Quartier du Courgain Maritime (Courgain Maritime District), Calais

The Courgain Maritime district in Calais is a historic neighborhood with a deep connection to the sea, set apart from the rest of the city by its fortifications. Rooted in maritime traditions, this area was once a small fishing village formed around a natural harbor by the Guines River outlet in the 19th century. Over the years, the neighborhood has remained uniquely defined by its strong fishing community, with early families facing storms and harsh conditions, often residing in narrow, overcrowded homes.

Today, Courgain is a blend of history and vitality. The Quai de la Colonne-Louis-XVIII hosts bustling morning fish markets, where stalls named after local fishing boats bring fresh catches to locals and visitors alike. Although much of the district was destroyed during WWII bombings, it was carefully reconstructed, preserving the spirit of the old facades and streets. Distinctive red-tiled roofs and narrow, winding streets remain, lined with homes that bear the names of local heroes who once helped sailors in need.

Prominent landmarks include the 1848 lighthouse, which replaced the lantern on the Watch Tower and offers panoramic views from its summit, and the Bassin du Paradis, where fishermen still unload their catches. Nearby stands the Place du Minck and the Sauveurs monument, both celebrating the seafaring legacy of the Courguinois, who remain proud of their close-knit, independent heritage as “Calaisians, but Courguinois in their own right.” The district’s small streets, lined with reminders of its resilient past, create a distinct maritime atmosphere—a charming homage to a seafaring way of life that continues to define the Courgain Maritime.