Only a short 26 miles from Dover, Calais is the United Kingdom’s gateway to France. While the small shore city is currently in the news for its migrant population, the region is a popular stop with many European travelers, amounting to more than 10 million yearly.
Enjoy breakfast at Café de la Tour. The menu is simple, with choices from bakery items and a full English breakfast, ranging from €1.30–€8.90. However, eat in the outdoor sitting area and you’ll have an unbeatable view of the historic Tour de Guet, a medieval watchtower that also served as a military post during World War II.
You can visit another type of tower while in Calais as well. The Calais Lighthouse was built in the 1800s. More than 250 steps lead to the top, where guests enjoy views of the English Channel and, on a clear day, the White Cliffs of Dover. Entry is €2.50.
Head to the Town Hall, where you can find the UNESCO-recognized Beffroi de l’Hôtel de Ville de Calais. The belfry is one of 56 of the Belfries of Belgium and France listed by UNESCO for their historical, architectural and social importance. Entry is free.
Right near the town hall is the Musee de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale, a museum focusing on World War II. For only €6, you can explore a former Nazi bunker, which houses the museum itself, and the 20 rooms featuring an array of artifacts and interactive exhibits. An English audio guide is available.
Despite its small size, the Musée des Beaux Arts offers an array of interesting work. You’ll find sculptures from Rodin, as well as work by Pablo Picasso, among others. Entry is €3.
Grab lunch or dinner at Au Côte d’Argent, a restaurant offering both views of the ocean and a delicious menu filled with seafood. The menu starts at €17 for a two-course dinner. Menu items include lobster fricassee, smoked salmon celeriac, snails with chicory mushrooms and more.
Read This Next
Under $100: Lille, France
Under $100 / Europe
May 10, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedCruises
Sep 12, 2024Holland America Line Opens 2026 Europe Season
Holland America Line’s 2026 Europe season is open for booking. Four ships will take guests to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and trans-Atlantic cruises.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Hotel
Sep 12, 2024This Hotel Brand Will Match a Trip to Your Personality Type
Avani Hotels & Resorts launched a unique experience for guests, who can now take an online quiz allowing them to discover which of the six “Avani Tribe” travel types they fit into.
Destinations / North America
Sep 11, 2024What to Do During a Fall Trip to Willamette Valley, Oregon
Planning a fall trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley? Here’s what you need to add to your itinerary. It’s all about two words: harvest season.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Hotel
Sep 11, 2024Lüm Hotel Reopens in the Heart of Los Angeles
Lüm Hotel announced its grand reopening, ready to host travelers and locals alike to experience its new modern accommodations and exciting amenities. The hotel is in a prime location of the city, sitting adjacent to the brand-new, multibillion-dollar Intuit Dome. The hotel is also located across the street from Hollywood Park, home to Sofi Stadium; YouTube Theater; plenty of parks, trails and local businesses; and a short walk from Kia Forum. Lüm Hotel’s location makes it the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts, concert fans and other major events.
ShareThis