Calais City Self Guided Walking Tour

Wander through shady plane trees, charming 19th-century facades, and cozy cafés. Smell fresh bread, spot vibrant street art, and step back into Calais’ golden age of trams and lacework charm.

Behold Calais’ Town Hall a fairytale marvel of red brick, pale stone, and a soaring 75m clock tower. Its Flemish Renaissance style and Gothic windows are a breathtaking ode to timeless elegance.

The Belfry of Calais’ Town Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage gem, symbolizing civic pride. Its stunning design is part of a historic network of belfries across France and Belgium.

Rodin’s Burghers of Calais captures raw sacrifice six citizens who faced death to save their city in 1347. Their anguished expressions mark a turning point in emotional, human-centered sculpture.

The Monument aux Morts honors Calais’ fallen heroes with a towering tribute of Victory, a grieving France, and a brave soldier. Unveiled in 1904, it immortalizes sacrifice, courage, and patriotism.

Saint-Pierre Park, a lush escape since 1863, features tree-lined paths, floral art, sculptures, and the iconic Three Graces Fountain marking Calais’ first fresh water from the Guînes Canal.

As you leave the park, take a slight left to rejoin Boulevard Jacquard and continue your walk to the next stop. We're now heading towards the Tourist Office.

From fishing village to vital port, Calais rose through trade, war, and resilience. Once held by England, now a cultural hub, it welcomes millions still shaped by history and the sea.

Spot the maroon facade of Calais’ Tourist Office your go-to for maps, tips, and friendly advice. Step inside for souvenirs or to plan your perfect Calais adventure with local insights.

Richelieu Park blends nature and history with 7 acres of trails, a fish-filled waterfall, and a Churchill–De Gaulle statue honoring unity and offering calm in the heart of Calais.

Just steps from Richelieu Park, Calais Museum of Fine Arts showcases Flemish masters, Rodin, Picasso, and 400,000 lace pieces blending fine art and fashion in a true cultural gem.

Rue Royale charms with cozy shops, local treats, and post-war resilience. Rebuilt in brick after WWII, it’s a relaxed stroll full of hidden gems, inviting scents, and everyday French life.

Église Notre-Dame de Calais blends Tudor and Gothic styles, wartime scars, royal weddings, and Rubens’ art. Beneath it lie ancient crypts adding mystery to this historic and resilient landmark.

Step through the crisp white arch into a cinematic view light framing your path to Place d’Armes. This striking corridor leads you from quiet corners into the heart of Calais’ historic square.

Place d’Armes blends history and charm from its 13th-century watchtower to lively markets and cafés. Once a medieval hub, now a vibrant square full of life, flavor, and timeless Calais spirit.

The 13th-century Tour du Guet stands as Calais’ oldest survivor once a lookout, now a symbol of strength. Nearby, a tender statue of De Gaulle and Yvonne honors love, legacy, and local pride.

Built in 1848, the Calais Lighthouse stands 58m tall, guiding ships with its enduring beam. Climb 271 steps for Channel views or simply soak in the sea air and timeless coastal calm.

Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul offers quiet charm with its simple stone façade, arched windows, and glowing stained glass, an unassuming yet peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Calais

Here we are at this point, take a gentle left and keep walking straight onto Rue Eugène Rivet.

The Monument aux Sauveteurs honors two Calais men who died rescuing sailors in 1791. Sculpted in 1899, it stands as a powerful tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the city’s deep maritime soul.

Courgain Maritime, Calais’ historic fishing district, is rich with grit and pride. Rebuilt after WWII, its narrow streets and red-tiled homes honor generations of brave, sea-bound Courguinois.

The Stèle Calvaire des Marins Disparus is a quiet tribute to lost sailors marked by a wooden cross, nets, and names etched in stone. A solemn, powerful reminder of lives claimed by the sea.

The Louis XVIII Column marks the king’s 1814 return from exile via Calais. With a bronze footprint and Tuscan flair, it stands as a symbol of restored order and royal history by the sea.

Calais Marina Bassin du Paradis blends old fishing tales with modern charm. Boats sway gently, gulls glide above, and local lore lives on in taps for luck before heading to sea.

Henri Hénon Bridge leads to Calais Marina, where boats drift between the Pleasure and Paradise Basins. Once a WWII hideout, now a scenic spot full of sea air, charm, and maritime legend.

Tom Souville, Calais’ daring corsair, stands in heroic pose near the marina. A real-life privateer from the Napoleonic era, he defended the coast with grit, flair, and fearless maritime pride.

Fort Risban, built by the English in 1346, has survived wars, takeovers, and time. Once a stronghold and WWII shelter, its weathered stones still guard Calais’ coast with legends in every crack.

Home to Calais’ fire-breathing dragon, this glass lair blends steel, art, and spectacle. Ride the 10m beast for a dramatic seaside tour, part theater, part machine, all unforgettable magic.

At France’s closest point to the UK, gaze across just 33 km of sea to spot the White Cliffs of Dover. A clear day turns this scenic spot into a surreal glimpse of another country.

Pause by the sea, no facts, no steps, just stillness. Let the waves, wind, and sky wrap around you. A quiet moment to breathe, reflect, and carry Calais’ beauty in your heart.