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Monument

The Watchtower

Calais, Opal Coast

About this place

This 13th-century tower is one of the oldest buildings in Calais. Listed as a historic monument since 1931, it towers over the Place d’Armes from a height of 35 meters.

Originally the centerpiece of the medieval castle, this tower served as a military observation post and later as a telegraph station—which announced the death of Napoleon I in 1821—as well as a lighthouse.

Severely damaged by bombing during World War II, the tower had previously been split in two by an earthquake in 1580. During its reconstruction, its surroundings changed radically; the houses that once surrounded it and the old town hall were demolished.

This square-based tower is built of yellow brick, known as “sand brick,” a traditional material of the coastal plain. The market has been held at its base since the 16th century.

One might wonder whether the Tour du Guet is still a monument—a testament to the splendors and hardships the city has experienced—or already a sculpture, whose appearance and materials contrast with the austerity of the Place d’Armes.

What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Calais.

Festival 15 August

Courgain Maritime Festival

Calais

Courgain Maritime Festival The Courgain Maritime Festival will take place on August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Calais. The day begins with a Mass at St. Pierre-St. Paul Church, followed by a procession to the harbor. In the Courgain Maritime neighborhood, you can enjoy entertainment, restaurants serving seafood dishes, nautical competitions, and concerts. Feel free to explore the Courgain Maritime neighborhood to discover these activities and enjoy the day.
category.Découverte 22 August

Introduction to Radio-Controlled Flying

Calais

Introduction to Radio-Controlled Boating Members of the Calaisis Naval Model Club are offering an introduction to piloting their radio-controlled model ships. This introductory session will take place on August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Calais. With the help of the modelers, you’ll learn the basics of radio-controlled sailing and how to operate these miniature ships.
Workshop 29 August

DIY Workshop: Personalize a Water Bottle and a Snack Box

Calais

DIY Workshop: Personalize a Water Bottle and a Snack Box Saturday, August 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., come enjoy a creative family activity at the Fablab on the ground floor of Calais Cœur de vie, located on Boulevard Jacquard in Calais. For 15 euros, you can customize a water bottle and a snack box. It’s a great activity to get ready for back-to-school! Everyone is welcome, accompanied by an adult. Registration and information: contact@mdnicalaisis.com, 03.66.62.50.00.

Other places to discover

Monument

Former Municipal Prison

Bourbourg

This building was designated a prison in 1550. Its facade, roof, and dungeons are listed as Historic Monuments. The building has served as a prison since the 16th century. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it still contains the jailer’s quarters, as well as the prisoners’ cells and dungeons. A unique and authentic place that immerses you in the prison world of days gone by.
Monument

Les Fontinettes Boat Elevator

Arques

Located in the town of Arques, this boat lift is the only one of its kind in France. Built between 1881 and 1887, it was designed to replace a series of five locks on the Neufossé Canal, as it was impossible for boats to navigate the 13.13-meter elevation difference between the Aa and the Lys rivers.Designed by engineers Bertin and Edwin Clark, the hydraulically operated lift consisted of two water chambers that balanced each other out, allowing barges to be raised and lowered. The last boat passed through the lift in 1967. Designated a Historic Monument in 2014, the site was saved from demolition twelve years after it ceased operations, thanks to an association from Arques. Now open to the public, the museum features three rooms—an exhibition hall, the blacksmith’s shop and video room, and the repair workshop—that are sure to delight visitors.
Monument

Bergues Belfry

Bergues

This is the third belfry built on this site. It was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire (May 30, 1940) and then by dynamite (September 16, 1944) by the Germans. It largely follows the design of the previous belfry. As you climb the 206 steps, you can visit four themed exhibition halls. At a height of 47 meters, it features a magnificent open belfry housing the carillon’s 50 bells. At its summit stands Nicolas, the lion from the city’s coat of arms, serving as the weather vane. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 15, 2005, and featured in the 2008 film “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis,” the Belfry now houses the Tourist Office, the Espace Beffroi, and vacation rentals. It is open to visitors in small groups of up to 19 people at a time, by scheduled time slot. For those who do not wish to climb the 206 steps, a virtual tour is available. Exceptional closures on the morning of December 2 and the afternoon of December 5.
Monument

Dunkerque Belfry

Dunkerque

Built of a combination of red brick and stone, the belfry stands 75 meters tall. Above the central balcony stands an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who repurchased the city from the English in 1662. A large stained-glass window depicting Jean Bart’s triumphant return after his victory at the Battle of Texel in 1694 illuminates the belfry. One elevator ride and 65 steps up, you can admire the carillon.
Monument

Gravelines Belfry

Gravelines

Fully integrated into City Hall, the belfry is visible only from the outside. It once housed the city’s dungeons, which have fortunately been replaced today by the municipal museum. The building, which stands 70 meters tall, rests on a very simple square tower. At the platform level, the first scrollwork decorations appear, and the fourth floor is adorned on each side with a mullioned window decorated with friezes. An octagonal lantern crowns the top and houses a two-metric-ton bell named Danièle, Marie, Pauline, Henriette—the first name of the donor’s mother, who funded the belfry’s reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.
Monument

Temple Tax

Saint-Aubin

This blue stone farmhouse is believed to date from the late 12th century, based on the masonry of its walls, which is similar to that of the church in Dimont and the tower in Saint-Waast-la-Vallée.

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