Car and Van Hire in Calais

No matter what the reason for visiting Calais, Enterprise has a range of reliable vehicles that make every journey go that much easier. For those heading across the channel or mainland to explore this coastal town, there's a range quality cars and people carriers on offer, ideal for those travelling in larger groups. With sprawling stretches of coastal road and stunning rural scenery, it'd be a shame not to properly get out and explore, so it's handy that Enterprise also offers rugged SUVs for those keen to embark a real exploration of Calais and beyond.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car offers affordable solutions for tourists and business travellers alike, with great value rates on premium vehicles and plenty of ways to save. Those who know the exact dates they're travelling to Calais can book online to find the best deals and discounts while drivers looking to keep more of their cash in their pocket can prepay in advance to save money on their Calais rental car. What's more, Enterprise offer a selection of fuel efficient vehicles that cost less to run, ideal for those looking to embark on a longer road trip or do the rounds while they're in town.

Due to its long-standing history as a trading post and ferry port, Calais has never really had much reliance on air travel. Although a small airstrip and minor airport operating chartered flights to Kent in the UK can be found in the vicinity, most individuals arriving into Calais from further afield land at either Ostend-Bruges International Airport across the border in Belgium, or at Lille Airport in France. Lille Airport is some 119 kilometres away, with a drive time of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, and leads to Calais via the A25 and A16.

Many people pass through Calais on their way across the English Channel without stopping to consider their surroundings; a crying shame considering this coastal town has remained a pivotal port since the Middle Ages. For visitors looking to make the most of their Calais car hire package, there are endless options to fill a day, weekend, or longer stretch. A simple drive through the heart of town reveals an array of breath-taking buildings, with the medieval watchtower at Place d'Armes and distinctive town hall standing out. The Citadel, a fort built at some point in the 1500s is another essential stop on any exploration of this eclectic harbour town.

For anyone feeling like they've exhausted their options in Calais, there's more exploring to be done in the surrounding area. Travelling along the coastal road of the D940, visitors will find a handful of small fishing villages to idle away a lazy afternoon in, along with the natural beauty of the Cap Blanc Gris and Gap Blanc Nez headlands. For those with the schedule to spare the time, a day trip across the border to Belgium is worth considering. It won't take long before you come upon De Panne, the westernmost settlement in Belgium with stunning coastal views of the North Sea.

France has its own set of speed limits that differ from the UK and neighbouring mainland European countries, so motorists from abroad need to be special attention so not to fall foul of the law. Speed limits become more stringent after bouts of heavy rain, so it's worth considering the weather. There's a fair amount of parking spaces in Calais, although many of these are pay and display type spaces. As a general rule, motorists have 15 minutes before having to start paying for parking privileges, with available increments of 4 hours. On Sundays and some bank holidays, parking in these areas is usually free. Motorists can also find ample free parking on roads that don't bear dotted white lines, while larger vehicles will find free parking facilities near the Town Hall.