What to see in Calais with the family: 8 must-see attractions on the Opal Coast

In Calais, you can enjoy a large, lively beach, a giant dragon by the sea, a rich cultural heritage (the belfry, lace-making) and beautiful nature walks along the Opal Coast, all easily accessible from our holiday rentals in Pas-de-Calais.

1. Calais’s main beach and its giant dragon

Calais beach is one of the first places you can take the children to as soon as you arrive. It stretches along a long stretch of sand, ideal for games, building sandcastles, flying kites or simply a stroll along the water’s edge. The seafront, with its pedestrian promenade, playgrounds, skatepark and restaurants, makes for an outing that’s very easy to organise, even with young children.

The mechanical dragon that roams the seafront has become a real symbol for families staying at Calais XXL. This giant creature, which moves along the beach carrying visitors, adds a spectacular touch to an outing that remains very accessible. Being able to combine a stroll, a playground, an ice cream and watching the dragon all in one place makes the day much easier, especially if your accommodation is nearby.

2. The City of Lace and Fashion

The International Centre for Lace and Fashion offers a different way to explore Calais with children. This fully restored former industrial site tells the story of Calais lace through working machines, immersive exhibition spaces and displays designed to appeal to a wide audience. The looms and large pieces of lace are sure to spark curiosity, even among the youngest visitors.

You can tailor the length of the visit to suit the children’s ages, alternating between the exhibition areas, demonstrations and quieter moments. The advantage of this museum, located in the city centre, is that you can organise a half-day trip, either in the morning or the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free for a trip to the beach or a stroll.

3. The Belfry, the Town Hall and the Burghers of Calais

Right in the city centre, the complex comprising the town hall, its belfry and the Monument to the Burghers of Calais is another must-see for family holidays. The belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is open to visitors and offers a panoramic view of the city and the English Channel, which appeals to adults and children alike.

At the foot of the town hall, Auguste Rodin’s *The Burghers of Calais* offers a straightforward introduction to a defining moment in the city’s history, thanks to this easily recognisable monumental sculpture. You can incorporate this sight into a wider city walk, for example by following some of the routes suggested on the page Nature and walks around Calais, which combines green spaces with views of the local heritage.

4. Street art and summer festival

For several years now, Calais has been developing a street art trail that transforms building facades into a veritable open-air museum. You can explore certain neighbourhoods with your family, at your own pace, and spot the monumental murals dotted around the city, in a fun and visual way. It’s a simple way to encourage children to walk, by setting up a sort of art hunt.

During the summer, the Street Art Festival enhances this urban atmosphere by offering new attractions, activities and an accessible programme that makes you want to linger a little longer. Staying in one of our city centre apartments allows you to enjoy these events without being tied to a schedule and to pop back easily for a break or a meal, which is particularly handy when travelling with children.

5. The Site des Deux Caps and the great outdoors

Less than an hour’s drive away, the Site des Deux Caps, between Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez, offers the iconic landscapes of the Opal Coast, featuring cliffs, coastal paths and wide sandy beaches. It’s an ideal day out for some fresh air with the family, with walking routes that you can adapt to suit the children’s ages.

The views over the English Channel, the proximity to England and the sense of space make this location a natural addition to your stay in Calais. You can alternate between more urban days, spent between the beach and sightseeing, and trips to unspoilt countryside where children can walk, run or simply take in the scenery.

6. Cycling tours starting from Calais

Cycling is a lovely way to explore Calais and the surrounding area with the family, on routes that combine town, countryside and coastline. The Vélomaritime, which runs along the coast, and the Coulogne cycle route are among the options available, with sections suitable for young cyclists.

From our apartments, you can easily reach certain sections by bike or public transport, then plan routes of a few kilometres, stopping off at parks, the beach or nearby villages along the way.

When it comes to ideas for family outings, you could, for example, plan:

• A trip along the coast, with a stop for an ice cream or a snack on the beach.
• A more nature-oriented route into the countryside, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and the rural scenery.
• An urban walk linking the town centre, the seafront and heritage sites.

7. Nausicaa and coastal getaways on the Opal Coast

For a slightly different day out or half-day trip, why not plan a visit to Boulogne-sur-Mer to see Nausicaa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums dedicated to exploring the marine world. Its vast tanks, viewing tunnels and educational activities make it a popular destination for families, whatever the weather.

This day trip fits easily into a stay in Calais: set off in the morning, enjoy the sightseeing and a stroll around the harbour or through the old town of Boulogne, then return at the end of the day to the comfort of your flat.

8. Markets, restaurants and neighbourhood life

As well as the major attractions, part of the fun of a family holiday in Calais lies in exploring the markets and neighbourhood life. The city’s markets are the perfect place to stock up on fresh produce, sample a few local specialities and get the children involved in preparing meals that you can then cook in the kitchen of our apartments.

The restaurants and brasseries in the town centre and along the seafront round off the experience, offering you the chance to enjoy lunch on a terrace or a more relaxed evening meal after a day of activities.

Where to stay in Calais for a family holiday

Choosing an apartment rather than a hotel room means you have proper living spaces where everyone can find their own spot after a day of sightseeing. At Opale Nights Calais, we offer charming flats Fully furnished, comfortable and ideally located for your leisure or business stays.

Each apartment is designed as a self-contained space, with a fully equipped kitchen, a sitting area and separate bedrooms, making it easier for younger children to get some rest and allowing parents to enjoy a longer evening in a quiet and well-appointed setting.

Depending on your needs, you could, for example, consider:

• An apartment near the beach, to minimise the amount of travelling with young children.
• A flat right in the city centre, making it easier to enjoy the markets, restaurants and events.
• An apartment with several bedrooms, ideal if you’re travelling with teenagers or a large family.