Parc Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre Park is a picturesque green oasis located in the heart of the city of Calais. France is famous for its exquisite gardens, and this park, opened in 1863, is a beautiful example of classic 19th-century English landscape design.

Saint-Pierre Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the park's main attractions is the magnificent central fountain, decorated with the bronze sculpture "The Three Graces." This work of art was inspired by masterpieces in the Louvre and symbolizes the arrival of the city's water supply system. The park charms visitors with its centuries-old trees, authentic wrought-iron gates, and atmosphere of tranquility.

A special feature of Saint-Pierre Park is its unique flora: it is home to 24 rare trees, including American catalpa and Chinese sequoia, equipped with informational QR codes. Additionally, the 1939-1945 War Museum (Musée de la Mémoire) is located on its grounds, housed in a real historical bunker that once served as a communications hub.

For those planning a visit to Saint-Pierre Park, the following official information will be useful. You can check details on the city's website in advance or plan your route using maps.

At Saint-Pierre Park, you can enjoy leisurely strolls along shady alleys, admiring the collection of ancient and exotic trees. For curious tourists, an educational trail has been organized: find all 24 remarkable trees and use the QR codes to learn the history of how the sequoia or catalpa arrived here.

The central fountain with the "Three Graces" sculpture is an ideal spot for commemorative photos and relaxing to the sound of water. If you've come with family, children will certainly appreciate the modern playground, while sports enthusiasts can watch a game of pétanque on the specially equipped courts or look into the ponds with ornamental fish.

For those interested in history, a visit to the 1939-1945 War Museum (Musée de la Mémoire) is a must. The exhibition, located in 21 rooms of a former bunker, includes unique collections of weapons, uniforms, and photographs. For a deeper immersion, you can use the special audio guides to help navigate the rich historical heritage of this site.

Finding Saint-Pierre Park in Calais is very easy: it is located at 20 Av. du Président Wilson, directly opposite the majestic Town Hall building. If you are arriving by train, a pleasant walk from the Calais-Ville railway station to the park entrance takes only 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses running from the station and the port stop within walking distance. Travelers by car can use parking spaces on adjacent streets or nearby parking lots in the city center.

If you are planning a trip from Paris, the most convenient way is to take the TGV high-speed train to Lille and then transfer to a regional train to Calais—the entire journey will take between 2 and 3 hours. From the beach or the city's central square, the park can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.

The history of Saint-Pierre Park began in 1863 when it was officially opened during the Second Empire era. It was named after the commune of Saint-Pierre, which was independent for a long time and only officially merged with Calais in 1885. This merger was an important step in the city's development, and the park became a symbol of the integration of these territories.

The garden was created in an exquisite English style of the late 19th century as part of a large-scale urban improvement policy. Interestingly, the park's territory was originally almost twice as large, but dense urbanization eventually reduced its boundaries. Nevertheless, its historical appearance has been carefully preserved, including the elegant wrought-iron gates and the central fountain installed to celebrate the arrival of the city's water supply.

One of the park's most remarkable historical details is a massive bunker 94 meters long. Built during the Second World War as a German telephone exchange and command post, it has served as the home of the Museum of Memory (Musée de la Mémoire) since 1962. This transforms the quiet green zone into an important site for preserving the region's historical heritage.

To take a leisurely stroll through the shady alleys of Saint-Pierre Park, see the fountain, and admire the rare trees, 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient for most visitors. It is an ideal place for a short break during a city tour.

However, if you plan to visit the 1939-1945 War Museum, located within the park, we recommend allowing at least one additional hour. Thus, you should set aside about 1.5–2.5 hours to fully explore the park and its exhibits.

When planning your visit to Saint-Pierre Park, please note that it is not open every day. The park and the museum within it are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

From Wednesday to Sunday, the park welcomes guests from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the Museum of Memory may be closed for a maintenance break during the winter period (December–January), so it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit.

Exploring the surroundings of Saint-Pierre Park will allow you to feel the atmosphere of this port city more deeply. A walk through the center conveniently connects the park with historical towers, ancient forts, and cultural sites, turning an ordinary route into an exciting journey.

Below are the nearest interesting places to visit before or after your walk in the park: