Other Activities
Calais Theater
Built in 1903 and inaugurated in 1905, this theater rises on the former Brochot plain, which served as a cemetery between 1811 and 1871. Its facade is adorned on the first floor with four monumental allegories: Poetry, Comedy, Dance and the music. In the second, four busts perpetuate the memory of the composer Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny (1729-1817) and the playwrights Alain-René Lesage (1668-1747), Guillaume Pigault-Lebrun (1753-1835) and Pierre de Belloy (1727-1775 ), Author of the "Siege of Calais" played in 1765.
The first stone was laid on July 9, 1903 by Mr. Loubet, President of the Republic and the work was directed by the architect Malgras.
Like the new town hall and the new station, the construction of the theater was decided during the merger of the towns of Calais and St Pierre in 1885.
Since the last war, the most active part of the city has moved to the former St. Peter's, where the theater has become the center. In the place Albert 1er where it is built, it borders the monument raised in 1910 to the glory of Lyons Joseph Jacquard whose invention contributed so well to the development of lace that has long made the wealth and fame of the city.
The Town Hall
One of Calais’ finest landmarks is the Town Hall (1911-25) whose clock towering belfry can be seen for miles around. This magnificent neo-Femish-style structure built of brick and stone was finally completed in 1925 after being interrupted by The Great War. Its purpose was to commemorate the merging of the cities of Calais and Saint Pierre in 1885 on a piece of barren land between the two towns. Today it dominates the main square and can be visited by tourists. It houses paintings and is adorned with stained-glas windows telling the story of the departing English. The windows also act to diffuse the sunlight around the grand staircase. The interior is renowned for the elaborate décor of the reception rooms.
Attached to the town hall is an ornate brick clock tower and belfry that stands 74m/246ft high. The chimes of the bells are most appealing.
Visiting hours: 8am-12 noon and 1.30pm-5.30pm.
The ICEO sports complex
Ten years ago, the ICEO sports complex opened. Combining different water spaces and an ice rink, this warm and friendly resort welcomes local residents and tourists for unforgettable moments of fun!
The pool area consists of a playground with a slide of 80 m, a fast river, massaging jets, a bubbling bench but also a sports pool of 25 m, a pool of activities or Can practice aquagym, aquaboxing and other aquastep ... and a plunge pool with a depth of 3.5 m.
This largely glazed area gives access to the outdoor pool where, as summer temperatures return, you can enjoy the sun loungers around the 250 m2 open-air pool. The pentaglisse, which delights children, and mini-golf complete this outdoor space.
The wellness / relaxation area offers hammam, sauna and other whirlpools for relaxation.
On the skating rink, it is a track of 1200 m2 which awaits you with DJ and games of light ... Evenings with themes are even planned!
And to regain some strength a brewery area and two bars (including one outside) are at your disposal. So in swimsuit or in skates, come quickly to discover ICEO!
