Calais, France » City Info

Calais is a city positioned cosily in the French region of Nord-Pas de Calais. It is the closest port in France that has become the binding factor for trade and tourism between France and England via the English Channel. The Strait of Dover which lies across the English Channel on the United Kingdom mainland is as close as 32 km to Calais. In fact, Calais was a British territory for many centuries before it became part of Northern France. On a clear day, Dover's famous white cliffs can easily be viewed from Calais.

The city is separated in two parts: the old town and the modern town. The old town, known as Calais-Nord is located on a manmade island bordered by canals and harbours. The other part, i.e. the modern town, known as St-Pierre, lies to the south.

The Port of Calais offers ferry services to England via the English Channel and therefore is a favourite day time picnic destination among the British people. The main reason for this is that France levies smaller taxes on alcohol and tobacco and therefore you can find a lot of stores that supply drinks and cigarettes at a cheaper price.

The city is not just famous for being an important port connecting France and England, but also as a developing tourist centre with its rich cultural heritage, museums, French gastronomic delights, spirited nightlife and its Belfries, (siege towers constructed to protect the town from invasions) which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.