Things To Do
in Calais
Calais is a port city in northern France on the edge of the English Channel. It serves as a historic gateway between France and Britain, with a busy ferry terminal and international rail connections. The town blends maritime industry, beaches, and a rich wartime heritage with markets, seafood eateries, and coastal scenery.
Beyond the port, Calais offers cultural sights, scenic promenades, and access to the Opal Coast for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Fly into Calais or take the Eurotunnel from the UK. Once you arrive, check into a charming local hotel to refresh after your journey. Take a leisurely morning to stroll around the picturesque streets and get your first taste of the French atmosphere.
Explore the local museums, starting with the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a significant collection of art. Enjoy a traditional French lunch at a local bistro, savoring dishes such as coq au vin or a fresh seafood platter. Spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful parks or along the beach to enjoy the coastal scenery.
Head to the city center for a wonderful dinner featuring regional specialties. After dining, visit a local café to unwind with a glass of wine while soaking in the ambiance of the charming town. Conclude the evening with a relaxing walk along the waterfront, taking in the views of the harbor lights.
After breakfast, take a short train ride to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where you can enjoy a beautiful seaside morning. Visit the Nausicaá Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, to learn about marine life. Spend time at the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air and gathering your thoughts.
Enjoy lunch at one of Boulogne's seaside restaurants and indulge in the local seafood. Post-lunch, explore the historic Old Town, where you can see the impressive Boulogne Cathedral. If time allows, visit the Château-Musée for a look into the region’s rich history.
Return to Calais and prepare for a delightful evening. Dine at a cozy restaurant, trying local dishes while chatting with fellow travelers. After dinner, visit a nearby bar to taste some local craft beers and enjoy live music if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚎Public transport day pass | $6-10 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Opal Coast and easy access to the UK
- Fresh seafood and harbor atmosphere
- Relatively affordable compared with other French cities
- Compact and walkable city center
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Weather can be windy and rainy
- Ferry terminal crowds can be busy
- Some tourist infrastructure can feel touristy in places
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition, s’il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je suis perdu(e)" - I am lost
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Calais
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic green-and-white lighthouse at the edge of the harbor, offering dramatic sea views and a foreground of fishing boats.
14th- to 16th-century belfry with city views from the tower and a sense of historic architecture.
Working harbor with cranes, ships, and reflections at sunrise.
For dramatic cliff-top coastal panoramas, sea stacks, and chalk cliffs along the Opal Coast.
Food in Calais
Calais Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed mussels served with fries, a quintessential coastal dish found in most harbor-side brasseries.
Must-Try!
A cheese and beer sauce poured over toasted bread, a regional specialty often served as a warming starter.
A rich fish soup common in northern ports, usually with rouille and croutons.
A Flemish-meat terrine served cold with bread, reflecting Calais' cross-border culinary heritage.
Fresh catches prepared simply with herbs and lemon.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic indoor market with seafood, cheese, produce, and regional specialties.
Casual stalls and small eateries offering fried fish, crepes, waffles, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' and 'Bonsoir' depending on the time of day.
Use French for polite conversation; many people speak some English in tourist areas.
Keep voices moderate in restaurants; say 's’il vous plaît' and 'merci' during service.
Safety
Tipping in Calais
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is included in most restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cards (credit/debit) are widely accepted; cash is fine; contactless and mobile payments are common; small vendors may take cash only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming flowers; occasional showers; good for city walks and markets.
Warm but breezy; lively beach scene, longer days, and outdoor dining; expect crowds near the port.
Cooler, windy days; good for beaches at quieter times and coastal hikes.
Cool to cold and windy; less daylight; coastal walks still possible with warm layers.
Calais at Night
Hiking in Calais
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cliff-top paths with sweeping sea views and chalk cliffs, a short drive from Calais.
Scenic coastline trail with vistas toward the English Channel and fishing villages.
Airports
How to reach Calais by plane.
A small regional airport near Marck, serving limited flights and general aviation; the closest major airports are Lille and Paris for international flights.
Large regional airport about 1.5-2 hours by road, with domestic and international flights; good for connections to major hubs.
Small regional airport near Le Touquet, offering seasonal and domestic flights; often used for access to the Opal Coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French with a mix of urban professionals and families.
Visitors from France and neighboring countries who stay for a few days to explore the coast.
Some immigrant populations in the broader region; Calais has a history of migrant-related issues and services nearby.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals with local clubs and weekend matches.
Coastal winds and harbor conditions support water sports for enthusiasts.
Coastal routes and parks; popular for training and leisure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calais.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose seasonal vegetables, salads, and cheese plates; ask for vegetarian seafood alternatives and confirm broths are meat-free.
Many restaurants can accommodate with gluten-free bread and pasta; mention cross-contamination and look for labeled items.