Richelieu Park

Grassy lawns, shady trees, and a wide cascading water basin—Richelieu Park is one of those places that just makes you want to slow down and breathe. It’s the perfect backdrop for discovering some of the stories this peaceful corner of Calais has to tell. Right in the heart of Calais, Richelieu Park is a much-loved green escape. It first opened in 1862 on land that once formed part of the city’s fortifications. At the time, it was considered vast and lush. But like so much of Calais, the park suffered greatly during the world wars. In 1944, it was even requisitioned by Allied forces and used to store oil tanks—hardly the most picturesque sight. By the end of the war, Richelieu Park had fallen into disuse, overrun with unchecked vegetation. Locals started calling it a “mini wild forest” in the middle of the city.That changed in 1955, when the city decided to reclaim the space. Trees were cut back, a new water basin was created, and the park’s boundaries were redesigned, adding the straight paths you see today. Since then, not much has changed in terms of layout. A few adjustments have been made over the years: the bandstand that once hosted Sunday dances and community events has been removed, and the statue of the Six Burghers of Calais—once a centerpiece here—now stands at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In its place, a new war memorial was erected after the first version was destroyed in 1950. If you’re a nature lover, keep an eye out for small QR codes scattered around the park. They’ll tell you more about some of the rare or particularly interesting tree species growing here. Named after Cardinal Richelieu—who once dreamed of turning Calais into a mighty fortress and military port—this park now offers something quite different: a peaceful, leafy place for a gentle stroll, a moment of calm, or even a little botany lesson along the way. So go ahead—give in to that urge to slow down and breathe. This is exactly the kind of place that deserves to be savored.