Calais, situated in the north-west corner of France on the Opal Coast, la Côte d’Opale, is often referred to as the most English town in France; the town was in English hands for more than 200 years until 1558, is home to a famous lace industry that was set up by Nottingham lace makers in the early nineteenth century and, at 21 miles distance, is France’s closest point to England. Many visitors, arriving to take advantage of cheap shopping in the many hypermarkets, are surprised at how much more Calais has to offer both in its town and the surrounding area.