The medieval tourist town of Ardres is considered as one of the most typical small towns in the Calais area. This town’s 2.5 kilometres of water, its typically small streets and its well-preserved architectural heritage ensure a peaceful visit both for lovers of old buildings and for families.
Throughout the year, Ardres is alive with popular sporting, cultural and festive events.
Leisure activities, such as canoeing and fishing, allow you to relax while discovering the district.
The 16th-century church, built to face the middle of the Place d’Armes, is worth visiting, and its stained-glass windows, designed by Hirsch, Lhotellier and Roussel, will enchant you.
You will be surprised by the town’s underground heritage (corn granaries and the underground areas of the Bastion Royal): these bear witness to the military past of this small town, which was caught up in the conflicts between the French, the English and the Spanish in the 16th century.
François I stayed here, and Senlecq (inventor of the «Téléctroscope», one of the founding fathers of television), lived here. It is also said that D’Artagnan passed through this town.
The Chapelle des Carmes, listed as a historical monument, is the home of the tourist office, where you can receive advice on places to visit and useful addresses.
Beautiful houses, small friendly shops, charming guest-houses and numerous high-quality restaurants will ensure that your visit will be pleasant and unforgettable !
 Useful to know
l The town’s motto is «Brave and faithful»
l Two giants represent the town: François I and Belle Roze (festivities in July every 2 years)
l A half-day fishing permit can be bought: – enquire at the tourist office
l There is a typically French commercial market every Thursday morning at the Champ de Foire
 Visit
l The underground corn granaries and the Bastion royal: 16th-century military constructions which are also home to several breeds of protected bats (book your visit two weeks in advance – groups of 6 people) - free
l The Notre Dame de Grâce church (1503) – open every day from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. –free access
l The Chapelle des Carmes (1679) - open from Tuesday to Saturday (tourist office hours)
l The Maison de la Nature at the Lac d’Ardres – bird sanctuary – educational pond – garden of medicinal plants.
 Join others at
l Agricultural show – Palm Sunday
l Fête Historique – 1st weekend in June
l Fêtes de Belle Roze every two years – 2nd weekend in July
l International triathlon: last weekend in September
l Arts-and-crafts exhibition in November |
