Calais

Though regarded as a commuter place, Calais has interesting attractions

Calais, a seaside town located almost at France’s northernmost point, is a major port, and the part of France that’s closest to England. Perhaps that’s why in 1453, in an action that ended the Hundred Years' War, the French drove the English out of all of France—except Calais. It wasn’t until 1547 that France recaptured the town after centuries of English rule.

Though many who travel through here do so merely to get to other mainland European destinations, there are in fact a few things to see in Calais. Despite much of the town being destroyed by World War II battles, its landmark town hall is a good example of Flemish Renaissance architecture; look for Rodin’s sculpture, Les Bourgeois de Calais, out front. Also worth visiting is the military museum that used to be Germany’s headquarters during the war. Along the water, there’s an attractive little pier and lighthouse.

A worthy side trip west is to the Côte d'Opale, a gorgeous stretch of coastline that faces Great Britain.

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