For many Britons, Calais is their first sight of mainland Europe. Quite what the locals think as they watch British cars laden with beer and wine until the suspension groans, I'm not sure. The cross channel shopping trade exists due to a weak Euro and low alcohol and tobacco taxation on the French side. As Calais is the closest port to the UK it has led to it becoming Europe's busiest passenger port. This geographical closeness has also afforded the town a rich history but World War Two bombing has destroyed many of its physical manifestations. Calais has been invaded by numerous countries throughout its history, including the Romans, Spanish, English, Germans and again today by cross channel shoppers.

"The English stayed for 200 years but their influence extended much longer"

WatchtowerTourist Information Office is within the old town. The town walls have gone but the canal that formed the moat around the town remains. The 13th Century Watchtower in the Place d'Armes survives. It was close to this watchtower that six Burghers offered their lives if the English would spare the lives of the town's occupants. Edward III had just defeated the town following a seven month siege in 1347. They were only spared on the intervention of Edwards' wife Phillipa of Hainault. The famous statue by Rodin outside the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) commemorates these 6 Burghers
The English stayed for 200 years but their influence extended much longer. In the 19th Century, Lacemakers from Nottingham settled in the town. You can learn more about the history of lacemaking by visiting the Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle. It also displays a fine selection of watercolours and sculpture related drawings.
Other sights worthy of a visit include the old harbour and old lighthouse (Le Phare) which dates from 1848. The lighthouse affords a good view of the Port and environs.
Hidden amidst the trees in the park opposite the Town Hall is an old German communications bunker. This is now home to the Musée de la Guerre (War Museum). The displays show life during the Second World War.

Excursions


You should include time to visit the Cîte de l'Europe if you are in Calais. To the South West of Calais the Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Griz Nez and the bay of Wissant are quite beautiful. The Atlantic Wall Museum and La Fortresse de Mimoyecues are two World War Two Museums that you'd be sorry to  miss, if you are interested in WW2 history that is.


Calais Hotel de Vile

Budget hotel accommodation

in Calais

Hotel Formule 1 - 1 Hotel
EtapHotel1 Hotel
Balladins - 1 Hotel
B&B HOTEL - 1 Hotel

Mid Price hotels
Cottage Hotel - 1 Hotel
Meurice
Campanile Hotel - 1 Hotel
Ibis - 2 Hotels + 1 at Channel Tunnel
Kyriad - 1 Hotel
SuiteHotel 1
Mercure

Food and fuel

Shopping
Some of the lowest priced food, fuel and other consummables may be obtained in the Hypermarkets. Supermarkets can also offer good deals , those with a presence in Calais include Intermarché, Champion, Aldi and Lidl.
Hypermarkets
Auchan
Ave Roger Salengro
Route de Boulogne RN1
62100 CALAIS		 Tel 03 21 46 92 92
Mon - Sat 9h30 -22h00
 Fuel
Carrefour
Bd Kent
Cîte de l'Europe
62231 COQUELLES		 Tel 03 21 46 75 55
Mon - Fri 9h00 -22h00
Sat 8h30 -22h00		 Fuel
Cafeteria
Restuarants nearby
Carrefour
Ave Guynemer
BP 19
62102 CALAIS
 Tel 03 21 19 64 64
Mon - Sat 8h30 - 21h00		 Cafeteria

Tourist Information

Tourist Information Office
OFFICE DE TOURISME
12 Boulevard Clemenceau
BP 94
62100 CALAIS
Tel 03 21 96 62 40
Fax 03 21 96 01 92
E mail: ot@ot-calais.fr
Web: www.OT-calais.fr

Musée de la Guerre (War Museum)
Parc Saint Pierre
62100 CALAIS
Tel 03 21 34 21 57
Open 1 Feb - 1 Oct Not Tuesdays
11:00 to 1700 1Apr - 30 Sep 10h00- 18h00

Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle
Fine Art and Lace Museum
25, rue Richeliieu
62100 CALAIS
Tel 03 21 46 48 40
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