Le Fort Risban

Fort Risban was the port lock. It has undergone major modifications over the centuries. It is now a place to walk along the port, and a footpath to get to the seafront…crossing the Dragon of Calais! 

In the Middle Ages, the coastline in front of Calais was made up of numerous sandbanks. The English seized the fortified city in 1347, following the episode of the Burghers of Calais. On the largest sandbank, the English built a tower, the Lancaster Tower. Their idea was to control access to the port. Modifications were made at the end of the XNUMXth century when Calais returned to France. A garrison and a terrace equipped with cannons were in place to ward off attacks from enemy ships.

Fort Risban gradually lost its military role, and gunpowder was stored there. A major explosion took place in 1800. Once again, major works were undertaken in the first half of the 1921th century. The fort was decommissioned from military use in XNUMX and became the property of the city.

On the way to Calais La Plage, it is a place for walking. The small hill that tops it gives access to a panorama of the port. Between the fort and the entrance channel to the port, the Risban riprap is a pleasant path between boats and… the Calais Dragon. 

To note that : From September 2024 to May 2025, development and rehabilitation works are planned at Fort Risban. The aim is to improve access and the promenade.