Car RentalCalais

Calais is one of the most important ports in France and as such, the city is well connected by both sea and road. The city also enjoys excellent connections to the rest of France thanks to its motorway links.

The Autoroute A16 runs almost parallel to the coast and connects Calais to the border with Belgium, a charming, compact country where both NATO and the European Union have their headquarters.

In the other direction, to the south, the A16 links Calais to the network of roads around the French capital Paris. It’s just over three hours’ drive from Calais and if you make this journey you’ll be rewarded with iconic monuments, world famous galleries and beautiful, tree-lined boulevards.

Other attractions just a short drive from Calais include Amiens, a historic city with a famous Gothic cathedral and medieval belfry. It’s just over a 90-minute drive south on the A16, located further inland within the scenic Picardy region.

The roads in France are very well maintained although many of the highways are toll roads . There are also plenty of speed cameras on the roads, including those carried by unmarked police cars, and police can issue on-the-spot fines from which rental cars are not exempt.

You’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road throughout France, with limits set at 31mph in built-up areas, 55mph outside, 68mph on divided highways and 80mph on highways.

Calais has long been a favorite destination for day-trippers hopping across the Channel, so you’ll find plenty to see and do in this bustling port city. Renting a car means you can also make the journey to some incredible nearby attractions.

Captivating Calais

Today Calais is a famous port but it was once known for the production of lace, an industry that crossed over the water from England in the 19^th century. Visitors can explore this part of the city’s history by heading to the International Center of Lace and Fashion, a popular attraction with fascinating insights into the craft and its social and economic impact.

Other parts of Calais that are well worth a visit include its impressive Town Hall, which boasts an intriguing combination of Neo-Renaissance and Flemish styles. Outside you will spot the statue of the Burghers of Calais, a famous bronze sculpture constructed by Auguste Rodin to recall the sacrifice made by six of the town’s leaders during a siege of the city in 1346. 

The enormous Town Hall building is open to the public, and if you’re not afraid of heights you can take the elevator all the way up to the top of its belfry, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Elsewhere in Calais you will find the Church of Notre Dame, a 13^th century structure that is the oldest church in the city. An interesting mix of English and Flemish styles, the building was badly damaged during the attacks on Calais in World War Two. Its reconstruction is ongoing, and today you can explore the site.

The Opal Coast

Renting a car for your trip to Calais opens up a wealth of opportunities for exploring the coastline of northern France. Drive just 20 minutes from the city and you’ll reach the Côte d’Opal, or Opal Coast.

Here there are miles of fascinating coves and sandy beaches to explore, plus some amazing views from the chalk cliffs at Cap Blanc Nez, where on a clear day you can see all the way across the Channel to England.

Many beaches along this part of the coast also offer a number of water sports, ranging from windsurfing and sailing to kite surfing.

Seafood heaven

If you’re keen to sample some classic French food, just over 30 minutes from Calais along the A16 is where you’ll find Boulogne-sur-Mer, a huge fishing port where, as you would expect, there’s some amazing seafood on offer.

You’ll find numerous stalls along the edge of the port plus a bustling commercial area, Capécure, where the fish is prepared for sale. Guided tours are available, which include a chance to experience the fish auctions.

Alternatively, you could head to one of the restaurants in the center to sample local seafood at its finest. Boulogne is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, while its main cobbled square is home to a twice-weekly market where you’ll find a vast array of fresh local produce on offer, from cheese to meat and fish.

Renting a car for your visit to Calais makes it possible to explore all this and more during your stay – as well as getting out to enjoy the best of France.