhabitants.

City of Lace and Fashion
The City of Lace and Fashion and its permanent exhibition rooms in a former factory. ©Amandine Richard
Focus

Yuima Nakazato

Until January 5, 2025

The exhibition dedicated to Yuima Nakazato at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode in Calais offers a fascinating insight into the world of this avant-garde Japanese designer. The first monograph dedicated to his work, it explores the unique alliance between technological innovation, artisanal tradition and ecological commitment. Presenting around fifty pieces, accessories, sketches and videos, the exhibition reveals Nakazato's poetic and sustainable vision, which revolutionizes haute couture with innovative and environmentally friendly techniques, while democratizing custom creation.

Exhibition 'Yuima Nakazato, beyond Couture'
Yuima Nakazato Calais Fashion Exhibition
Colorful and textured detail from Yuima Nakazato's art direction ©Thibaut Voisin
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Leavers Lace Jacket, 1980s-1990s ©Charles Delcourt

Every year, a major temporary exhibition brings together the finesse of lace and the audacity of renowned designers such as Iris van Herpen, Jean Paul Gaultier and, most recently, Yves Saint-Laurent, whose unique pieces have been discovered. These exhibitions do not just show collections! They invite you to discover the evolution of lace and its influence on contemporary fashion. Each visit is a new opportunity to explore fascinating works and to be surprised by original stagings that highlight the genius of artisans and designers of yesterday and today.

5 › XXL Shopping Getaway

Shopping fans…the Calais conurbation is made for you, because we can say that it is the main commercial center of the Opal Coast. City center (there are some real gems to discover!), then shopping areas to the west of the city, then finally the commercial behemoths that are Cité Europe and Channel Outlet: your shopping trip will go from strength to strength!

To tell you more about the 2 locomotives, Cité Europe is a complex of 120 shops on 2 levels with hypermarket, cinema, bowling and catering. Just opposite, Channel Outlet Store and its forty major fashion brands at Outlet prices.

Our shopping tips
The Channel Outlet Markdown Center and its stores displaying -30% all year round! ©Channel Outlet