Travel Eye on Calais (France)

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Overview:

As the closest landing point in France, Calais has long been the port of passage across the Channel to England. Calais is a fairly unenchanting town covering an area of around 4½ mls E to W and with a population of 75,000, Calais is dominated by its restless port and is the main port for cross-Channel ferries connecting the UK and continental Europe (it also plays host to the French terminal for the Channel Tunnel). Most people pass straight through, as Calais has few attractions apart from the bustling hypermarkets and vast shopping centres which are designed to satisfy an incessant flow of bargain-hungry day-trippers. Calais Nord is the old town, rebuilt after the Second World War when 70% of the town was destroyed; this quarter comprises the dreary Place d'Armes main square surrounded by fairly rundown post-war construction. The 13th-century Tour du Guet watchtower is one of the few survivors from the pre-war past. Winding canals separate this area from the sprawling, less touristy Calais Sud, centred on the shopping streets of Boulevard La Fayette and Boulevard Jacquard.

Locality:

Calais is situated on the N coast of France, 21 mls NE of Boulogne, 169 mls N of Paris, 32 mls SW of the Belgian border, 74 mls NW of Lille airport and 140 mls W of Brussels international airport. The town is surrounded by open countryside on 3 sides and the English Channel to the N. Calais is set on relatively flat land straddling the Canal de Calais.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Calais is generally regarded as suitable for all ages and budgets and is very popular as a stopover and for shopping due to it's position on the coast. Accommodation in Calais is predominantly 2-star establishments suiting those on a budget; small selection of 3-stars in the centre of Calais Nord. The beaches are wide 3½-ml-long beach of fine yellow sand, lined with small beach huts; rather exposed to the elements but net fences create low dunes, ideal for sheltering from the wind. Low tide reveals a vast expanse of sand, suitable for land yachting and kite flying. Suitable for swimming; lifeguard service in summer. There are generally no amenities or sunbathing facilities.

The biggest attraction in Calais is without doubt it's shopping facilities built purposely to deal with stop overs and shopping trips from the UK. The vast Cite de l'Europe shopping complex adjacent to the Channel Tunnel terminal is very popular and there are 2 large hypermarkets and many smaller competitors offering a wide selection of cheap beer, wine and cheese among other continental specialities. There is a food market at Place d'Armes twice a week. There are some fashion boutiques, mainly in Calais Sud.

Cultural and traditional attractions include a war museum housed in a concrete bunker; museum of fine arts and lace; Hotel de Ville (town hall) with "Burghers of Calais" (Auguste Rodin's bronze statues); Tour du Guet watchtower; lighthouse for panoramic views; horse and buggy rides; canal boat trips; land yachting; go-karting; cycling (tandem hire available); leisure centre with billiards and bowling; covered heated swimming pool. Nightlife is fairly lively Rue Royale is lined with restaurants, cafes, a couple of nightclubs and a casino; various pubs in Calais Sud.

Eating out offers a selection of over 40 restaurants with a good choice of traditional local dishes, mainly fish and seafood; also Italian, Indian and Chinese establishments. Day-trippers are catered for with self-service and fast-food outlets. Prices in general are fairly reasonable.