Saint-Pierre District

When you think of Calais, what comes to mind? A seaside city with ferries, a bustling port, and generations of fishermen? Or perhaps a place known for its centuries-old tradition of crafting some of the world’s most delicate and sought-after lace? Whatever your first thought, both are equally central to the city’s identity. Without the sea and the lace industry, Calais would be a very different place—its history, its prosperity, and even its appearance would have taken another path. What may surprise you, though, is that visiting Calais today is like exploring two cities in one. That’s because the city we now call Calais was actually formed by merging two distinct communities: Calais and Saint-Pierre-lès-Calais. The two officially joined forces in 1885, in what was more a marriage of convenience than of love—and, at the time, not everyone was thrilled about it. The two towns couldn’t have been more different. Calais, facing the sea, was a small fishing town of around 15,000 people, steeped in tradition. Saint-Pierre-lès-Calais, inland, was a former suburb of gardeners and market vendors, which had boomed thanks to the rise of mechanical lace-making. It was home to more than twice the population—around 35,000. While many in Saint-Pierre believed in the strength of unity, Calais residents were wary. They feared losing influence and being outnumbered. After a full year of negotiations, Calais finally agreed to the merger—but only under 14 very specific conditions. These included keeping the name “Calais” for the new city, and ensuring that key institutions like the Commercial Court, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Savings Bank remained in the original Calais. The law confirming the merger was published on January 29, 1885, and from that day forward, Calais became the most populous city in the department—a title it still holds today. While the two populations eventually came together, the urban layout never fully followed suit. Calais still lacks a single, unified city center. And yet, from the Faidherbe Bridge—right where you are now—you can cross into what was once Saint-Pierre-lès-Calais. This district, with its proud belfry, is ready to welcome you and show you a whole other side of the city.