ABOUT THIS GUIDE
About Calais Guide
Calais Guide is an independent guide for British visitors arriving by ferry or LeShuttle. We focus on the decisions travellers actually need to make: where to shop, eat, park and spend the time available before continuing their journey.
Calais Guide was substantially rebuilt in 2026
Why this website exists
Millions of British travellers pass through Calais, but much of the information online treats the city either as a ferry terminal or as a generic tourist destination.
We take a more practical approach. What can you genuinely do in one hour? Which supermarket is convenient after leaving the ferry? Is an attraction worth visiting when you only have part of a day? How much time should you leave before returning to the terminal?
Those questions shape the website.
Who the guide is for
Calais Guide is primarily written for:
- British visitors arriving on the Dover to Calais ferry;
- drivers arriving through the Channel Tunnel;
- day-trippers shopping or eating in Calais;
- travellers with a few hours between crossings;
- families breaking up a longer drive through France;
- foot passengers visiting Calais without a car.
Our approach
We do not believe every shop, museum or restaurant needs to be described as unmissable. A useful guide should also tell you when somewhere is inconvenient, too far from your terminal or not worth prioritising during a short visit.
Our pages therefore try to answer four things:
- Is this place actually worth visiting?
- How much time should you allow?
- Is it more convenient from the ferry or LeShuttle?
- What can you combine it with?
The basic promise
Practical detail, clear opinions and no generic tourist filler. When somewhere is only useful for a particular type of visitor, we say so.
How information is checked
Opening times, shops, restaurants, crossing procedures and import rules can change. We use official sources wherever possible and add a checked date to practical guides.
Visitors should still confirm time-sensitive information directly with the attraction, retailer or transport operator, especially before making a special journey.
Crossing information
Calais Guide concentrates on what happens in and around Calais. For detailed route information, we also work with specialist independent websites covering the Dover to Calais ferry and the Channel Tunnel.
On this website, start with how to reach Calais from the UK, then choose an itinerary based on the time you have available.
Commercial relationships
Some pages contain links to booking companies or other commercial websites. Calais Guide may receive a commission when a visitor makes a booking through one of these links.
This does not increase the visitor’s price. Commercial relationships do not determine whether we describe a place or option as useful.
Found something outdated?
Calais changes, and small practical details can change quickly. If you find an incorrect opening time, closed business or outdated travel detail, please let us know so the page can be checked.