Calais, France » City Info » Economy

Calais lies in the department of Pas de Calais, is a part of the region of Nord Pas de Calais, which is in Northern France. The area of Pas de Calais was primarily dependent on coal for a long time. But the disastrous event of World War II had made a significant impact on the department's economy, making it more diverse.

Calais is a coastal town, and its closeness to England made it a major port for many centuries. France and England have been bonded together by the English Channel. The ferry ports of Calais in France and the town of Dover in South East England are used for trade. The French end of the English Channel lies at Coquelles, which is just 6.5km (4-miles) away from Calais.

The foundation of the town's economy has and will always be its port, but it also produces indigenous products such as lace, chemicals and paper. It is directly linked to Paris via railway lines.

The taxes imposed by both UK and the French governments are different, with alcoholic drinks, tobacco cheaper in Calais. Its closeness to England; make it a frequent tourist place for day-trippers who buy alcohol and tobacco on a huge scale. But as the countries follow EU customs rules, no restrictions can be imposed as long as the alcohol bought is for personal use.

Calais is connected directly to Europe and England via the Eurostar line, with the international station of Gare de Calais-Frethun being the first stop in Europe. The other railway station is Gare de Calais-Ville.