|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel France > France Destinations > Calais
Calais
France, officially the French Republic, is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in Western Europe and comprises various overseas islands and territories which are located in other regions. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. At 674,843 square kilometres, France is the world's 40th-largest country after Myanmar. France is a member of The European Union and Paris is the capital of this nation. The sole official language of France is French. Since prehistoric times, France has been a crossroads of trade, migrations, and invasions.
Calais is a town in northern France, located at 50 degree 57 minutes north and 1 degree 52 minutes East. It is in the department of Pas-de-Calais, of which it is a sous-prefecture. The population of the city at the 1999 census was 77,333 inhabitants. The population of the whole metropolitan area at the 1999 census was 125,584. Calais overlooks the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only 34 kilometers wide and is the closest French town to England. The white cliffs of Dover can easily be seen on a clear day.
Pas-de-Calais was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from parts of the former provinces of Boulonnais, Ponthieu and Artois. Some of the costliest battles of World War I were fought there. The Vimy Memorial commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge and is Canada's most important memorial to its fallen soldiers. The Pas-de-Calais was also the target of Operation Fortitude during World War II, which was an Allied plan to deceive the Germans that the invasion of Europe was to occur there, rather than in Normandy.
The old part of the town, Calais Proper, is situated on an artificial island surrounded by canals and harbours. The modern part of the town, St-Pierre, lies to the south and southeast. It was founded as a fishing village some time prior to the 10th century. Pas-de-Calais is a department in northern France named after the strait which it borders. A city known for its historic myths and traditions, scenic beauty, luxurious hotels and cottages, Calais is one of the favorite holiday destinations for most of the vacation lovers.
Back to France Destinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|