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Fortification

The Citadel

Calais, Opal Coast

About this place

Built on the ruins of a medieval castle, the citadel is located at the northwest corner of the city (Avenue Pierre De Coubertin).

It was Philippe le Hurperel, Count of Boulogne, who, in 1229, decided to build a medieval castle consisting of a square enclosure with six towers and a keep to protect the city. Initially inhabited by the counts of Boulogne and Artois, it later became a residence for the kings of England until 1558: Edward III resided there and fortified it for the first time.

Since the medieval castle no longer met the needs of warfare, it was decided to build a citadel. Many houses were razed to make way for the construction site.

Vauban (already known for Fort Nieulay) oversaw the restoration of the fortifications. Ultimately, the castle was completely destroyed in the 19th century.

Visitors can still see the medieval ramparts, the emergency gate known as the “Porte de Boulogne,” and the Neptune Gate, also called the “Porte Royale.” Some of these gates have been designated as historic monuments, as have the moats and curtain walls.

Today, the Citadel is surrounded by a neighborhood built in the regional style (red brick) dating from World War II and features a walking area and sports facilities. In fact, electric boats are available to cruise along the walls and explore the ruins in a different way.

Now converted into a multi-sport and school stadium, the citadel features soccer fields, rugby fields, tennis courts, and more, allowing everyone to enjoy sports in a stunning historic setting.

What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Calais.

Festival 15 August

Courgain Maritime Festival

Calais

Courgain Maritime Festival The Courgain Maritime Festival will take place on August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Calais. The day begins with a Mass at St. Pierre-St. Paul Church, followed by a procession to the harbor. In the Courgain Maritime neighborhood, you can enjoy entertainment, restaurants serving seafood dishes, nautical competitions, and concerts. Feel free to explore the Courgain Maritime neighborhood to discover these activities and enjoy the day.
category.Découverte 22 August

Introduction to Radio-Controlled Flying

Calais

Introduction to Radio-Controlled Boating Members of the Calaisis Naval Model Club are offering an introduction to piloting their radio-controlled model ships. This introductory session will take place on August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Calais. With the help of the modelers, you’ll learn the basics of radio-controlled sailing and how to operate these miniature ships.
Workshop 29 August

DIY Workshop: Personalize a Water Bottle and a Snack Box

Calais

DIY Workshop: Personalize a Water Bottle and a Snack Box Saturday, August 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., come enjoy a creative family activity at the Fablab on the ground floor of Calais Cœur de vie, located on Boulevard Jacquard in Calais. For 15 euros, you can customize a water bottle and a snack box. It’s a great activity to get ready for back-to-school! Everyone is welcome, accompanied by an adult. Registration and information: contact@mdnicalaisis.com, 03.66.62.50.00.

Other places to discover

Fortification

Vauban Fortified Complex

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Fortification

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Fortification

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Fortification

Fort Risban

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Located on the coast, Fort Risban is one of the last coastal forts on French territory. Designated a historic monument in 1990, this fort was long a strategic stronghold for the city and has undergone numerous modifications since its construction during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1346, upon the arrival of the English in the Calais region, King Edward III decided to build a heavily armed wooden tower on top of Calais’s existing fortifications. The sole purpose of this was to prevent any supplies from entering from outside and thus to besiege the city through starvation. Having taken control of the city, the English replaced the wooden tower with a tall stone tower equipped with cannons, the Lancaster Tower. Situated on a sand spit, the fort was gradually separated from the dunes by ocean currents, eventually becoming entirely surrounded by the sea. After 1450, the Lancaster Tower took the name Risban and was enclosed by a polygonal wall that also included two other towers. In 1558, Risban returned to French control, and the governor of Calais decided to lower the height of the Lancaster Tower, which at the time posed a threat to the city. Two bastions were added, and in 1622, the fort served as the starting point for the construction of a seawall extending to Sangatte. In 1799, a gunpowder depot exploded, causing significant damage, but this did not prevent the fort from serving as the port’s main defense in the 1850s. During World War II, it sheltered many residents of Calais fleeing the bombings. Beginning in 1950, the fort’s ruins were opened to boaters; today, it serves as the headquarters of the Calais Yacht Club.
Fortification

Fort d'Ambleteuse

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