Camping Le Grand Gravelot

The historic centre of Calais is full of surprises: if you’re short on time, you can see the main sights by climbing up its UNESCO-listed Belfry (half an hour’s walk) for views across the city, and admire Rodin’s famous “Burghers of Calais” sculpture a few steps away. Have a mosey around the produce market on Place d’Armes, which was largely reconstructed after World War II but still dominated by the landmark 13th-century Guet Tower. Staying for longer? See more works by Rodin in the Museum of Fine Arts in Calais, or take an audio-guide to learn more about the war at the Musée mémoire 39-45. The city’s lace-making past is brought back to life in the contemporary City of Lace and Fashion. If you’d rather be down on the beach, snooze in the sand or take a ride along the seafront aboard the vast, automated Calais Dragon (15 minutes' walk to the dock). When cut-price shopping is what you’re after, Cité Europe and Channel Outlet (both 10 minutes’ drive) should see you pick up some bargains.