Top 5 Things To Do in Calais

1. CALAIS DRAGON

Created by La Machine in Nantes to promote urban renewal and art, the Calais Dragon spits fire, smoke and water, and moves its ears, eyes and eyelids. Trips last 45-60 minutes, including boarding and disembarkation; adults, €9.50, 4-11, €7.50. Light meals and snacks in L’Antre du Dragon restaurant

www.compagniedudragon.com

2. MUSEUM FOR LACE AND FASHION

Discover the local lace industry and its place in historical and contemporary fashion and witness lacemaking demonstrations at certain times. Open daily except Tuesdays and major public holidays. Admission €7 (€5 concessions) to include the current temporary exhibition.

www.cite-dentelle.fr

3. TOWN HALL

See the Art Deco glass roof, stained glass windows and magnificent marble staircase leading to the grand reception hall, and take the lift to the top of the belfry (adults €6). Rodin’s statue of the Burghers of Calais stands in the formal public gardens in front of the building.

4. STREET ART TRAIL

Pick up the route map from the Tourist Office to discover a dozen sites around the seafront area close to the Dragon hangar, lighthouse and watchtower, and more than 40 more around the Museum for Lace and Fashion, the Grand Theatre and Town Hall. Around ten new works are added every summer.

5. FINE ARTS MUSEUM

Explore the history of art from the 16th century to the present day as told through 250 artworks arranged by ten themes, plus ‘Rodin, from Paris to Calais, which includes seven works lent by the Musée Rodin in Paris. Free entry Open afternoons only; check website for seasonal opening hours www.mba.calais.fr.

From France Today Magazine