Legendary Calais-Caudry® Lace in the northern France

Calais lace is matchless – delicate like gossamer, the precious material has been made in northern France for two centuries and to this day it is made by hand using the ages old methods.

 

 

The label “dentelle de Calais-Caudry®” is uniquely awarded to the material created by lace makers in Calais and the town of Caudry (close to the A26 en route to Reims), home to one of the oldest lace factories in the world. Northern France is the world’s leading region for this inimitable savoir-faire. 

For her wedding to Prince William, Kate Middleton wore a wedding dress made from dentelle de Calais-Caudry®. Chanel, Dior, Valentino – the famous haute couture houses of France are all fans and customers of this luxurious product.

 

 

 

 

 

The lace is spun from Leavers Looms invented in England and smuggled into France in the 1800s. A stone’s throw from where they were set up in Saint-Pierre, Calais, is now a fabulous lace centre: Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode (city of lace and fashion). Located in an ancient renovated lace factory, here you can discover the history of lace making from the 17th century onwards as well as hundreds of magnificent costumes, historic to haute couture. It’s a remarkable collection and astonishingly there are also nine huge industrial looms, five of them still working with daily demonstrations, plus several smaller looms. You can watch lace being made using 2m high silk bobbins and there are regular international calibre temporary exhibitions. This exceptional museum offers an extraordinary window to the fashions of the past and the present. Pop to the onsite shop for a lacey souvenir of your visit.

You can also visit the Caudry Museum of Lace and Embroidery where there is a lovely collection of garments and samples featuring lace and embroidery from Caudry. 

 

 

Climb the UNESCO listed belfry at the town hall for stunning views over the city and the English Channel. Marvel at Rodin’s iconic 6 Burghers of Calais sculpture in front of the town hall. Take the Calais river bus for a mini cruise – it stops at the Lace museum. There’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy cultural holidays in Northern France

 

 

Dine out in style at restaurant L’Aquar’aile, famous for its seafood dishes, from oysters to a seriously delicious lobster casserole plus exquisite cakes and pastries. You’ll enjoy breath-taking views over the English Channel, whatever the weather, whilst you savour the finest French cuisine.

Stay at Le Cercle de Malines, a gorgeous and elegant B&B in the centre of Calais in what was the mansion home of a lace maker in the 19th century. Enjoy a delicious breakfast made with homemade products with a wonderful view over the pretty garden – the perfect way to start your day.