Port Calais (France): interesting places of the city, not popular with tourists

In this French city, unfortunately, tourists rarely come to rest, but in vain. It boasts unique sights listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A large port is called a "window to England", because it is only 34 kilometers from the UK. Located in the Pas de Calais strait, an important transport hub is officially divided into two parts: modern areas that appeared relatively recently, and the Old Town, where everything breathes history.

The village, which turned into a major port city

Hospitable Calais (France) grew out of a small fishing village located on the river bank. In the 10th century, the Count of Flanders, admiring the fortunate geographical location, ordered the construction of a port and fortifications here to protect the settlement from attacks from outside. The city was developing economically, and taxes collected from traders became one of the main items of the treasury's revenues.

The tragedies of Calais

It is known that the "corsair nest" was pirated by pirates who robbed ships and hid behind fortified walls with rich booty. During the Hundred Years' War, the British turned their views on the port of Calais (France), and in the XIV century the city was besieged. Long 11 months, the inhabitants heroically opposed the enemy, but after the food ran out, they were forced to surrender to the mercy of the winner. Enraged by such a long resistance, King Edward sent all the local population, and the English settled in the houses.

In 1558, the city passed under the rule of the French crown, and the conquerors left their homes. Two more centuries, Kale was subjected to sieges of the English, Dutch and Spanish, which adversely affected his financial situation.

After the Second World War, the settlement that was bombed literally rose from the ruins.

Opening the tunnel

For a long time, the port of Calais (France) carried out a communication between England and Europe, and in 1994 a railway tunnel under the Channel was opened here, which greatly facilitated the life of the local population. Now a trip from Paris to London takes no more than two hours.

Two parts of the city

The boundaries of the transport hub are clearly divided into two territories. The new city is located around the town hall and the main streets, and the Old Town is a historical place that is compulsory for visiting. Start sightseeing is recommended from the Armory Square, which in the Middle Ages was considered the heart of the port. Now twice a year there are noisy fairs, where artisans from all over France rush.

Business card

Built in Place d'Armes in the IX century, the watchtower Tour du Guet is the visiting card of Calais (France). Photos of the monument, considered the oldest building in the city, are found in all tourist guidebooks. The defensive structure, designed to protect against the Normans, was seriously damaged after the earthquake in the 16th century. Once upon a time there was an alarm bell on it, and now it was lowered to the ground.

Town hall and sculpture "Citizens of Calais"

Three-story building of the town hall is of special interest for tourists. Located on the Square of the Unknown Soldier, an architectural monument in the Flemish style admires a special elegance. Next to him is a sculpture of the famous O. Rodin, who perpetuated the feat of six Frenchmen, who volunteered to save the rest of the townspeople at the cost of their own lives. The English king was furious that he could not capture Calais (France) for 11 months, and wanted to execute those who handed him the key, and only thanks to the intervention of the wife of Edward III, the inhabitants were not injured.

The Tower of Beffroy

The Town Hall building is a very recognizable historical monument, because it is closely adjoined by the tower of Beffroy with a height of more than 74 meters. Its construction began in the 15th century, and for several centuries the local landmark, in the decoration of which elements of different architectural styles are present, changed the external appearance. On it, in honor of the sun-king, a statue of a golden lion holding a disk of a luminary was installed. The building, which is under the protection of UNESCO, was seriously damaged during the bombings, but was restored in its original form.

Go up to the tower with a beautiful clock and bell tower on the elevator, and from the observation deck you can admire the enchanting Calais. The city in France is famous for its famous light shows, which are arranged in September near the building.

Religious monument

The Cathedral of the Mother of God is another delightful structure, amazing with its beauty. Religious monument, shaped like a cross, was rebuilt several times. The cathedral, which appeared in the 13th century, was destroyed by fascists, and the marble altar and rich decoration were lost.

Museum of lace and fashion

Cozy Calais (France), whose sights tell of its history, is famous for its unique museum of lace and fashion. Here they teach the master and talk about the basic nuances of painstaking work. Tourists get acquainted with the technique of weaving lace and even create amazing open-work compositions.

Unfortunately, the port city does not attract travelers, but those who visited it sincerely admit to him in love. A quiet and peaceful village, which at its first glance is at first sight, strikes the imagination and erases all boundaries between the epochs.