There is plenty to do in and around Calais to fill your day, or even to make a pleasant weekend break.*

Calais Beach

After lunch, what better way to relax than with a long stroll on the waterfront? Calais beach is easily accessible, and is perfect for a short walk or paddling if you're feeling brave!

Wissant and Wimereux

If you have a bit more time on your hands the beaches at Wissant and Wimereux offer some surprisingly beautiful views. These are important historical areas with remains of the World War two defences scattered along these two beaches. Both make perfect holiday resorts for all kinds of surfers - on windy days the beaches will be full of wind and kite surfers, who you can watch from the safety of the boulevard with a warm hot chocolate! And if you are planning on staying a while they're great places to buy fresh fish.

Take the kids to the Aquarium

Nausicaa Sea World Museum on the seafront in Boulogne is much more than just an aquarium. It offers a fantastic journey of discovery of the maritime environment with particular emphasis on the relationship between Humans and the Sea. Do not miss the impressive shark room where you can sit as sharks swim around you and over your head...Visit their website

Brugge

One and a half hours drive north of Calais, Brugge is the quintessential example of Flemish culture and architecture. Known as the Venice of the north, with its stunning Burg Square, canals and churches, not to mention some of the finest chocolatiers in Belgium, Brugge is the perfect destination for a relaxing break from everyday life.

Lille

The largest city in the north of France, Lille has everything you could want for a great weekend break. A large student population gives this city a young vibrant feel, with great cafes, bars and restaurants. The old town is riddled with charming boutiques surrounded by stunning Flemish architecture. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille has developed into a centre of real cultural interest, with many an art gallery, exhibition, churches and concerts. A fantastic city and well worth a visit.

Heading Inland

• 10 minutes drive from Calais, St Joseph Village is a miniature village built by a family of carpenters as a replica of a French rural village from the beginning of the 20th century.
• If you are looking to lose yourself for a couple of hours the picturesque town of Ardres is well worth a visit, with its typical northern French cobbled town centre and 17th century church. For a relaxing afternoon why not visit the lakes of Ardres, where you can indulge in all manner of water sports (hire pedaloes, fish or go sailing) or just sit back and enjoy a cold drink by the waters edge.
• 45 minutes drive to the south of Calais, Le Touquet is a pleasant sea side town. Popular as a weekend break for both the French and the British, Le Touquet really comes to life in the summer months with fantastic beaches (the famous Paris Plage) and a vibrant town centre. There is appeal to tourists of all ages, for the children there is Aqualud, an aquatic theme park and horse ridding on the beach, while for older tourists there are some of the best golf courses in France. The town centre boasts a large selection of boutiques and shops as well as cafés, bars, restaurants (some of the finest in the area) and sumptuous casinos.

Historical Visits

• The Town Hall with its belfry has a statue of the 6 Burghers by Rodin.
• The War Museum, opposite Calais town hall, can be found in a bunker in the Parc Saint-Pierre. With 20 exhibition halls tracing the history of Calais from the Battle of 1940.
• The Church of Notre Dame is the only English gothic style church in France and is situated in the North of Calais behind the Place D’Armes.
• Near St Omer the museum of La Coupole was a World War 2 German rocket base. Inside the dome designed to protect against Allied bombs, the museum is considered one of the best in the area, offering moving insight into life in nazi Germany and occupied France.
• The Fortress of Mimoyecques was built by the Germans towards the end of the 2nd World War, intended for launching V3 rockets to attack London, it was bombed by the Allies before it was completed. Today, the remaining complex of tunnels houses a war museum well worth a visit. (from Calais-Boulogne motorway follow Landrethun le Nord).

* Please note that these are suggestions only, Majestic is in no way responsible for or affiliated with any of these businesses and activities.