Museum of Lace and Fashion, Calais (must see)

The Museum of Lace and Fashion is an essential cultural landmark that highlights the city’s storied legacy in lace production. Established in what was once a bustling industrial site until 2000, the museum is one of the last vestiges of the "collective" lace factories that once thrived in Calais. It stands as a testament to the city's pivotal role in the history of lace, a symbol of French luxury and elegance that has shaped the southern part of the city.

As one of only two museums in France dedicated to machine lace-making, the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode is a crucial point of interest on the European Route of Industrial Heritage. The museum's extensive galleries are dedicated to both the historical and contemporary aspects of lace. Visitors can explore the intricate techniques of lace-making, view a variety of lingerie and haute couture creations, and appreciate the evolution of this prestigious textile.

The museum's collection features an impressive array of lace artifacts, including those produced on the traditional Leavers looms, a technique introduced in the nineteenth century and still prevalent in Northern France today. The museum's exhibitions also celebrate fashion, showcasing work from renowned couturiers and innovative young designers alike. Notable names such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Anne Valérie Hash, Iris Van Herpen, Hubert de Givenchy, On Aura Tout Vu, and Yves Saint Laurent are represented, underscoring the museum's role as a vibrant hub for both historical and contemporary fashion.