town hall

Beautifully illuminated at night this is the most dominant building in the town and can be seen from far away.Was lucky enough to see inside a few eyars ago - really impressive.

As always the Christmas decorations were fantastic and great for child ren - we enjoyed it all as usual

This place is brilliant to see in Christmas its breathtaking and fantastic it's a WOW moment indeed.

We were in Calais at the weekend and after lunch nearby we decided to take a look at the town hall as I'd only ever seen it from the outside. It's a really impressive building and as it's nearing Christmas there was a winter wonderland of Christmas trees, lights and characters just outside. We wandered around then headed inside to find some lovely animated animal displays which had my daughter been with us she would have loved. Upstairs we went to see the stained glass windows which are stunning, I only wish we'd had more time to go up the tower.

Bring the kids, see the lights but make sure you go into the town hall to experience the entertainment

The building itself is very interesting and well worth a visit. In summer, the flower beds are exceptional and worth seeing in their own right.

Although I've never been inside , from the outside the Town Hall is a lovely building,lit up at night ,almost gothic looking. It's actually sign posted as Hotel De Ville and is a main skyline feature surrounded by very pleasant and we'll kept lawns,gardens and flowers.

Calais is unfortunate in that many people travel to it, only to pass straight through to other destinations. Generally its off the ferry and straight onto the motorway seeing nothing or little of the town of Calais.The main point of interest of the town hall is the Beffroi de Calais (tower of Calais). There is not much to see in the town hall. You are permitted to go up to the first floor to walk along the corridor and peer through the various doors to a number of chambers. Some are stark and empty but there are a small number still used for what I guess is for civil ceremonies. I expected a lot more from the town hall, especially information on what were the rooms used for. There were a few impressive rooms but they were poorly lit and difficult to appreciate their full beauty.The Beffroi de Calais is a visually striking building. It dominates the skyline as you approach the city on the ferry and its clearly identifiable, from its distinctive pointy roof, as you exit the Channel Tunnel on a Eurostar near Sangatte. The tower gives a brilliant vantage point over the town including the canals, ferry port and the seascape. It even offers commanding views over one of Rodins most famous masterpieces; the Burghers of Calais, which stands in the gardens immediately in front of the town hall.Getting to the tower is not so straightforward. You enter the main town hall building and are directed out to a side entrance to an unassuming door at the foot of the tower section. Inside there is a little room where you buy your ticket. You are then directed back into the main building (where you started), take a left, down a corridor and another left to a lift. Take the elevator to the 4th floor which brings you into a room used as a temporary gallery with another ticket desk. Its not very well signed and you constantly doubt yourself that you are going in the correct direction. From here you are escorted through to a long room with a sloping floor. Its quite unnerving as you feel unstable walking through it as your balance is obviously affected. The escort takes you through another door which leads to the belly of the tower. The escort radios a colleague who you are told will meet you at the top. The ascent of the tower can be achieved either by taking the lift or, as I did, take the stairs which wind their way up around the inner section of the tower. Its a fair old slog and you can be a little out of breath by the top. The stairs are rather sturdy blocks of wood on a sold metal frame so theres no problem of insecurity going up higher and higher to the viewing area. On route you pass by the inside of the clock faces with their bright colours. Strangely I didn’t see any mechanism connected to the back of the clock face so I couldn’t understand what controlled the hands of the clock.At the top another member of staff welcomes you and says he available if you have any questions. You exit through a door onto a narrow walkway which goes around the perimeter of the tower. Essentially its a wrap round balcony. Its just below the gold coloured figures of knights which can be seen adorning the top of the tower.The weather was not great, quite changeable but there was a brief element of sunshine which was good. Even so you can see a good few miles in the poor weather. Generally tourist attractions with viewing areas at height offering panoramic views usually have something to see. But, this is Calais, and what would you expects from port town which has seen its importance has been over by cheap air fares and a high speed rail link between the UK and the Continental mainland. Admittedly I personally found it quite interesting to see the canals and waterworks which make up the old towns defences, the docks and the comings and goings of ferries. Calais is not noted for it architectural splendor. The town certainly got roughed up a bit during the two world wars and the buildings to replace those that suffered bomb damage are hardly pleasing to the eye. I particularly liked seeing the line of approaching and departing ferries. At one point I could see 5 cross channel ferries stretching out between Calais and Dover.I would certainly recommend a visit to the tower. Its always interesting seeing a location from a different vantage point. Calais may not be an oil painting but it does have an interesting vantage point.

The clock tower can be seen from miles away but it pays to get close to it to see the ornate work on it and also to see the well maintained gardens and the war memorials

My travel buddy and I missed the last TGV to Paris, so we needed a bed for the night. So we satyed at the Hotel Premier Classe as it was directly across from the station. Pretty much, that is all it had going for it. I re-named this the Hotel Non Classe for obvious reasons. Nearby to this hotel is this beautiful municipal building. The clock tower is spectacular and around the building are well maintained gardens. We only had a brief look at the place, but were suitably impressed. Close by is a nice looking park, but as time was limited we didn’t get to go there.

A very ornate building and its setting was very nice with flower gardens and several statues near by

If you go inside, for five Euros you can now go up the tower and tale in the views of Calais, the Port and the Pas de Calais region. Sadly, this activity is not particularly suited to disabled travellers - especially those in a wheelchair.

We took a overnight trip to Calais and walked around the Town Hall area and inside the building. The outside structure is very unique and there are benches on the grounds area to relax and view the scenery. You can spend around 20 minutes or so on the grounds and move on to the downtown area and casino.

Splendid design features at every angle, a modern sculpture display inside, and a wonderful constant succession of marriages conducted during entire visit, a "must see " building.

Calais Town Hall is an architectural gem in Calais and one can see why local people are proud of the ornate building and Flemish architecture. One can enter the building and gain a sense of civic pride. However, do be very careful as the park opposite the Town Hall is a gather place for criminals and illegal immigrants on their way to England. Local people warned me that muggings and car break-ins have increased in the area.