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Calais Town Hall and Belfry

4.7
·257 reviews·Calais, France

A striking landmark with ornate architecture and panoramic views, the Calais Town Hall and Belfry offers a picturesque stop.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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le beffroi et l'hôtel de ville

Calais Town Hall and Belfry

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking landmark with ornate architecture and panoramic views, the Calais Town Hall and Belfry offers a picturesque stop.

4.7
(257 reviews)

"Magnificent tower and striking architecture, not to be missed when visiting Calais."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

The ornate exterior and surrounding garden make for stunning photos, especially with a bride capturing memories.

⬆️ Elevator Access

Don't want to climb? An elevator is available to reach the top for those who prefer it.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ornate Exterior Architecture

Ornate Exterior Architecture

Admire the intricate details and well-preserved facade of this striking historical building.

Panoramic Views from the Top

Panoramic Views from the Top

Ascend to the top for breathtaking vistas, with some claiming you can even spot England.

Surrounding Garden

Surrounding Garden

Enjoy the beauty of the garden in front of the belfry, a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or photos.

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Planning Your Visit

A Tale of Two Belfries

While the Calais Town Hall and Belfry is a striking landmark, some visitors note it's a copy and doesn't quite fit the local architecture. Still, its ornate exterior and the garden make it a picturesque spot for photos.

Views and Access

The belfry offers great views, with some reviewers mentioning you can see England from the top. An elevator is available for those who prefer not to climb the stairs, making it accessible for more visitors.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pas de calais 🌅 #spot #calais #paysage #nord #pourtoi
@t_dr06
302.8K likes • 2.5M views

📸 Photo Opportunities

The ornate exterior and surrounding garden make for stunning photos, especially with a bride capturing memories. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Access

Don't want to climb? An elevator is available to reach the top for those who prefer it. Reddit

Day trip from London to France with P&O Ferries. ⛴️ It just a 90 minute journey to cross the channel from Dover to Calais. - There’s lots to do on board, with a kids play area, quiet room, games room, free wifi, food market and bar, and even a pet lounge with outdoor exercise area. For extra premium there is the club longe with unlimited complimentary food/drink. - You can find more details and ...
@shewalksinengland
15.4K likes • 35.4M views

🧐 A Copy, But Still Grand

Appreciate its beauty, even if it's a copy. The architecture is still impressive. Reddit

📍 Visible from Afar

The belfry stands out and can be seen from a distance, a prominent landmark in Calais. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

The ornate exterior and surrounding garden make for stunning photos, especially with a bride capturing memories. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Access

Don't want to climb? An elevator is available to reach the top for those who prefer it. Reddit

🧐 A Copy, But Still Grand

Appreciate its beauty, even if it's a copy. The architecture is still impressive. Reddit

📍 Visible from Afar

The belfry stands out and can be seen from a distance, a prominent landmark in Calais. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(257 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Calais Town Hall and Belfry is a visually striking landmark with ornate architecture and a pleasant surrounding garden. While some note it's a copy and doesn't perfectly match the local style, its beauty and the panoramic views from the top, accessible by elevator, are widely appreciated. It's a picturesque spot, even if its authenticity is debated.

"A magnificent tower and striking architecture. Not to be missed when visiting Calais. Worth the visit. There was a garden in front of it."

Vic Cano

"Worth a visit. There is an elevator if you don't want to walk up the stairs. The outside is very ornate. The view from the top is great, you can see england."

Trevor Huffman

"Pretty Historical building, you can visit the 2nd floor."

Ballin Paul

What People Like

Ornate exterior architecture
Panoramic views from top
Surrounding garden

What People Dislike

Perceived as a copy
Doesn't fit local style

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Town Hall and Belfry is centrally located in Calais. Many visitors arrive by ferry from the UK, with a journey of about 90 minutes from Dover. TikTok From the ferry terminal, you can take a taxi or local transport to reach the town center where the belfry is situated.

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, being in the town center suggests there are likely public parking options nearby. It's advisable to look for 'Parking' signs upon arrival.

Walking from the ferry port to the town center and the belfry is possible but can be a significant distance, depending on your stamina. Public transport or a taxi is generally recommended for convenience.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information on ticket requirements for the interior is limited, but the exterior and surrounding garden are freely accessible. Some reviews mention visiting the second floor, suggesting interior access might be possible. Reddit

Specific opening hours for the interior are not readily available. However, the exterior and garden can be viewed at any time. For interior access, it's best to check locally or with tourist information.

While the exterior is free to admire, there might be a fee for accessing the upper levels or interior. Reviews suggest an elevator is available, hinting at a paid access for the views. Reddit

Absolutely! The belfry is a prominent landmark and can easily be incorporated into a day trip to Calais, especially if arriving by ferry from the UK. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the ornate architecture of the town hall and belfry, explore the garden in front, and ascend to the top for panoramic views, potentially seeing England. Reddit

Yes, an elevator is available for those who prefer not to climb stairs, making the upper levels accessible. Reddit

The view from the top is described as great, with the possibility of seeing England. Reddit

Some visitors note that the belfry is a copy, and not as grand as some other belfries. However, its ornate exterior is still considered beautiful and well-preserved. Reddit

Yes, there is a garden in front of the town hall and belfry, which is noted as being well-preserved and a pleasant area to be in. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ornate exterior of the building and the surrounding garden offer excellent photo opportunities. It's also a popular spot for wedding photos. Reddit

If you're interested in panoramic shots, going to the top is recommended for the views, which may include England on a clear day. Reddit

Daytime generally offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the architecture and the garden. Golden hour might also provide beautiful lighting.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Calais can find the Town Hall and Belfry an interesting stop. The garden in front offers a pleasant space for children to move around, and the ornate architecture can spark curiosity. Reddit If you're traveling by ferry, the onboard amenities like play areas can keep younger travelers entertained during the crossing. TikTok While the historical details might be more for adults, the accessible elevator means everyone can potentially enjoy the views from the top without a strenuous climb. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Calais Town Hall and Belfry offers a picturesque subject. The ornate exterior provides intricate details to capture, and the surrounding garden adds a lovely foreground element. Reddit It's a popular spot for wedding photography, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. Reddit Ascending to the top for panoramic views, potentially including a glimpse of England, offers a different photographic perspective. Reddit Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best natural light to showcase the building's features.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance and Visitor Experience

The Calais Town Hall and Belfry presents a unique visitor experience, marked by its striking, albeit debated, architectural style. While some reviews describe it as a copy that doesn't quite fit the local spirit, others praise its ornate exterior and well-preserved garden. Reddit The building's prominence is noted, as it stands out in a town where taller structures are less common. Reddit This contrast can make it a focal point, whether admired for its grandeur or discussed for its distinctiveness.

For those who ascend, the panoramic views from the top are a significant draw. Reviewers mention the ability to see England from this vantage point, offering a unique perspective on the town's location. Reddit The availability of an elevator ensures that this experience is accessible to a wider range of visitors, overcoming the challenge of climbing numerous stairs. Reddit This blend of visual appeal from the outside and rewarding vistas from the top contributes to its status as a noteworthy landmark in Calais.

Navigating Calais: Travel and Arrival

Calais is a popular gateway to France, particularly for travelers coming from the United Kingdom. The P&O Ferries service from Dover to Calais is a common and convenient option, with the journey taking approximately 90 minutes. TikTok The onboard experience on these ferries can include various amenities like food markets, bars, and even play areas, making the crossing itself an enjoyable part of the trip. TikTok

Upon arrival in Calais, reaching the Town Hall and Belfry is straightforward. Located in the town center, it's accessible via local transport or a short taxi ride from the ferry terminal. While walking is an option, it's a considerable distance, so opting for quicker transport methods is often preferred for maximizing time exploring the town. Reddit

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