With just a sliver of water separating Calais from Kent, it’s no wonder that so many of us make the short trip across the Channel to the port that was effectively part of England for 300 years.

The town is the obvious starting point for anyone heading to Europe. The motorway network via the A26 and A16 means easy journeys to Belgium, Germany and, of course, the rest of France.

But those staying a while will see that Calais, once just a humble fishing village, offers a wealth of culture and heritage. Look closely and you will see that Calais is really three towns in one: Calais Nord; Calais Sud and Calais Ouest.

Calais Nord is the old part of town and harbour area. It is home to streets full of boutique-style shops, wine bars and smart restaurants.

Calais Sud, separated from the old town by a labyrinth of canals, is the main town centre. It’s dominated by the impressive town hall, whose towering belfry can be seen for miles around.

Often missed by day-trippers, this part of town is packed full of shops, department stores and shopping centres.

The more modern Calais Ouest is home to the vast Cité Europe shopping mall and a busy factory outlet centre.

Just a short drive from the Eurotunnel terminal, it’s the obvious place to end any trip to Calais and load up with bargains before heading back across the Channel.

Aside from shopping, Calais has a good range of leisure activities. The vast, sandy beaches are popular and there are numerous activities such as sailing, sail boarding and sand yachting.

From Place d’Armes, the main town square, a short walk leads to the Port de Plaisance – the fishing harbour – where small colourful fishing boats gently bob in the breeze.

GETTING ACROSS THE CHANNEL

There are three companies offering Channel crossings to France from Kent

DFDS Seaways: Up to 15 crossings a day from Dover to Calais plus up to 12 crossings a day from Dover to Dunkirk

Eurotunnel: Up to 76 crossings a day from Folkestone to Coquelles, near Calais

P&O Ferries: Up to 24 crossings a day from Dover to Calais