The brief was to rediscover Calais. I got the message straight away. In the aftermath of the demise of duty free and various financial wobbles, the town authorities, led by the mayor, Natacha Bouchart, got together with hoteliers, restaurant owners and cross-Channel travel operators.

They have launched a campaign to encourage more visitors, particularly from the UK, to stay a while and have a look around.

Parts of the town are undergoing a makeover to give a new perspective to the main streets – the Rue Royale and Place d’Armes.

And, despite being a town I know well, there are still some surprises to be discovered. One of these was the town hall – a symbol of Calais. It was built to mark the joining of the town with the adjacent Saint Pierre.

I had always admired the building from the outside but had never been beyond the foyer. This time we got the guided tour and it was eye-opening.

There is ornate timber panelling and glimpses of art and history everywhere.

Just a few steps up from the entrance there is another symbol – a superb stained glass window showing six of the town’s former prominent citizens surrendering to English King Richard III in the 14th century.

The English held Calais for more than 200 years. The unfortunate burghers were due to be executed by Richard, who had been frustrated by a long siege, but his wife pleaded successfully on their behalf.

A highlight was going up to the belfry with its superb views of the surrounding landmarks and the parts that are now being redeveloped to include prominent new features.

Access to the belfry was made possible last year and I am assured that on a fine day it is possible to see Dover. The weather restricted us to more of a close-up.

Next stop, that museum of fine arts. You could spend a day there, taking in wide-ranging themes of absorbing collections including significant contemporary art from the UK.

Other places well worth a look include the international lace and fashion centre and the church of Notre Dame, which is now being restored. Or just rest a while in one of the numerous parks and gardens.

To help you get around the town centre, there are free minibuses, running every 10 minutes, that you can catch at the yellow Balad’in bus stops.

Foodie travellers might want to check out a new addition at Calais Vins. A new fromagerie has opened under the watchful eye of well-known cheesemaker Philippe Olivier.

The manager of the new attraction, Marc Facchinetti, has worked in France’s top restaurants, he has spent the past five years under the careful guidance of the master himself. Visitors can take advantage of a tasting bar, in case help is needed making the choice. English staff are on hand if needed.

Calais Vins is open Monday to Saturday and the shops are just off the A16 motorway at Junction 44 (Calais St Pierre).

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