“Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it,” wrote George Santayana in 1905, and perhaps this explains our fascination with history. If you love stepping back into the past, there are some fantastic historic places to visit near Calais, and you can reach them all with your car when you travel with P&O Ferries.
France has certainly seen its fair share of historic moments. From early settlements to Roman conquest, the rise of William the Conqueror and the Normans and – over the last century – its unenviable position as the epicentre of both World Wars of course, history has shaped France as much as France has shaped history.
Calais is closely located next to some of the most historic places in northern France, so we’ve drawn together some of the best sites for you to visit all within easy driving distance from our port. Get ready for some sightseeing as soon as you arrive in France!
1. Lille
Today, beautiful multi-coloured architecture lines the large cobbled squares of Lille, a smorgasbord of excellent museums and exquisite shops. Few places saw a larger impact from the Great War, thanks to four gruelling years of German occupation – as well as a shorter stint during World War II. As a result, numerous tributes to fallen soldiers and civilians can be found on walking tours of the city, while the solemn battlefields of the Somme, Fromelles, Vimy Ridge and Ypres are also all within reach of Lille’s limits and make moving day trips.
Stood proudly within the city’s General de Gaulle Square is the 104-metre-high Belfry, an ambitious 1932 reconstruction of the UNESCO-listed town hall (the first iteration was destroyed in conflict in 1916). Climb 100 or so steps then take the lift for panoramic views over this compelling city, a monument to strength in the face of adversity. You can reach Lille after just over an hour’s drive from Calais.
2. Dunkirk
The third largest port town in France, Dunkirk’s 7km beach saw 300,000 allied British, French and Belgian troops evacuated in 1940. This was Operation Dynamo, a momentous occasion many consider a turning point of the Second World War – one that allowed the Allies to regroup and continue their efforts.
Nowadays, Dunkirk is not only renowned for its captivating port, but it is also home to two UNESCO sites – the town hall and the Belfries of Saint-Eloi church. Take in the town’s rich maritime history in the Musee Portuaire. As well as the building, its floating exhibition allow you to explore inside three ships!
3. Arras
Ideally located at just an hour’s drive from Calais, Arras is a charming town perfect for a historical city break. Bursting with Flemish-style gabled architecture, Arras is centred by the Baroque Grand Place. This large Gothic square is sprinkled with small shops and cafes perfect for a pit stop before continuing your adventure back in time.
In Arras, you’ll find many historic sites to explore, including the UNESCO-listed Belfry and cathedral, known for their superb displays of art deco interiors and 17th century French artwork. But perhaps the most popular historic site is the Carrière de Wellington, known in English as The Wellington Quarry. This museum and memorial commemorates those soldiers who fought in the battle of Arras in 1917. You can also explore the extensive network of tunnels that were dug under the city during the First World War, which still contain mining trucks and inscriptions from soldiers on their chalk walls.
Ready to visit these historic places near Calais for yourself? Plan your Dover-Calais ferry crossing in advance to get the most out of your trip! Remember with P&O Ferries, travelling with your car or bike is easy, and dogs are also welcome!
Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing and start planning your trip today.
