Just Calais

After all the build up . . . we're just here in Calais for a couple of days. Calais - that place where people get off and on ferries, where they pass through without a glance, the place that was once overrun with migrants. A place that is in parts run-down and in other parts geared up for day trippers from England.

But we like Calais. We have been coming here for years, passing through but always making it a destination. We know it - we know how to use the back roads from the ferry terminus, we know where to stay, where to eat, where to shop. And, added to that, it is by the sea, with a lovely coast.

So, as we were down in Kent, we suddenly thought we would go across and have a couple of days in Calais. Sadly the weather has changed and the locals are désolé - it's grey and drizzly. Hopefully it will brighten up tomorrow. We are staying in our favourite Hotel Meurice, which never fails to impress with its old world charm.

One thing about Calais is that, hidden amongst the 'London Bridge' and 'Royal Friterie' type places, one can always find that little family-run place beloved of the locals, serving great food at reasonable prices. And we did - this evening.

Calais has never had a good press, but has suffered badly in recent years because of the migrant issue. A lot has been done to try to improve the image. So, the Place D'Armes has undergone a face-lift, with fountains and sculptures. I'm not sure about these strange figures, but it's fascinating how they match the colours of the planting - only in France!