Cheap Car Hire & Rental Calais

Calais

Calais is situated in Northern France. It is only 21 miles away from the United Kingdom and it is possible to see the White Cliffs of Dover if the day is clear. Calais is made up of two different parts, the new part is in the south/southeast and is called St-Pierre while the older part is surrounded by harbours and canals and is on an artificial island.

The Romans called Calais “Caletum” and Edward III believed it should be ruled by England so he invaded in 1347 and took control in 1360. The English held the area until 1558 when France took it back. It was from Calais that Napoleon planned his attack in Britain in 1805 and was also the site of the German capture of British troops in WWII. Calais was also believed by Hitler to be the site of the Allied landings and so many German troops were stationed there instead of in the correct location of Normandy. The Canadians later liberated Calais in 1944.

There is not a great deal of old Calais left as much of it was destroyed during World War II so there is little of historical value to visit. The Tour de Guet is one of the few remaining dated buildings. A war museum is present and this is in the guise of a park just south of the train station. There is a statue by Rodin in front of the Town Hall - The Burghers of Calais in French Les Bourgeois de Calais. Regeneration has taken place so the city now has a new and vibrant look. There is even an area of coastline that seems to mirror the White Cliffs.

Whether or not the plans are to travel around Calais or drive into France it is easy to arrange car hire in Calais. Most of the main providers will be able to help including Rentacar and Easycar although you will find that by visiting www.anycarhire.com you will be able to get just as good a deal if not better.