Relax in the Replica of the Wartime Spirit.
For a war wrecked port that got up, shook itself down and started all over again, Dunkirk has not only shown the spirit coined back in 1940 but by 2023 was packing sufficient tourist punch to become Regional Capital of Culture.
It’s now ‘Cool Calais’
Calais’s erstwhile image as a port you either pass through or pick up your plonk is fast fading in favour of a more family friendly face. This it is largely thanks to a much publicised fire breathing passenger carrying dragon and a vastly renovated sandy seafront. This includes a promenade for walkers and cyclists, a skate park for young and old and play areas.
The Ports of Calais
Ports are places to pass through, which is one good reason why Calais, and the surrounding area have tended to lose out. Now, helped by the World War 1 commemorations, the full richness of which was once just Nord-Pas de Calais – but now along with Picardy forms Hauts de France – is gradually being recognised for its true worth.