City break in Calais. Active leisure ideas for Calais - attractions, recreation and nightlife

First of all, tourists should visit the heart of Calais – Place d'Armes. On this square, visitors can attend charming shops and admire gorgeous historic buildings. Twice a week, interesting fair trades are open on this square, and tourists will certainly find it very interesting to visit them. The tradition of these one-day fair trades appeared several centuries ago. Here, visitors can find local organic products, unique handicrafts, and even antiquities. The square looks particularly attractive during the Christmas period. It becomes incredibly cozy and attractive, a true quintessence of inimitable French charm.

Aquar’aile restaurant is an absolutely fabulous place to have a meal and admire attractive surroundings. This restaurant is open on the top floor of one of the tallest buildings in Calais. Aquar’aile offers a breathtaking view of the sea and coast, as well as neighborhoods of the city. The restaurant mostly specializes in fish and seafood dishes. Brasserie is one of the most unusual types of French cafes. As a rule, they offer home food, such as pies, traditional Flemish cuisine, and craft beer.

Calais is famous primarily for its textile industry. Feather-weight lace and tulle are internationally famous for their exceptional quality and beauty. There is a museum dedicated to this industry in the city. It offers an interesting exhibition dedicated to the process of making lace, ornaments, and embroidery. There are both new and old weaver looms, as well as the finest textiles. Moreover, the museum hosts thematic master-classes twice a month. At these meetings, visitors can try to make their own lace, try sewing and embroidery, and even learn how to make own clothes. However, there is one thing to consider – all these master-classes are usually in French. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ruins of the first castle are the main symbol and the most famous landmark in the city. Count of Boulogne made an order to build the castle yet in the 12th century. Later, the castle was rebuilt in the 16th century, turning from a dungeon into an impenetrable fortress. Excursions dedicated to the ancient castle will help you learn more about the history of Calais, marine and land-based fights, and English occupation. Besides that, it is one more wonderful opportunity to take a stroll in a picturesque area and admire gorgeous sea views and charming neighborhoods of Calais. There is a souvenir shop with nice items.

Calais is one of the closest French cities to the border with the United Kingdom. Before the building of the Channel tunnel, Calais was the main transition hub between the countries. Once the tunnel was opened, sea connection lost its dominance, but it is still possible to take a boat and cross La Manche, reaching England (don’t forget that you need to have identification documents and a visa). It is also possible to make a short voyage and explore the English Channel. Every year, this channel becomes the location of interesting contests, such as watercraft riding competitions, and contests of professional and amateur swimmers.

Don’t forget to visit Calais Beach. It is a comfortable, big, and very clean sandy beach. Both tourists and locals enjoy visiting it regardless of the time of a year. There are comfortable and well-equipped areas for picnics and sunbathing, and striking sea views simply cannot leave visitors indifferent. It is also worth noticing high safety of the beach – there are beach inspector towers, buoys, and safe bottom free of garbage and sharp pieces. Several small cafes at Calais Beach will not leave visitors hungry or thirsty. Finally, dressing cabins and public toilets make this beach very comfortable (they are not available in the wild part of the beach).

Parc St Pierre is a small park that is located in the center of the city. Even though the park is not big, it is a place with its own unique atmosphere: forged railings and treillage, stone parapets in the Roman style, figures made of stone and bushes, showy alleys with century-old trees, and well-kept flowerbeds – the park is a peaceful place that is perfect for relaxing and forgetting about all troubles. It is particularly pleasant to visit this park in summer and relax near the central fountain, in spring when visitors can smell the aroma of blooming flowers, and in the evening when vintage lights illuminate the park. There are also several summerhouses and a playground for children.

Parc Richelieu is one more amazing place to relax. First of all, it is interesting to visit this park to see unusual sculptures that are located here – a military memorial and an arc. Moreover, the park is an incredibly picturesque place. It has a small pond, old trees, well-kept lawn, and numerous flowerbeds. The design of the park is slightly different depending on its part. There are, for example, classic park areas and a Japanese corner with stones, a fountain, and oriental décor. Comfortable benches and a nice playground for kids make Parc Richelieu even more attractive.