Calais, for people living in Kent, is often just somewhere you pass through on your way to warmer climes for their annual summer holiday.

However, on this occasion I had travelled over on the newest DFDS ferry operating between Dover and Calais to see what exactly was on offer just 20 miles across the channel and I was not disappointed.

The 90 minute trip gave time to plan the day and a ticket for the premier lounge, with complimentary snacks and drinks made the journey comfortable and stress free, especially given there are around thirty crossings a day.

The Belfry at Calais Town Hall acts as the main landmark for the centre of the city.

Set opposite parks and gardens the Belfry climbs 75m into the air, and if heights are not a problem then you can head to the top for spectacular panoramic views giving you an idea of the size of the city.

Rodin’s statue of the Burghers of Calais sits in the gardens, a statue by the famous artist that commemorates the siege of Calais in 1347, when the city was under English attack during the hundred years war.

A dragon weathervane sits atop the tower and this provides a great insight into the area, where these creatures are celebrated in the Nord region of France, so much so that the annual parades of dragons are now included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. But more on the dragons later.

Once back down on terra firma the numerous roads around the Hôtel de Ville lead to the bars, restaurants, shopping areas and, of course, the beach.

The main shopping areas are punctuated with restaurants and bars, the best areas being Boulevard Lafayette and Boulevard Jacquard.

If shopping or the beach is not your thing then the history of lace making in the region could prove enlightening with a visit to the Calais Lace Museum. When I mentioned to friends that I was heading to discover Calais, this amazing gem was mentioned time and again.

The museum is located in a 19th century lace factory,

Calais found fame as a lace making centre, employing around 40,000 people, thanks to some English lace makers bringing their latest looms to France. This Anglo-French collaboration soon proved to be a success all over Europe with royalty, the rich and the famous. These days the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Calvin Klein and Lacroix still use Calais lace within their collections. Wether a lover of fashion or a curious tourist, this amazing museum will leave you entranced and educated at the same time.

A short distance away from Calais and keeping the local history theme, the La Coupole History Centre is an interesting place to visit, especially for those with inquisitive children.

La Coupole is impressive remnant of the Second World War, built to launch the V2 rockets against London.

Dug deep into the French countryside, visitors can enter and descend the deep caves used to house the rockets. And as the story unfolds from one exhibit or short film to the other, the history of rocket development moves from the weapons of terror used against the UK in 1943-45, right up to the technology and knowledge used to put a man on the moon from a launch site in America.

Heading back to Calais along the coast road, passing the Le Cap Nez monument, you are a mere 20 miles away from England across the channel.

Here, long stretches of golden beaches lead you back, through the dunes, to the seafront in Calais where a fire breathing dragon awaits you on the panoramic terrace. Yes, a dragon and a continuation of the theme from the weathervane atop the town hall.

Calais has completed a €46 million revamp of the seafront area, with an impressive boardwalk, skate parks, food venues, all adding to the draw of the golden sands.

Young and old are fascinated by dragons and this 72 ton, 12 meters high fire breathing protector of the shoreline can carry 50 passengers at a time as it completes a 45 minute tour of the sands.

Breathing fire and spraying water as it moves, its huge wingspan spreading out to an impressive 17.5 meters width, this giant steel dragon is a show stopping finale to the day before you head back to the docks and your return ferry.

But what about the mad dash around the numerous wine outlets that surround the town. The frantic search for beer, sweets and gifts whilst you watch the minutes tick away as your departure time looms every nearer?

Fear not. DFDS have opened a truly impressive 1,000 square meter shop (equivalent to the size of 35 London buses) which is located in the new port terminal at Calais.

The two story building holds everything that you could wish for and being located by the loading lanes for the ferries, makes it easy to load the car before crossing.

Beers, wines, spirits and chocolates, all at around 50% less than UK high street prices, makes the whole Calais experience rewarding for the cross channel tourist.

FACTFILE

Getting there: DFDS offers up to 30 crossings per day on its Dover to Calais service. Fares start from £68 each way for a car and four people. Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics and electronics in DFDS’ duty-free shops and save up to 50% off UK high-street prices. Book at www.dfds.com

Upgrade your ticket to include access to the exclusive Premium Lounge with complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks from £12 per person. Add Priority Boarding to be one of the first to board and disembark the ferry from £10 per car each way.

Take your whole family on holiday and bring your furry friend for £15 per pet each way. A maximum of five pets can travel per car and your pet must remain secured inside your vehicle during your journey. You can arrange to visit your pet during the crossing if accompanied by a crew member. For more information about taking your pet abroad click here

To find out more about DFDS’ duty-free shopping offer click here