Calais is a town in northern France, located at 50°57'N 1°52'E. It is in the département of Pas-de-Calais, of which it is a sous-préfecture. Although Calais is by far the largest city in Pas-de-Calais, the department's préfecture (capital) resides in its third-largest city of Arras.
The population of the city (commune) at the 1999 census was 77,333 inhabitants (74,800 as of February 2004 estimates). The population of the whole metropolitan area (aire urbaine) at the 1999 census was 125,584.
The old part of the town, Calais proper (or Calais-Nord), is situated on an artificial island surrounded by canals and harbours.
History
The origins of Calais are obscure though its site might be expected to be have been inhabited from early times. It stands on the foreshore of the last piece of solid geology on the south and east coast of the North Sea between France and the UK. It is also at the western edge of the early medieval estuary of the River Aa.
Calais was regarded for many years as being an integral part of Kingdom of England, with its representatives sitting in the English Parliament.
Today the French still refer to Calais as "the most English town in France".
Economy
The mainstay of the town's economy is, naturally, its port, but it also has a number of indigenous industries. The principal ones are lace making, chemicals, and paper manufacture. It possesses direct rail links to Paris.
Transport
As well as the large port, the town is served by two railway stations: Gare de Calais-Fréthun and Gare de Calais-Ville, the former being the first stop on mainland Europe of the Eurostar line.
The Bonsai Escale Calais, containing a philosophy of the art of living, represents relaxation, rest and inner calm where a special care is taken in th....
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Average price*: EUR 31.50
Cottage Hotel (43 Rooms) Rue de Tunis, , Calais 62100 Rating:
Our hotel has 44 comfortable rooms, fully equipped with bathroom, satellite TV, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel has its own restaurant and free p....
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Average price*: EUR 38.03
A fantastic sight of the sea from your window and the tranquility of the beach. Located 5 minutes away from the Channel Tunnel. All the bedrooms and s....
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Average price*: EUR 39.00
Hotel Victoria (14 Rooms) 10 rue de Madrid, , Calais 62100 Rating:
We are ideally located for a short stop prior to going to Great Britain or Belgium and for visiting the Opal Coast. We are delighted to received you a....
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Average price*: EUR 42.00
All our 40 bedrooms are equipped with full en suite bathroom, direct dial and Satellite television. Snacks are served during the week. Located on the ....
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Average price*: EUR 44.00
Hotel Pacific (16 Rooms) 40 Rue du Duc de Guise, , Calais 62100 Rating:
The hotel is located in a quiet street at a stone throw from Rue Royale in the town centre of Calais and at 5 minutes away from the Ferries. Entirely ....
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Average price*: EUR 45.00
Campanile Calais (43 Rooms) Rue Maubeuge, , Calais 62100 Rating:
Our hotel offers you 43 rooms with an individual access on the outside. Our restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday from 12pm until 2pm and from 7pm ....
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Average price*: EUR 49.00
Right on the seafront with easy access to the beach, you can have the best of both worlds as the centre of Calais is just five minutes away. The 44 gu....
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Average price*: EUR 56.00
Hotel Metropol (40 Rooms) 45 Quai du Rhin, , Calais 62100 Rating:
Our 40 bedrooms are fully equiped with a private bathroom, toilets, TV with satellite GB, Spain, USA, I, TPS. We have got a private car park inside th....
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Average price*: EUR 65.00
The George V offers a wide range of packages formulated to welcome you and to serve tourist and business needs alike. You will be warmly welcomed by o....
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Average price*: EUR 72.00
Hotel Meurice (39 Rooms) 5 rue Edmond Roche, , Calais 62100 Rating:
The first hotel Meurice in Calais, destroyed during the last war, was rebuilt in 1954. Its imposing and massive structure, its outstanding inside volu....
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Average price*: EUR 79.00
Both the Channel Tunnel and the ferry port are within close proximity to the hotel. Directly linked to the European motorway network via the A26 and A....
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Average price*: EUR 105.00