Calais
Sign in to saveCalais ( , , traditionally , ) is a French major port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais. The population of the city proper is 67,585; that of the urban area is 144,488 (2022). Calais overlooks the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only wide here, and is the closest French town to England. The White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen from Calais on a clear day. Calais is a major port for ferries between France and England, The Channel Tunnel has connected Calais and Folkestone sin
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Calais is a major French port city located in the Pas-de-Calais department, positioned at the narrowest point of the English Channel directly across from England. It serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting France and England through ferries and the Channel Tunnel, and is strategically important due to its geographic proximity to Britain.
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Article
35 sectionsContents
- Names and etymology<span class="anchor" id="Names of Calais"></span><span class="anchor" id="Etymology of Calais"></span>
- History
- Early history
- 14th–15th century; the Pale of Calais
- 16th century
- 17th century to World War I
- World War II
- 21st century – migration issues
- Geography and climate
- Demographics
- Economy
- Politics
- Notable landmarks
- Place d'Armes
- Hôtel de Ville
- Église Notre-Dame
- Towers
- Forts
- Museums, theatres and cultural centres
- Monuments and memorials
- Historic hotels
- Education
- Sport
- Transport
- Sea
- Rail
- Road
- Air
- Notable people
- International relations
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Bibliography
- External links
Calais ( , , traditionally , ) is a French major port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Calais is the largest city in Pas-de-Calais. The population of the city proper is 67,585; that of the urban area is 144,488 (2022). Calais overlooks the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only wide here, and is the closest French town to England. The White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen from Calais on a clear day. Calais is a major port for ferries between France and England, The Channel Tunnel has connected Calais and Folkestone since 1994.
Because of its position, Calais has been a major port and an important centre for transport and trading with England since the Middle Ages. Calais came under English control after Edward III of England captured the city in 1347, followed by a treaty in 1360 that formally assigned Calais to English rule. Calais grew into a thriving centre for wool production, and came to be called the "brightest jewel in the English crown" because of its importance as the gateway for the tin, lead, lace and wool trades (or "staples"). Calais remained under English control until its recapture by France in 1558.