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Hauts-De-France
Calais

Guînes

Attractions and Places To See around Guînes - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Guînes, a town in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, offers a variety of points of interest. The region is recognized for its historical ties, including the Field of the Cloth of Gold, and its natural landscapes. Visitors can explore landmarks, expansive forests, and marshlands. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.

Best attractions and places to see around Guînes

  • The most popular attractions is Mont de Couple, a summit that is the highest point in Boulonnais at an altitude of 163 m. It offers panoramic views of the coast and countryside. Visitors can see the Strait of Dover, the White Cliffs of England, and the Calais region from its summit.
  • Another must-see spot is Town Hall and its belfry, a historical site designed in Flemish Renaissance style with a 75-meter-high belfry. The belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides panoramic views of the city.
  • Visitors also love Calais Beach and the Lighthouse, a sandy beach stretching for several kilometers, suitable for various activities. It is known for its fine sand and offers views of the lighthouse.
  • Guînes is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural attractions. The area offers a mix of landmarks, forests, and reconstructed villages to explore.
  • The attractions around Guînes are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 320 upvotes and over 160 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Town Hall and its belfry

Highlight • Historical Site

Calais Town Hall is a magnificent Flemish Renaissance style building, inaugurated in 1925, which symbolizes the union of Calais and Saint-Pierre-lès-Calais. Its belfry, 75 meters high, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. This iconic landmark is famous for its rich ornamentation and architectural details, such as its stained glass windows and sculptures.

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Mont de Couple

Highlight • Summit

Mont de Couple is the highest point in Boulonnais, at an altitude of 163 m. Along the way, you can admire the diverse flora and fauna of the nature reserve, as well as the remains of German bunkers from the Second World War. At the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coast and countryside. You will also be able to see on your right the majestic Cap Blanc-Nez, which is slightly lower than Mont de Couple.

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The Plage de Calais, also known as Calais Beach, is a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for several kilometers, from Perré Risban to Blériot-Plage. The beach is ideal for children with its very fine sand and gently sloping coastline. It offers a range of activities including windsurfing, kitesurfing, sand yachting and beach volleyball. Along the promenade you will find a range of restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors1. The beach is easily accessible from the city center and train station, and there is plenty of parking at both ends.

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Dragon of Calais

Highlight • Structure

The Calais Dragon is an impressive mechanical sculpture installed on Calais beach, which has become a major attraction in the city. This gigantic creature, made of wood and steel, can breathe fire, smoke and water. It's a fascinating show for all ages! Designed by the company La Machine, it also offers rides on its back, allowing visitors to discover the seafront in an unusual way.

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Les Bourgeois de Calais (also known as The Burghers of Calais in English) is a sculpture by Auguste Rodin. It was originally cast in bronze in 1895 and is one of Rodin's most famous works. The sculpture commemorates an event during the Hundred Years' War, when the French port city of Calais surrendered to them after an eleven-month siege by the English.

The sculpture depicts six characters: Eustache de Saint Pierre, Jacques and Pierre de Wissant, Jean de Fiennes, Andrieus d'Andres and Jean d'Aire. These men became victims of a ritual of surrender imposed by King Edward III of England in August 1347. They sacrificed themselves to save the lives of the inhabitants of Calais, who were about to be conquered by the English. Rodin turned this seemingly simple capitulation ritual into an act of heroism, in which the citizens saved the city from destruction.

The sculpture can be seen in the Musée Rodin in Paris, but twelve original bronze casts and numerous copies have also been made1. It is a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice, and it remains an important work of art in the history of sculpture.

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Popular around Guînes

Via Francigena in the Pas-de-Calais – GR 145

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Via Francigena in the Pas-de-Calais – GR 145

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Tips from the Community

🇧🇪BER68🚴‍♂️👟📷🐶🇧🇪 NIVELLES
November 18, 2025, Calais Beach and Lighthouse

Superb beach in Calais with a very beautiful seawall

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Magnificent articulated dragon that you can ride on

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Greg
June 1, 2025, Dragon de Calais

dish is pleasant except in the open wind

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Mont de Couple is a small hill 163 meters above sea level. Its summit offers an exceptional view of the hinterland and the town of Wissant. In good weather, you can see the Strait of Dover, the White Cliffs of England, the Boulogne hinterland, and the Calais region.

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Everyone knows Calais as a ferry port to England, but I would never have guessed that Calais is actually an incredibly diverse city. Calais surprises with modern street art, as well as pretty buildings and an old citadel. The beach is also worth a visit.

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The town hall is certainly the pearl of this city. I have rarely seen such a beautiful town hall. If you are in Calais, you should take a look at it.

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Beautiful and impressive. And then the town hall in the background, brilliant.

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It takes several visits to find the hidden secrets in Calais. A very beautiful city that is a must-explore 🥰

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in and around Guînes?

Guînes is rich in history. You can visit the Town Hall and its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Calais, or explore the Fort Risban, a 16th-century fortification. Within Guînes itself, the Clock Tower and Local Museum offers an interactive journey through Viking history and the Field of the Cloth of Gold. The Château de Guînes also provides insights into the town's past, and the Blanchard Column marks a significant aerial voyage.

Are there any natural areas for outdoor activities near Guînes?

Yes, the Forêt Domaniale de Guînes is an expansive national forest perfect for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The Guînes Marsh is another area of ecological interest with hiking and discovery trails. For coastal views and activities, Calais Beach offers fine sand and various watersports.

What family-friendly attractions are available in the Guînes area?

Families can enjoy the Mont de Couple for its easy trails and panoramic views. Calais Beach is ideal for children with its fine sand and gentle slope. The Saint Joseph Village offers a unique step back in time to 1900-1950, and the Forest of Guînes features an adventure course with zip lines and mini-golf.

Where can I find panoramic views of the region?

For breathtaking vistas, head to Mont de Couple, the highest point in Boulonnais, offering views of the coast, countryside, and even the White Cliffs of England on a clear day. The belfry of the Town Hall in Calais, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also provides panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Can I go cycling or hiking near Guînes?

Absolutely! The Forêt Domaniale de Guînes has numerous paths and trails suitable for both cycling and hiking. You can also explore the Guînes Marsh on discovery trails. For more structured routes, consider exploring the many road cycling routes, gravel biking routes, or general cycling routes available around Guînes.

Are there any unique wildlife spotting opportunities?

Yes, the Forêt Domaniale de Guînes is home to a population of wild wallabies, descendants of zoo escapees, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience. The Guînes Marsh is also an area of ecological interest, where you might spot unique plant species like the marsh fern and various bird species, including the marsh harrier.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3541672" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont de Couple</a>, and what does it offer?

The Mont de Couple is the highest point in Boulonnais, standing at 163 meters. It's a popular spot for its superb panoramic views of the coast and countryside, including the Strait of Dover and the White Cliffs of England on clear days. The area also features diverse flora and fauna, and remnants of German bunkers from WWII.

Is there anything to see related to the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold event?

Yes, the Clock Tower and Local Museum in Guînes features an exhibition dedicated to the historical Field of the Cloth of Gold, the famous 1520 meeting between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. The Château de Guînes also provides an account of this significant event in its history.

Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with reduced mobility?

The Guînes Marsh offers some hiking and discovery trails that are specifically accessible to people with reduced mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy its unique ecological environment.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Guînes?

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from spots like Mont de Couple and the Calais Town Hall belfry. The diverse natural landscapes, from the sandy Calais Beach to the tranquil Forêt de Guînes, are also highly rated for relaxation and outdoor activities. The rich history, palpable at sites like Fort Risban and the local museums, is another highlight.

Where can I find parking when visiting attractions in Guînes?

Guînes has a market square where visitors can park their vehicles, providing a convenient base to explore local shops, cafes, and the town's historic center. For specific hiking trails, parking is often available near trailheads within the Forêt de Guînes.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/950521" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calais Canal</a> and what can I do there?

The Calais Canal is a historic waterway connecting Calais with the Aa river. Its towpath offers a pleasant route for walking, allowing you to stroll towards Calais or Saint-Omer while enjoying the waterside scenery and a sense of history.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

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