Travel guide

Toutourism

Wide open spaces, long beaches, unspoiled nature, and a spacious city center: Calais XXL is a prime destination for a successful holiday with your four-legged friend. With some twenty kilometers of coastline, idyllic canals, and a welcoming city center, the area has established itself as a leader in pet-friendly tourism.

A coastline with real character!

Traveling with your dog should never be a constraint; that's the conviction that drives us. Calais XXL Tourist Office since joining the national network ToutourismThis commitment is reflected concretely on the ground: some twenty kilometers of coastline where each beach offers its own access rules, canals and towpaths for long walks away from the hustle and bustle, and an airy city center where two parks offer shade from the first heat.

Accommodation, restaurants and places to visit are organized around this same requirement for hospitality, brought together each year in the Toutourisme Guide.

Download the guide
Two dogs running in the natural areas of the Hemmes beach in Marck ©Nohcab

The dog tourism kit

Start your stay by stopping by the Tourist Office to pick up your kit containing collection bags, a list of useful contacts and some gifts from our partners.

Carnet de santé

The electronic identification and vaccination records in the health booklet can always prove useful. Remember to take it with you on holiday!

Before booking

This guide helps you find facilities that welcome dogs. However, always remember to check by calling before booking.

In the air and in the water

Zones and seasons

Beaches, seawalls and parks have rules that vary depending on the time of year. These are detailed in the guide below, and in the leaflet included in the Toutourisme kit available at the Tourist Office.

Calais: Dog-friendly city

Calais city center is an invitation to stroll. With its open architecture and numerous points of interest within walking distance, it's perfect for walks with your dog. From the majestic outskirts of the belfry of the town hall passing through the basins of marina and the boulevards, each stroll reveals a vibrant city steeped in history. 

A woman walking her dog in Parc Saint-Pierre with Calais town hall in the background. ©Nohcab
A woman walking her dog along the Perré Risban in Calais. In the background: the Courgain Maritime district. ©Nohcab

For a rest or to enjoy a refreshing break

Summer heatwaves are getting hotter and hotter, and for our pets, cool spaces are essential. In the heart of the city, parks Richelieu et Saint-Pierre are ideal green havens for strolling in the shade. Vauban Square, which leads to the Citadel from the Jacques Vendroux esplanade, charmed by its residential and wooded surroundings.

For a breath of fresh sea air, a stroll through the maritime district, between Sea Courgain and Fort Risban, offers a route that is both historical and refreshing. As for the dikes of Calais and SangatteThey offer a 360° panoramic view of the sea while allowing you to breathe deeply.

Recommended natural areas
A woman walking with her dog on the Calais LA Plage viewpoint. ©Nohcab

Things to see and do with my dog

The entire list

Enjoying the Opal Coast with my dog

The benefits of the sea for our animals

Swimming gently exercises the dog's heart, muscles and joints, and the sand remains a playground that few companions refuse. However, salt water requires some vigilance. It can irritate the skin and paw pads if rinsing with fresh water is forgotten after walks, and a dog that swallows a large quantity can suffer from digestive problems. A nearby shade and a bowl of fresh water complete the equipment for the hottest days.

List of beaches and addresses
A woman and her dog sitting on the relaxation areas of the Calais LA Plage seafront. ©Nohcab

Between land, canals and wide open spaces

Lovers of wide open spaces will find plenty to enjoy in the diverse landscapes of Calais XXL. In Coulogne, the canal offers a peaceful setting. The towpath, regularly used by cyclists, makes it an ideal environment for getting young dogs used to the presence of bicycles. The canal continues to Les Attaques, in a flat, rural landscape, showcasing another facet of the area's scenery.

14 hikes on the Opal Coast
A couple on the heights of Cap Blanc-Nez. ©Nohcab

Accommodation with my dog

The complete list

Sitting down to eat with your dog

Many restaurants and terraces in the area welcome four-legged friends, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the establishment. A bowl of water placed at the foot of the table is often one of the thoughtful touches offered to four-legged visitors. As with accommodations, calling ahead will allow you to find out about the specific pet-friendly policies of each establishment.

A dog sitting calmly on the terrace of a restaurant in Calais Nord. ©Nohcab
A couple sitting at a table on a terrace in Calais with their dog. ©?ohcab

Download the Dog Tourism Guide

Browse or download the Dog-Friendly Tourism Guide now to plan your stress-free stay in Calais and the surrounding area. All the best addresses, useful numbers, recommended places… The essential guide for a successful holiday!

Download the guide

A leash or long line, waste bags, a collapsible bowl, plenty of water, and your pet's health record are essential for a pleasant stay in the area. We offer a welcome kit at the Tourist Office reception, including waste bags, a brochure with useful addresses and phone numbers, and gifts from our partners.

Access varies depending on the municipality and the season, with dogs required on a leash in most areas. Details for each beach can be found in our article on holidays with dogs.

Recommended beaches and addresses

Swimming, playing, and exercise require a few simple precautions, with rinsing in fresh water and shade being key. Swimming gently works a dog's heart, muscles, and joints, and the sand remains a playground that few canine companions refuse. However, salt water requires some vigilance. : it can irritate the skin and pads if rinsing with fresh water is forgotten after going out, and a dog that swallows a large quantity of it can suffer from digestive problems. 

Many establishments in the area welcome dogs, though each has its own specific rules. Confirming directly with the establishment before booking is the best way to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience.

Are you a local professional working to promote the welcoming of dogs? Make your voice heard!