Fort Risban

Fort Risban, the key to the port of Calais, has evolved since its creation on a sandbank in the Middle Ages. Conquered by the English in 1347, it served as a military base before becoming a place for walking. Decommissioned in 1921, it now welcomes visitors and offers a unique panorama.

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Fort Risban
pont henri hénon - 62100 CALAIS

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The Key to the Port of Calais

Fort Risban has evolved since its creation on a sandbank in the Middle Ages. Conquered by the English in 1347, it served as a military base before becoming a popular walking area. It offers a unique panoramic view of the fishing quarter and the (marina) port, of which it was the strategic stronghold before giving way to the industrial port of our modern era.

It has undergone significant changes over the centuries. It is now a promenade along the port, and a pedestrian path leading to the seafront… passing by the Dragon of Calais and the Traveling Monitor!

The breathtaking view from the redeveloped Fort Risban over the fishing district of Calais, with the Lighthouse, Notre Dame and in the distance, the Town Hall and its belfry.

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Dragon, Varan and Chimera

Exhibition tour of Fort Risban and its powder magazine

A few months before the Varan's arrival in Calais, the Compagnie La Machine invites you to relive the machine factory by exploring the origins and behind-the-scenes of the construction of these moving structures. From François Delaroziere's sketch to the machines' first movements in the city's streets, this exhibition recounts the adventure of a team that takes shape.

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dragon monitor lizard chimera Calais exhibition poster

The evolution of a sentinel

In the Middle Ages, the coastline off Calais was made up of numerous sandbanks. The English seized the fortified city in 1347, following the episode of the Burghers of CalaisOn the largest sandbank, the English built a tower, the Lancaster Tower. Their aim was to control access to the port. Modifications were made at the end of the 16th century when Calais returned to France. A garrison and a cannon-equipped terrace were installed to defend against attacks from enemy ships.

Fort Risban gradually lost its military role, becoming a gunpowder store. A powerful explosion occurred in 1800. Major renovations were undertaken again in the first half of the 19th century. The fort was decommissioned in 1921 and became the property of the city.

Fort Risban seen from the Courgain Maritime, also known as the fishermen's quarter.

Link between the city and the beach

On the path of Calais BeachIt is a place for a stroll. The small hill that crowns it offers a panoramic view of the port. Between the fort and the port entrance channel, the Risban seawall is a pleasant path between boats and… the Dragon City of Calais.

The renovation of the Fort Risban powder magazine and the Major's Lodge also makes the Fort Risban site a place to learn more about the Dragon and the Monitor Lizard of Calais...under the gaze of the sentinel iguana!