Le Phare de Calais
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Le Phare de Calais
Boulevard des alliés - 62100 CALAIS
Along with the belfry, the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Calais, particularly the port. In operation since 1848, it serves as a veritable balcony overlooking the port district, the Courgain Maritime. For families, the Calais lighthouse also features an educational room on the history of maritime signaling. The Calais lighthouse provides a comprehensive view of the port of Calais and the Strait of Dover, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Climbing the Calais lighthouse also offers a perspective on the city and its hinterland. The Calais lighthouse has been in operation since 1848. The need for a lighthouse in Calais arose at the beginning of the 4th century. Maritime traffic was increasing in the strait, as were accidents. A lantern was installed at the top of the watchtower in 1848 before the construction of the current lighthouse. The Calais lighthouse overlooks the Courgain Maritime, the historic district of the port of Calais. It's built on a hill, a remnant of a bastion from the city's old fortifications. This reinforces its commanding presence when photographed from Fort Risban or the Bassin du Paradis (Paradise Basin). In addition to the 360° view from its summit, the Calais lighthouse offers an educational room, particularly suitable for families. It presents the history of lighthouses, beacons, and maritime signaling. There are no longer any lighthouse keepers; it operates on electricity and can be controlled remotely. Its tower is 51 meters tall, and the lamp is approximately 60 meters above sea level. Each lighthouse has its own distinctive light signature. The Calais lighthouse emits four grouped flashes of 0,1 seconds every 2,4 seconds, followed by a 7.4-second blackout. Note that to reach the top and enjoy the panoramic view, you must climb 271 steps in a spiral staircase. It's a long climb, but perfectly manageable if you take your time. You can take breaks by pausing to admire the scenery regularly visible through the narrow windows. Those with a more adventurous spirit will think of the sailors from all over the world who pass by the waters off Calais every year and see this lighthouse by day or night!
