Are you thinking about visiting Calais, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Calais worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Many people overlook this part of France for the more popular southern regions, but those who do visit can enjoy sandy beaches and nice wine and cheese. UK visitors often arrive by ferry and enjoy some shopping as they pass through.
Calais, France
Reasons to Visit Calais
Museums
It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.
Food
The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.
Nightlife
You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.
Beaches
There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.
Shopping
Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.
Authenticity
Calais has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Calais worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Calais, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, and discover the big city activities. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Calais
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Calais worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Calais. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Calais
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Calais worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Calais can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Calais is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and dance the night away. Also, you can enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Calais
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (40°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| February | 5°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| March | 6°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Calais worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Calais. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Calais can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Calais
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (47°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Calais
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Calais might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Calais here or see if Calais is expensive here.
Related
What is Calais most famous for?
Calais is most famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. The city is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as authentic, undiscovered, and coastal.
What is the most famous sight in Calais?
The most popular sight in Calais is The Town Hall. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Calais on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Town Hall and other attractions here.
How touristy is Calais? Is it a popular city to visit?
Calais is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Calais?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Calais is one to three days. Since Calais has activities such as nightlife, beaches, and shopping, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Calais? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calais?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.