As well offering huge savings on your wines, beers and spirits, a trip to Oddbins Calais is also the perfect place from which to enjoy a taste France.
In fact more than nine million British travellers come to Calais every year. Even if you’re only in Calais for a day, its rich historiy and cultural heritage means that there is plenty to see and do.
What to see in Calais
Calais has a number of interesting sights and charming buildings, all of which can be explored on foot.
The city is divided into two main parts. Calais-Nord and Calais-Sud.
Calais-Nord is the Old Town which was destroyed during WWII and has subsequently been rebuilt. It is dominated by rue Royale and Place d'Armes. The canal separates the Old Town from Calais-Sud, where you will find the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the main shopping area.
City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
Constructed in the 15th century in the neo-Flemish style the City Hall is well worth a visit especially for its famous belfry. Standing at 240 feet high, the ring of its bell is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in northern France. Don’t miss Rodin’s statue, The Six Burghers, which takes pride of place in the surrounding gardens.
The War Museum (Musee de la Guerre)
Opposite the City Hall, in a wooded area of the park, you will find the War Museum. Once a German communications bunker, this museum chronicles the stark realities of WWII.
Musee des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle
This museum, dedicated to fine arts and lace-making, features a selection of permanent and temporary exhibitions including sculpture, watercolour and the history of lace-making.
Church of Notre Dame
A stroll down the Rue de la Paix brings you to the church of Notre Dame This is where Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux, a young woman from Calais, in 1921. The church was built during the English occupation of France - with its nave dating to the 13th century –is the only English Gothic-style church in France.
Did you know?
Calais is England's nearest continental neighbour. You can see the clock tower in Calais from the white cliffs of Dover.
Queen Mary was very upset when the British lost possession of Calais in 1558 and is reputed to have said 'when I die you will find the word Calais engraved on my heart'
Eating out in Calais
We have put together a selection of our favourite restaurants in Calais.
La Sole Meunière
Quote Oddbins and get 15 euros knocked off your bill when you spend 100 euros. Typical well made regional cuisine.
Location and contact details
Address: 1, boulevard de la resistance, 62100 Calais France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 43 01
Email: solemeuniere@solemeuniere.com
Website: www.solemeuniere.com
Oh Mouettes!
An amazing family run fish restaurant where fresh fish is delivered every morning by boat!
Get a 10% discount when you quote Oddbins.
Location and contact details
Address: 10 rue Jean Pierre Avron, Calais France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 67 59
Email: garysilver@aol.com
Le Country Cottage Pub
Have a free aperitif with any meal!
Location and contact details
Address: Route Nationale, Sangatte.
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 85 77 89
Le Channel
Great traditional cuisine with a modern twist and an unforgettable wine list!
Location and contact details
Address: 3, boulevard de la resistance, 62100 Calais France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 42 30
Website: www.restaurant-lechannel.com
Histoire Ancienne
Parisien brasserie chic with Speciality dishes from Lyon.
Location and contact details
Address: 20 Rue Royale, 62100 Calais France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 11 20
Website: www.histoire-ancienne.com
Hotels in Calais
There is a great selection of accommodation in Calais to suit all budgets. We have put together a list of some of our favourites.
Hotel Kyriad, Coquelles
15% discount when you quote Oddbins.
Location and contact details
Address: RN 1 - 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 36 81 81
Hotel B&B, Coquelles
10% discount when you quote Oddbins.
Location and contact details
Address: Lotissement Socada Parc La Fra, Chemin de Bergnieulles, 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)892 78 80 24
Ibis, Coquelles
Location and contact details
Address: Place de Cantorbery, 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 46 37 00
Fax: 0033 (0)321 46 37 09
Website: www.ibishotel.com
Suite Hotel, Coquelles
Location and contact details
Address: Place de Cantorbery, 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 19 50 00
Fax: 0033 (0)321 19 50 05
Email: h3335@accor.com
Website: www.suite-hotel.com
Etap Hotel, Coquelles
Location and contact details
Address: Place Cantorbéry, 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)892 68 30 59
Fax: 0033 (0)321 19 57 67
Website: www.etaphotel.com
Hotel Holiday Inn, Coquelles
Location and contact details
Address: Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, 62231 Coquelles France
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 46 60 60
Email: info@holidayinncoquelles.com
Website: www.holidayinncoquelles.com
Beyond Calais
Calais is a perfect gateway to the rest of France and there is much to see and to do in the area surrounding Calais. To the southwest, the scenic coast features the spectacular Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Griz Nez not to mention a wealth of beautiful old towns and village such as Montreuil sur mer, the setting for Victor Hugo’s famous work ‘Les Miserables’.
Restaurants in Boulogne sur Mer
La Poivrière
Get a 10% discount when you quote Oddbins.
Location and contact details
Address: 15 rue de Lille, 62200 Boulogne sur Mer
Tel: 0033 (0)0321 80 18 18
Email: lapoivriere@lapoivriere.com
Website: www.lapoivriere.fr