Notre-Dame Church of Calais

Right in the heart of the old town, Notre-Dame Church is one of Calais’s most symbolic landmarks. Construction began in 1223, and continued with various additions until the 16th century—a period during which the city was, for over a century, under English rule. This might explain why the church is so unique in France, with its distinctly Tudor architectural style—an influence rarely seen this side of the Channel. In fact, its exterior looks more like the cathedrals of Winchester, Rochester or Gloucester than any typical French church. Another unusual feature is the massive central tower, rising from the middle of the structure rather than from one end, as is more common in France—and it also lacks the typical flying buttresses you’d expect to see. Not everyone appreciated it, though—Victor Hugo, no less, once told his wife that “the church, which is Gothic and from a rather beautiful period, might have character if the bell tower didn’t look like a half-collapsed telescope.” Harsh words—but as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!