Calais travel guide and discussion

Looking for an affordable way to travel from the UK back to mainland Europe? We travelled from London to Lille by bus and ferry, and what we expected to be a long and exhausting journey turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable travel day. The main reason we chose this option was the price. We paid approximately US$65 / €56 for 2 people in June 2026 (Exchange rates vary, so this is just a reference.) And for that price, we were very happy with the experience. 🚌 London → Ferry Port The first part of the journey was only around 2.5 hours, which went by surprisingly quickly. We then stopped for immigration before boarding the ferry. And this was probably the biggest surprise of the whole journey: It was incredibly easy. There was no long queue, no stressful questioning and no complicated process for us. We went through immigration smoothly and were soon back on the bus. ⛴️ The ferry Then came the part we weren’t expecting to enjoy so much. The ferry crossing took around 1.5 hours, and instead of spending that entire time sitting on a bus, we were free to get off and explore the ferry. There are several decks with plenty of space to walk around, a restaurant and a café, seating areas and beautiful views of the sea. You can even get some work done, there are tables with power outlets, and the internet connection worked well for us. And yes… 😂 There was even a casino! Travelling with a pet? There is also a dedicated pet area, which makes the crossing more comfortable for travellers bringing their furry companions. But our favourite part was definitely the outdoor deck. Being able to step outside, feel the sea air and simply watch the English Channel while travelling to France made the journey feel much more like an experience than just transportation. 🌊 ⏰ Back to the bus About 15 minutes before arriving in France, an announcement lets passengers know that it’s time to return to the bus. Once we arrived in Calais, we had another journey of around 1 hour and 15 minutes before reaching Lille. From Lille, we continued on to Brussels, but the city is also well connected to other major destinations in France and Europe by train and bus. 💡 Why we’d recommend it We started the journey expecting: 🥱 Long + tiring + uncomfortable And ended up thinking: 🌊 “Wait… we’re already here?” The combination of bus + ferry actually breaks up the journey really nicely. Instead of sitting in the same seat for hours, you get time to walk around, eat, work, enjoy the sea views and stretch your legs. For us, it was a very affordable and surprisingly pleasant way to leave the UK and return to mainland Europe. If you’re travelling from London and don’t mind spending a little longer on the road, we’d definitely consider this option again. Have you ever travelled between the UK and mainland Europe by ferry? Would you choose this over flying? 🚌⛴️👇

Calais was one of the historical towns in France and Britain and now it's the perfect dreamy escape place for couples and families 🥳 Situated in Northern France and along the French coast, Calais has the soft and sandy beaches with the lovely English Channel view. Colorful beach huts and ice cream truck are also everywhere. As Calais is one of the important transportation between European countries and UK, it offers different kinds of public transport including local trains & bus, Eurotunnel and various cruise routes which brings convenient to tourists. I am sure that you could also find many good value of hotels and luxury hotels to book via trip.com easily 😉 #mytripvlog

Tap for details ✨ If you love fairytale towns, scenic lakes, and dreamy castles, this Europe road trip is for you 🚗✨ Time needed: 7–10 days ⏰ Budget: ££ (stay outside main tourist spots to save or hire a campervan as we did) 💰 If you’re travelling from London or the south of England we recommend getting the Ferry from Dover to Calais 🚢 Stop 1: Champagne, France FR Start your trip in the Champagne region, the birthplace of bubbly! Visit world-famous houses like Moët & Chandon, explore Reims’ stunning cathedral, and enjoy vineyard views. 🍾 Stop 2: Stausee Steg, Liechtenstein LI A hidden gem in the Alps! This turquoise lake is perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic. Liechtenstein is tiny but beautiful—explore Vaduz and the mountains while you’re here. Stop 3: Eibsee, Germany DE One of the most stunning lakes in Germany! Crystal-clear water, mountain reflections, and great hiking trails. You can also take the cable car up to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Stop 4: Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany DE Straight out of a Disney movie, this castle is a must-see! It’s popular, so book tickets in advance or just enjoy the view from Marienbrücke (the famous bridge). 🏰 Stop 5: Luxembourg LU A tiny country packed with charm. Wander through the old town, visit Bock Casemates (a fortress with underground tunnels), and soak up the fairytale vibes. Stop 6: Dinant, Belgium BE An underrated beauty! This riverside town is known for its cliffside citadel, saxophone history, and picture-perfect views. Don’t forget to try a couque de Dinant (super hard but traditional biscuits!). Stop 7: Bruges, Belgium BE End your trip in one of Europe’s most magical cities. Cobblestone streets, canals, and dreamy medieval buildings—Bruges is like stepping back in time. Take a boat tour and indulge in Belgian waffles & chocolate before heading home. Note: there’s 5 countries listed here BUT the route takes you through Switzerland so you can add on an extra stop here if you have enough time CH Who’s adding this to their bucket list? 👀 #europeroadtrip #roadtrips #eurosummer #europetrip #europetravels #uktravelblogger

If there is one absolute "must-see" landscape to experience in a lifetime, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the White Cliffs at the edge of the world. Located in Kent, Southeast England, the White Cliffs of Dover look out across the English Channel toward Calais, France. Formed by the accumulation of microscopic organisms over millions of years, these chalk cliffs stretch for several miles and reach heights of hundreds of feet. Throughout history, they served as a natural rampart to welcome returning ships and repel invaders. Today, they remain one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Britain. ✨ 3 Can't-Miss Highlights The Visual Impact of the World’s Edge: Walking along the clifftop trails, you are flanked by rolling green hills on one side and sheer white drops into the sea on the other. The stark color contrast feels incredibly pure on a sunny day, as if you’ve truly reached the end of the earth. Glimpsing the French Coastline: If you visit on a clear, cloudless day, you can see the French coastline across the water with the naked eye. This cross-channel perspective is truly breathtaking. 🗺️ One-Day Dover Trip: Recommended Hiking Route The best way to experience the White Cliffs is on foot. Start at the Visitor Centre: Begin at the National Trust Visitor Centre and follow the clearly marked clifftop path heading east. South Foreland Lighthouse: About a 40–50 minute walk brings you to this charming, historic lighthouse. Taking a break at Mrs Knott’s Tea Room for authentic British scones and afternoon tea is a highlight of the trip. Fan Bay Deep Shelter: Near the lighthouse, you can sign up for a tour of the WWII air-raid shelters hidden deep within the cliffs for a touch of underground adventure. 🚆 Getting There: How to Reach Dover from London There are three main ways to get here, depending on your budget and schedule: High-Speed Train (Recommended): Take a Southeastern train from London St Pancras International directly to Dover Priory. Standard Train: Depart from London Victoria or Charing Cross stations. Driving/Group Tours: Head southeast via the M2 or M20 motorways. 💡 Pro Tip (Upon arrival at Dover station): The start of the hiking trail is a bit of a trek from Dover Priory station. If you don’t want to spend 45 minutes walking uphill, I recommend taking a local taxi (about a 10-minute ride) or a bus to the Visitor Centre. 🧳 Travel Tips Wear Proper Footwear: The trails are mostly grass and gravel with frequent inclines. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip sneakers or hiking boots. Prepare for Wind and Cold: The coastal wind is powerful. Even in summer, it can get chilly on the clifftops, so a windbreaker is highly recommended. Stay Safe: The chalk cliffs are relatively fragile, and there are no guardrails at the edge. Please maintain a safe distance from the edge when taking photos and do not attempt to climb the cliffs. Grab your camera, pick a weekend, and head out for a perfect British getaway blending nature and history! ✨

We took the ferry from Dover to Calais, and honestly, the crossing itself became part of the trip. There’s something quite nice about leaving the UK behind, heading out into the Channel and knowing that France is just a short journey away. We arrived at Dover and made our way onto the ferry. Once we were on board, we had a look around before finding a comfortable place to sit. There are cafés, places to grab something to eat and plenty of seating, so we could relax during the crossing. We also spent some time outside on the deck. The views back towards the white cliffs of Dover were lovely, especially as the ferry started moving away from the port. Watching the coastline get smaller while the sea opened up around us was one of the nicest parts of the journey. The crossing takes around 90 minutes, depending on the sailing, so it doesn’t feel like a long journey at all. Before we knew it, we were getting close to Calais and could see the French coastline coming into view. For us, taking the ferry was more than just getting from A to B. It made the journey feel like the start of our holiday. We could sit back, have something to eat, enjoy the sea views and spend some time together before arriving in France. If you’re travelling from the UK to France by car, we think the Dover–Calais ferry is a really convenient option. You can take your own car, bring your luggage without worrying about airport restrictions and arrive in France ready to start exploring. #DoverToCalais #DoverFerry #Calais #PAndOFerries #ChannelCrossing #FerryTrip #UKToFrance #FranceTravel #FamilyTravel #RoadTripEurope #EuropeanRoadTrip #TravelReview #TravelMemories #Dover #CalaisFrance #UKTravel #FranceHoliday #ExploreFrance #FamilyHoliday

Home (UK) to Metz via Dover / Calais Super easy crossing, was even put on the earlier ship, got to Metz with ease, stayed in a superb hotel Novotel with a pool, then on to Strasbourg for two nights staying an apartment, then on to Nancy for one night and finished in Reims before retuning back to the Uk, all made very easy but using Trip.com and Claude!!

Dover Terminal 7

Calais's City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Calais) is one of the city's most important landmarks. Built between 1911 and 1925 to commemorate the unification of Calais with Saint-Pierre, its style is Neo-Flemish Renaissance. The exterior is constructed of red brick and light-colored stone, adorned with spires, towers, and Gothic window frames, creating a magnificent presence. The clock tower next to the City Hall, standing approximately 70-75 meters tall, is the highest point in Calais. Featuring large clocks on all four sides and a weather vane at the top, the clock tower itself is a freestanding historical monument. The interior of the City Hall is lavishly decorated and well worth a visit. Key attractions include: · The grand staircase: a magnificent staircase connecting the various floors. · Unique rooms: such as the meeting room adorned with portraits of Calais's past mayors, the wooden-floored wedding hall (where Charles de Gaulle and his wife were married in 1921), and the large salon decorated with historical murals and stained-glass windows. The City Hall Garden boasts different flowers in every season, complemented by neatly trimmed hedges, making it a perfect spot for strolls and photography. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #CityHall

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Calais houses a collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, most notably the Auguste Rodin collection, making it an important place to understand Calais's art and history. The Rodin section showcases Rodin's works closely related to the city of Calais, including plaster casts of "The Six Gallants of Calais," small sculptures, and related drawings. The museum recently renovated the Rodin gallery in 2025, offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate the master's original works up close. The museum's collection spans from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including paintings by modern masters such as Picasso and Dubuffet, as well as genre paintings and Impressionist works reflecting local Calais life. The museum frequently hosts themed exhibitions covering contemporary art, photography, design, and street art, adding fresh perspectives to its permanent collections. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #Rodin

The Calais Lighthouse (Phare de Calais) is a significant landmark in Calais, France. Located in a square near the port in the old town, it's surrounded by residential areas, not on the beach. The original lighthouse was built in 1818, and the current tower dates from 1848. Automation was achieved in 1987. It was listed as a French historical monument in 2011. The tower is approximately 50-55 meters tall and requires climbing about 271 spiral steps. The lighthouse light has a range of about 23.5 nautical miles (approximately 43 kilometers), guiding ships across the English Channel. From the top, one can overlook the port of Calais, the old town, and the "Courgain Maritime" old port area. On a clear day, one can even see across the Channel to England. The tower houses a small exhibition explaining the history and principles of lighthouses and signal lights, making it suitable for family visits. The lighthouse itself is situated on high ground, surrounded by old houses with red-tiled roofs, providing an excellent spot for taking photos. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #Lighthouse

Notre-Dame de Calais A unique Tudor Gothic building, constructed during the Anglo-French Wars, it is one of the very few churches in France to adopt the English Perpendicular Gothic style. Its soaring spires, slender window frames, and overall silhouette are distinctly different from traditional French Gothic cathedrals. The church was originally built in the 12th century and underwent several renovations between the 14th and 17th centuries. The interior can accommodate approximately 1400 people and retains its medieval style. Due to its historical value, it was listed as a historical monument in 1913. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #Notre-DameChurch

Calais Beach (Plage de Calais) is the most famous seaside resort in Calais, northern France, renowned for its unique location and seascape. Located in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, it sits at the narrowest point of the English Channel, separated from Dover, England, by only about 30 kilometers. The beach stretches for approximately 8 kilometers, with coarse, golden sand. The sea is calm and the waves are gentle, making it one of the most popular seaside resorts in northern France. On clear days, one can see the chalk cliffs of England across the water. Large ferries and cruise ships frequently travel between England and France, creating a unique scene on the beach. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #Sunset

Calais, France, is a seaside resort town that often hosts various events such as concerts and carnivals during peak season. As night falls, it transforms from a quiet town into a vibrant seaside amusement park. This time, we encountered what appeared to be a temporary carnival-style amusement park. We experienced the haunted house and drop tower, a thrilling and terrifying experience that left us terrified. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #AmusementRides

The night view of Calais, France, blends harbor lights, the seamless integration of sea and sky, and historical architecture, presenting a unique industrial port city charm distinct from Paris. Calais is one of France's largest passenger ports, located just over 30 kilometers from Dover, England. As night falls, the harbor lights and their reflections on the sea create a picturesque scene, with large ferries traveling between England and France visible in the distance, making it a classic spot for night photography. The Bell Tower of the City Hall (Beffroi de l’Hôtel de Ville), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly dazzling in the night. Its Neo-Renaissance architecture offers panoramic views of the old town, the harbor, and the Channel. #FebruaryDestinations2026 #Sunset

Although often seen merely as a stopover on the way to the UK, Calais is a charming destination packed with unique highlights that are well worth a detour. Located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, the city sits right on the Strait of Dover. At just over 30 kilometers from Dover, it's one of the closest French cities to the British coast. On a clear day, you can even spot the English shore with the naked eye. As one of France's largest passenger ports, Calais serves as the gateway for cross-Channel ferries and the Channel Tunnel, acting as a vital hub linking the UK with mainland Europe. Being a coastal city, the seafood here is incredibly fresh. Don't miss out on local specialties like Calais fish soup and the classic moules-frites (mussels and fries). Grab a seat at a cozy sidewalk bistro, take your time savoring the flavors, and soak in the city's wonderfully laid-back vibe.

Less than 2 hours from Calais feels like another world. Cobbled streets chocolate shops and beer. A beautiful place to be

#london #travel #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes #familytravel

Boat trip

travel with car using ferry from Dover to Calais is a nice ⛵ sea and it is quite a good way to rest as the driver! ⛴️ Ferries are all good and clean! And more importantly safe!

Nice moments!😊🤗

If visiting Calais I would highly recommend this enormous robotic dragon ride (La Compagnie du Dragon), it takes a tour along the Calais beach front which actually makes a very nice view,it makes sounds and noises of a real dragon and even spits water and fire. There is also a commentator on board describing briefly the mechanics and detail that’s been put into inventing it absolutely brilliant and well worth the money x2 adults & x1 child £26 age 3 and under go free. I would recommend booking in advance online as it gets booked up very quickly

A picture taken at Sunrise with a view over the Port of Dover From on top of the cliff at Western Heights, which is where all the Entrances to the Tunnel System used to defend the Coast in WW2 are located on the Western side of Dover Cliffs.. Looks Beautiful! 🥹

#Rush out of the UK #Going to Europe is no difficulty #Drive by boat to France #Shipping Company Chapter #Family of 4 £149 to France After coming to the UK for a year and a half, I finally decided to plan a European trip. In fact, from booking the boat flight at the end of January to leaving on March 28, only planned 2 months😂. This time was a new challenge for us, driving our own car 🚗 to 4 European countries: Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France. To be clever than myself and twin father 👍🏻, complete this feat 😆. There are two ways to get to France by car, 1. by boat🛳 2. by Eurotunnel🚆, the price will not be much different. We chose to take a boat from Kent's Dover Pier with people to Calais Pier in France, thinking to have a view of the scenery to experience 😁. We live in the south, so drive about 1 hour to Dover Marina. As far as I know, there are 3 shipping companies🛳 that can bring people on board to France. P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries, DFDS. I chose P&O Ferries because the time was more appropriate. Calculate the price of 1 car round trip , a total of £149, which I personally find quite cheap. After booking the ferry ticket🎫, the boat company will remind you to bring your passport (special or BNO) and to arrive at the pier 1 hour early to cross and check-in. If the first time best 90 minutes early, pre-congestion or other variables. Crossing and check-in in Dover is faster than expected, it took 30 minutes to get it done✌🏻, the staff will give you a sign that says the time of the boat, to hang it on the car, and the ticket says which lane you line up to board the boat🛣. Start letting cars on board about 30 minutes before departure, so that during boarding, there are shops nearby where you can buy drinks or food to eat on board. (P.S. However, the border crossing was slower when returning from Calais, it took about 1 hour, and the customs officer also asked me to show him the BRP, fortunately I brought all my documents) After driving on the boat and parking the car up the 1st floor is the resting place. I didn't expect a surprise 🎉! I didn't expect the inside of the ship to be so beautiful😍, like a luxury cruise ship. There are Kids Zone, Food market, Duty Free, Game Zone, facilities are also plentiful, comfortable environment 👍🏻. There is hot water available, you can make cup noodles 😆. Because there was something to eat, something to play, something to see, time passed quickly, said so quickly after an hour and a half to France. It was quick to get off the boat💨, we should be out on the highway in 10 minutes. This boat ride experience was good, I will try Eurotunnel next time😊. The advantage of Eurotunnel is that it is fast, probably a 35 minute drive, however there is nothing in the train box, so each has its advantages. Dover ferries (Dover Terminal, UK) https://maps.app.goo.gl/7dG2GhQZX1YkYAcg6?g_st=ic Calais car ferries (Calais Marina, France) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q8Bf6RNe2JrpWmah8?g_st=ic #Europe #Europe #NewExperiences #uk #uklife #UKlife #UKLifeSharing #doublebrothers #hkmama #hkmoms #hkmum #hkkids #hkparent #hkfamily #hkinfluencer #visituk #uktravel #discoveruk #playwithkids

#2024旅行评论 #calais #闲策 #一天游 #罗丹#奇美博物馆 British friends and relatives drove to Calais around dusk, and we took advantage of the day to take a walk in this small town! We felt the tranquility of the small town and walked to the solemn Notre Dame Cathedral in the city. There were two old ladies selling souvenirs, and I bought some magnets to support the restoration of the church. We also went to the lighthouse and walked into their art museum to appreciate Rodin's works. When we came out, we saw an artist and a child creating works outdoors, making the whole place full of artistic atmosphere! In the afternoon, I went to the city center and passed by the Calais landmark "City Hall". Its bell tower has beautiful carved railings and the outdoor area is full of bright flowers. The biggest gain was another surprise for me, that is, there is a sculpture by Rodin on the square - The Burghers of Calais. After checking the information, I found that it commemorates the six brave leaders of Calais in the Hundred Years' War between England and France in the 14th and 15th centuries! I just visited the Rodin Hall of the Chi Mei Museum in May and felt that he was still very far away from me. But when I saw the sculpture under the bell tower, I was touched by Mr. Xu Wenlong’s original intention to allow the general public who seldom go out to experience the art and culture of the Western world... I was suddenly moved because I rarely go to the Rodin Museum in Paris, but today I can meet Rodin twice in a Western country! Thanks 🙏 The last little episode, when I was standing outside the clock tower, I kept blocking other people from taking pictures. My friend told me that I was standing near the underground 3D painting "I 🩷 Calais"! So this place has become a must-visit check-in spot for tourists! At dusk, I finally met my relatives and friends. They had booked a seaside restaurant, and we enjoyed a French seafood dinner to celebrate the start of our self-driving journey...

#2024TravelReview #calais #CitiesInFranceOftenHeardOfButRarelyStayed Calais is a place that most people who have traveled between the UK and Europe by water or subway will be familiar with. Self-driving tourists can take their car to a ship or train, while non-drivers can take a ship from the UK's Dover Port to France. However, after arriving in Calais, most people immediately go to other cities or even other countries. Staying here does not seem to be on the bucket list of ordinary travelers! In order to meet up with our relatives and friends in the UK on time, we took a train from Paris to Calais the day before. We took the train to Calais at about 5 o'clock and arrived in Calais at 7 o'clock. I remember that day we went from Paris Nord Station to Calais and saw Calais Frethun, so we thought we had arrived. Fortunately, we saw the stationmaster, who hurriedly told me that I should take another train on the platform to Calais Ville Station, which was the final stop. This happened in just 6 minutes! 🙏Otherwise I don’t know how to deal with it? (In fact, it was displayed on the platform screen, but the sun was too strong that day and we couldn’t see it) Thanks to the long days in summer, we were able to stroll through the town after checking in to the hotel, go to the quiet beach, eat ice cream, and watch the sunset at nine o'clock. Passing by the outdoor playground, we heard the screams and shouts of tourists, which formed a sharp contrast. Finally, we had a midnight snack at the teahouse in the playground. I never imagined that I would spend the night like this!

Went on a BlaBlaCar and went to a cruise for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Super cool. The cruise has a lot of activities. Arcade games, kitchen, pet lounge and family lounge. It was overall super fine and good and great and awesome and fun and amazing impressive and great and cool and chill and cosy and nice and incredible incroyable intelligent great moment was created#london

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the romance and tranquility of a French town! This time, I chose to take a day trip from Lille to the nearby town of Calais, and I was super happy~😄✨ 🚗Transportation: It's super convenient to take the train from Lille! There are many trains, and the carriages are clean and comfortable, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. 🏞️ It takes about an hour to get to Calais, which is super convenient! 🚆💨 🏛️Attractions: 1️⃣ Calais Lighthouse (Tour de Calais) 🗼 After arriving in Calais, the first stop is this iconic lighthouse! Standing under the lighthouse, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole town and the sea and sky, which is super spectacular! 🌊🌅 2️⃣ Charles de Gaulle Birthplace Museum (Maison Natale du Général de Gaulle) 🏠 This is the birthplace of General Charles de Gaulle and his childhood home. The museum displays a large number of life stories and precious relics of General Charles de Gaulle, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of the growth of this great leader. 👨‍💼📜 3️⃣ Palais des Beaux-Arts 🎨 Art lovers should not miss this place! The Palais des Beaux-Arts houses a large number of precious works of art, including works by Impressionist masters such as Monet and Van Gogh, which are a feast for the eyes! 🖼️🎨 🍽️Food: When you come to France, you can't miss the local food! In Calais, I tasted traditional Carbonnade Flamande and Moules Frites, which were super delicious! 😋🍲🍟 🏨Accommodation: If you have enough time, you can choose to stay in Calais for one night! I recommend the Holiday Inn Calais 🏨, which is close to the city center and major attractions, has convenient transportation, complete facilities, and thoughtful service, which is really great! 🛌🌟 📸Photo Spots: 1️⃣ In front of the Calais Lighthouse 🗼 2️⃣ The courtyard of the Charles de Gaulle Birthplace Museum 🏡 3️⃣ In front of the artwork in the Palais des Beaux-Arts 🖼️ 4️⃣ The square and streets in the city center 🏙️ ✨Tips: 1️⃣ The English proficiency of French people varies, so it is recommended to learn some basic French daily expressions in advance! 🗣️ 2️⃣ When dining in a restaurant, be sure to tip the waiter appropriately! 💸 3️⃣ Take care of your belongings, and note that the hotel does not provide disposable toiletries, so you need to bring your own!

Beautiful city hall of Calais