Calais
France · Hauts-de-FranceFR
Subprefecture and commune in Hauts-de-France, France
Calais is a French major port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais. The population of the city proper is 67,585; that of the urban area is 144,488 (2022). Calais overlooks the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only 34 km (21 mi) wide here, and is the closest French town to England. The White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen from Calais on a clear day. Calais is a major port for ferries between France and England. The Channel Tunnel has connected Calais and Folkestone since 1994.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 67,571
- Coordinates
- 50.952, 1.856
- Timezone
- Europe/Paris
- Elevation
- 3 m
Overview of Calais
Calais is the kind of mid-sized city you find in Hauts-de-France, France. It counts about 67,571 residents. Which tells you how much ground there is to cover. Its strongest draws are adventure, culture and water sports. Season planning starts with its northern-hemisphere location.
Things to do in Calais
Adventure in Calais
(5)Under adventure, Calais is tagged with Abseiling, Adventure Parks, Climbing, Off Road Trails and Treasure Hunts. Each one is worth building half a day around. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Calais.
Culture in Calais
(4)For culture, expect Art Galleries, Docks, Mines and Museums. Easy to slot into a wider itinerary. The list follows Calais's own activity tags.
Water Sports in Calais
(4)For water sports, expect Bodyboard, Surf, Wakeboard and Windsurfing. Easy to slot into a wider itinerary. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Calais.
Family in Calais
(3)For family, expect Aquariums, Water Parks and Zoo. Plan them together and you have a full day. The list follows Calais's own activity tags.
Sports in Calais
(3)Calais records Biking, Golf and Snow Tubing under sports. Everything listed here comes from what Calais is actually tagged with. A compact set that still fills a visit.
Nature in Calais
(2)On the nature side, Calais offers Countryside and Lakes. Everything listed here comes from what Calais is actually tagged with. A compact set that still fills a visit.
Nightlife in Calais
(2)Looking for nightlife? Calais has Casinos and Nightlife. Each one is worth building half a day around. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Calais.
Shopping in Calais
(1)Our data lists Shopping as shopping options here. Each one is worth building half a day around. The list follows Calais's own activity tags.
Wellness in Calais
(1)The wellness shortlist for Calais: Farms. All of it is drawn from Calais's recorded activities. A compact set that still fills a visit.
More to do in Calais
(2)On the other activities side, Calais offers Fishing and Secret. Everything listed here comes from what Calais is actually tagged with. A compact set that still fills a visit.
Best time to visit Calais
June to September is the window for swimming, boating and beach time. The shoulder months of April to June and September to October suit hiking and outdoor days. Snow activities belong to December to February. Calais stays visitable year-round thanks to its indoor options.
Getting there & around
Regional links serve Calais, and the centre does not need a car. Time zone: Europe/Paris.
Similar destinations
Places near Calais that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Calais known for?
- Calais, in Hauts-de-France, France, is best known for adventure, culture and water sports. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 67,571 residents.
- What can you do in Calais?
- Recorded activities in Calais include Abseiling, Adventure Parks, Climbing, Off Road Trails and Treasure Hunts. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Calais?
- June to September is the window for swimming, boating and beach time. The shoulder months of April to June and September to October suit hiking and outdoor days. Snow activities belong to December to February. Calais stays visitable year-round thanks to its indoor options.
- Where is Calais located?
- Calais is located in Hauts-de-France, France. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
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