Calais Ferry Port

The Port of Calais is situated in the départment Pas de Calais on the North Coast of France facing across the Channel toward Dover. It has all available modern facilities designed for the reception of large traditional vessels, the loading and unloading of bulk cargo and diversified merchandise and being able to handle the 60 return car ferry services that are handled each day. Calais has maintained its position as a premier port in mainland Europe for tourist and freight traffic and both continue to show a year on year increase. Calais Port has maintained its market share of freight traffic over the Channel Tunnel at over 50 per cent. Passenger carryings on services operated from Dover by P&O Ferries, Seafrance and Hoverspeed have continued to increase and have led to the decision by the port operator, Calais Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to start building a second double ramp berth to handle the new generation of superferries like the Seafrance Rodin, a 32,000 tones multi-purpose ferry introduced in 2002 and P&O Ferries recent conversion of two freight ships into 2,000 passenger capacity multi purpose ships.

Calais Town

The English occupied Calais from 1347 to 1558 and it became a valued bridgehead that English kings clung to as a base for trade with the Continent, and from which to send armies into Continental wars. The town was captured again by the Spanish in 1596 but returned to France under the Treaty of Vervins in 1598. Virtually the entire town was flattened in WWII. The town centre is dominated by its distinctive Hotel de Ville (town hall), built in the Flemish Renaissance style with the famous statue of the "Six Burghers of Calais" immediately in front. Take a stroll and see the Citadel's ancient walls and the Watch Tower. Then visit the Church Tower of Notre Dame now being restored to its former glory. For the lovers of History - visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle and 'Little England'. The German wartime military headquarters is now open to the public as Calais War Museum.

Calais Shopping

Calais has a huge selection of shops - three hypermarkets, half a dozen supermarkets and in the town centre a variety of independent, family-run shops, as well as two colourful Saturday markets. Many British visit Calais to stock up on cheap beer, wine and spirits at the out-of-town hypermarkets and Cite Europe shopping complex, however, an increasing number find shopping in the town a much more rewarding experience. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of chocolates, bread, cheese and charcuterie in specialist shops. You can buy designer label clothes and lingerie in chic boutiques. Pick-up bargains of china, glass, linen, luggage, and even DIY products. Once you have finished shopping, get a taste of the real France. Calais has an excellent choice of restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.

Around Calais

Calais and the surrounding coast and country offer a perfect base for a short break. It offers a breathtaking coastline with mile upon mile of huge empty beaches of fine white sand with the tall cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Grips Nez. Inland is countryside of rolling hills, small river valleys and forests. High standard modestly priced accommodation and restaurants to suit most pockets and tastes can be found throughout the area to offer a taste of the real France. Nearby villages offer great versatility. Visit too the Nazi's V2 rocket base at La Coupole just a few minutes drive from Calais. Experience Hitler's massive Dome of Destruction. Visit the Transparent Man, at le Cité Europe, a remarkable, state-of-the-art multimedia tour of the human body - it's educational and fun for the whole family.

Find out more about Calais and the Port of Calais.