Bassin du Paradis (Paradise Basin), Calais

The Paradise Basin in Calais is a charming historical spot linking the city’s vibrant beach and the port district of Courgain Maritime. This basin, initially Calais' medieval port, stands as a testament to centuries of maritime history and evolving relationships between France and Great Britain. Built in the 12th century under Matthew of Alsace, the Paradise Basin has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, from the arrival of Richard the Lionheart to its role as the main port for cross-Channel traffic.

Calais’ English chapter from 1347 to 1558 saw major developments in the Paradise Basin. The English influence is even embedded in its name—derived from "Paradise Basin," after the influential Paradises family. Over centuries, the port evolved, becoming in the 17th century the exclusive crossing point for postal exchanges between France and Britain. As the port expanded in the 19th century, the bustling cross-channel traffic gradually moved to larger port areas, yet the Paradise Basin remains an evocative link to the past.

Today, the basin is a peaceful home for private boats and small fishing vessels, offering locals and visitors a unique vantage point to observe the fascinating rhythm of the tides. Regular tidal shifts reveal boats resting on the basin floor, only to be lifted by the returning waters—a natural spectacle rooted in the tides that once powered this historic port. Along the quays, maritime memories linger with a Calvary commemorating lost sailors and unique mooring bitts fashioned from old cannons, blending history with the present.

For those exploring Calais, a stroll along the Paradise Basin combines scenic views with a storied past, embodying the spirit of a port that has connected France and Britain for centuries.