Travel Guide to Calais
From the English coast the ferry port of Calais is only 40 kms away. The ferry port has an appealing blend of French and English cultures. The town brings in millions of tourists each year with some of its most appealing sights including war relics, as well as WWII bunker fortresses built by the Germans for housing and launching V2 rockets and V3 rocket-assisted cannons.
Info on Calais Key attractions
One of the main attractions in Calais is La Forteresse de Mimoyecques. This is accessed through the side of the hill and it contains a maze of tunnels and chambers. Joseph Kennedy (brother of US President John F Kennedy) was killed in an air raid on this facility, which then fell to the Allies in 1944. La Coupole and the Blockhaus in the Foret d’Eperlecques are another two places to be visited. The 13 th Century watchtower was secured in the was and is a must see. Beside the old harbour ant the lighthouse which boasts charming views of the port and surrounding coast.
Out and about in Calais
Calais has so much to see and do in the area. Close to the seaside resort of Le Touquet it has clean beaches, plenty of water sports and nice lively nightlife including a casino. A short drive takes you to Dunkerque, which is the scene of many important historical events. On the other hand there us St-Omer’s major feature is Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates back from the 13 th Century and filled with magnificent Gothic architecture. Cassel is home to the supposed hill up which the Grand Old Duke of York marched up with his 10,000 men. Whether that’s true or not, you will find spectacular views from the top of the hill.
Relaxation Options
Calais recommends a variety of restaurants, not only this but with lively nightlife around bars, pubs and cafés. Tourists are attracted to the enormous wine emporiums and buy as much as they can before heading back home.
Getting to Calais
Calais does not have and airport, but you can fly to London’s Heathrow or Gatwick airports. Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the closest major airport to Calais.
It is suitable to cross the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel. The crossing time from Dover to Calais is just 30 minutes.
By Eurostar passenger trains or with you car it takes 30 minutes as well.
The ferry from Dover to Calais is fast, cheap and comfortable.
Hotels in Calais
Hotel Holiday Inn Calais Coquelles is a dream hotel due to it’s location for international passengers. It is located in the woodland; this elegant, modern hotel is only a few minutes away from the Channel Tunnel, ferry terminal and main motorways. It is a very suitable place for shopping at the Cité de l'Europe. This hotel is a 3 star hotel.
Hotel Belazur is located in downtown Calais, Place d’Armes. It is within walking distance to the main restaurants, bars, discos, shops and business. The location of the hotel attracts many of the tourists in Calais because of its location.
Safety in Calais
Be carefully when visiting foreign countries and other areas. Tourists are more likely to have accidents when in another country and on holiday. You should remain alert all the time you are there. When visiting Annecy, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.
Weather in Calais
Due to the proximity to the English Channel the weather in Calais is similar to England. Summer temperatures average between 14-20C and it can be cold in winter with the temperature dropping to between 3-5C. You can expect up to 77 days of rain a year, with the wettest months being between September and November.