And we’ve found just the place for a family 1-night break ‒ ‘Cercle de Malines’, a characterful B&B in the lacemaking quarter, with everything you could want from a family base: there’s a lovely big French breakfast (kids will love the chocolat chaud!), it’s just a short walk into the town centre, and ‒ now here’s the rarity – INTERCONNECTING ROOMS, so you’re separate from the kids but together too!
And what really helps on a family weekend break is having someone at hand who’ll share their local knowledge with you to make sure you get the very best from your adventure. Look no further than Stéphanie, your friendly B&B owner. With four children of her own, she’ll know exactly what your children will love in Calais…
The first thing she’ll do is recommend you see the incredible Calais Dragon, the town’s newest resident. Inspired by the 12-metre-high elephant that roams the streets of Nantes, the Calais dragon (10 metres high, and a staggering 25 long!) is a mobile mechanical structure who breathes fire, batts his wings and even runs. Just clapping eyes on him packs a punch but having a ride is even more of a fantasy adventure for the kids.
And there’s plenty more to do in Calais on your family weekend in Calais. There’s the state of the art ‘Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode’ lace centre (a real treat for fashion fans), Calais market (where better for your little ones to try out a ‘je voudrais…’), shops galore, a lighthouse you can climb for stupendous views, and a stunning sandy beach where you can watch the ferries come and go. Be sure to venture out of town too; you won’t want to miss Northern France’s iconic cliffs Cap-Blanc-Nez and Cap-Gris-Nez nearby ‒ exhilarating and fun for all the family. Pack your binoculars; on a clear day you can see the coast of England!
When you need a recommendation for somewhere family-friendly to eat in Calais, Stéphanie’s on hand to assist. There’s no end of choice, and kids who like to perpetuate the myth that all French people eat is snails and frogs’ legs will be pleasantly surprised by huge bowls of moules-frites, croques-monsieur toasties and a local dish the ‘Welsh’ ‒ bread and ham swimming in a thick cheesy sauce.
And the best thing about a family weekend break in Northern France? Well, since the journey across the Channel is part and parcel of the excitement for kids, you’ve still got the return leg to look forward to. Bon voyage!
Insiders Tips
Get in touch with the locals! They live on site and know how to make the most of your stay. They'll be happy to answer your questions and help you build a tailor-made, off the beaten path itinerary.
My favourite outings in Calais
When you come to Calais, there are places that are simply unmissable; unique and spectacular, they're just perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. I love the Grand Site of the 2 Capes, a classified Grand Site de France, is imposing, refreshing, and the view it offers of the sea and the White Cliffs of Dover is simply magnificent: perfect for an intimate stroll hand-in-hand along a scenic hiking trail. If you would like to meet some locals, there's nothing like a visit to the Channel, one of the city's cultural hubs, where you can enjoy a truly excellent glass of wine in the building of the former abattoirs located at the port. I also recommend seeing the view from the top of the magnificent belfry of Calais, with its bird's-eye view of the Bourgeois de Calais by the famous French sculptor, RODIN, and its panoramic view of the sea. You won't be sorry!