A Guided Walk Around Calais

Departure Point: Town Hall

From the forecourt of the Town Hall admire the bronze statue of Rodin’s Six Burghers of Calais. Opposite, on the other side of the road is the Remembrance Monument and the Parc Saint Pierre where the War Museum is located.

Head towards the beach passing the Central Station crossing the Jacquard Bridge to the Minerva Bas Relief. Go along Boulevard Clemenceau to the Old Post office on the corner of the rue Edison. Keep on the same side of the road until Rue Royale, then take the rue Jean de Vienne where the ‘Shadow of Lady Hamilton is situated. At the end of the road the massive walls of the Citadel come into view.

Follow the Boulevard de ‘L’Esplanade then turn right into rue Andre Gerschel to its intersection with the Rue Royale to the site of the Old Belfry. On the right is the Watchtower.

Continue towards the beach and take the rue de la Mer at the end of which turn right to Bassin du Paradis.

After crossing the Henri Henon bridge you will see opposite the Fort Risban. Beside the fort is a statue erected in the memory of the airman Gilbert Brazy. On the large roundabout opposite note the large Pluviose Monument.

Cross the bridge again and turn left into the Boulevard des Allies. The red brick building of the Calais Chamber Commerce is on the right. Keep going until the Lighthouse. The Courgain Maritime quarter is opposite. Look out for the St Peter and St Paul Church.

Take the rue Rivet to the quayside. The monument dedicated to the Sea Rescue Service is close by. See the distinct architectural style of the Courgain Maritime and opposite the Louis XVIII Column.

Return in the direction of Place D’Armes via rue Jean Noel Dubout. Continue to the rue Seigneur de Gourdan to inspect the Royal Reservoir and Notre Dame Church.

Use this road to join the rue Richelieu which takes you to the Fine Arts and Lace Museum. Beyond note the War Memorial situated on the man street at the entrance of Parc Richelieu.

Return to the Town Centre passing the Town Hall via Boulevard Jacquard. Then turn left into rue de Vic which leads to the Republic College. Turn right to see the Municipal Library. Retake the rue de Vic, turn left and at the end on the left is the URSSAF building where the very first lace factory was established.

Along the Quai du Commerce to Saint Pierre bridge, pass before ‘Here is the Birth of A Town’.

Turn right and take the Boulevard La Fayette. Miway along turnleft into the rue du Commandant Mengin which extends to the Palce Crevecoueur.

Retake this road to the intersection with the Boulevard la Fayette, turn left along the boulevard to the major road junction. On the left is the elegant building of the Municipal Theatre and on its forecourt a statue erected in the honour of Jacquard.

Then follow Bouevard Gambetta and Avenue Salengro to the Fort Nieulay.