Saint-Pierre Park

Yes, Calais is a coastal city—but it’s also a green one. Of its 3,350 hectares, around 350 are dedicated to parks, gardens, and wooded areas. One of the oldest and most beloved of them is Saint-Pierre Park. Opened in 1863 and named after the former town that merged with Calais in 1885, the park was once twice as large as it is today. Over the years, expanding neighborhoods gradually ate away at its edges. Still, what remains is a charming space full of shaded paths, century-old trees, playgrounds, and peaceful corners. Locals come here to relax, enjoy the fountain at the center—whose basin recalls the classical elegance of the Three Graces in Versailles—and even stop by the small aquarium run by the Calaisis Aquarium Club. But perhaps the most surprising feature of the park is its museum. To find it, just look for the massive concrete block. This is the Calais Memorial Museum 39-45, opened in 1962 inside a 94-meter-long German blockhouse. Originally built as a naval command center and telephone hub during World War II, it now houses a powerful collection spread across 21 rooms. Visitors can see uniforms, equipment, deactivated weapons, photographs, propaganda posters, and more—offering a moving insight into the experience of occupied Calais during the war. Just keep in mind: the museum is closed every year in December and January. So whether you’re here for peace and quiet or a walk through history, Saint-Pierre Park is the perfect place to slow down, reflect, and recharge.