La Place d’Armes

Water features at the Place d'Armes in Calais

The Place d'Armes, the historic heart of Calais, brings together seven centuries of history around the Watchtower, the city's oldest monument. Lively each week with an open-air market and lined with terraces and brasseries, it remains a natural meeting place for both locals and visitors.

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La Place d’Armes
Place d'Armes - 62100 CALAIS

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The historic heart of Calais

Even before Calais was known as Calais, the Place d'Armes was already its center. It was here, in the heart of medieval Calais, that the city's affairs were conducted. For over two centuries of English occupation, from 1347 to 1558, it was called the Market Place, true to its commercial and gathering purpose. It was in 1558, during the reconquest of the city by the Duke of Guise, that it definitively took the name Place d'Armes. Today, it brings together seven centuries of history around the Watchtower, the oldest monument in the city.

Discover the Watchtower

A spring view of the Calais Watchtower, an iconic medieval monument located in Place d'Armes, framed by cherry blossoms under a bright blue sky.

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A wedding that went down in history

Seven centuries later, the square is home to another couple who have entered the city's history. Yvonne Vendroux, born in Calais, married Charles de Gaulle here in 1921: a civil ceremony on April 6th at the town hall, followed by a religious ceremony the next day at Notre-Dame Church, just a stone's throw away. Since 2013, a bronze statue by Élisabeth Cibot has depicted them walking hand in hand, inspired by a photograph taken during a visit to Calais in 1959.

Following in De Gaulle's footsteps in Calais

A statue of Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux, holding hands, at the foot of the Watchtower in Calais, under a blue sky. The work symbolizes the couple's union in Yvonne's hometown, in front of an iconic historic monument in the city center.

The August 4 1347

It was in this square that one of the most significant episodes in French history took place. After an eleven-month siege, Governor Jean de Vienne rang the belfry to summon the population. Six prominent citizens of Calais, including Eustache de Saint-Pierre, then stepped forward in their shirts, barefoot, with ropes around their necks: the Burghers of Calais were born here.

The History of the Burghers of Calais

Low angle view of Rodin's statutory group: The Burghers of Calais.

Between the market and the terraces

Even today, the Place d'Armes remains a natural meeting place for both locals and visitors. Every Wednesday and Saturday, it comes alive with its market activity, true to its original purpose. The rest of the week, it lends itself to the terraces and numerous restaurants that line it, offering a mix of traditional cuisine and coastal specialties.

Bars & terraces in Calais North