Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Calais found its origins at the beginning of the 13th century with a first rectangular construction with two towers, destroyed during the Hundred Years War (1346–1347). Rebuilt under English occupation between the 14th and 16th centuries, it incorporates Flemish and English architectural influences, such as its brick bell tower and its vaulted nave. Since stone quarries are inaccessible, the English and their Flemish allies use bricks for the upper parts, the choir and the bell tower, making this building a unique example in France of the English perpendicular style.

In 1558, after the French reconquest of Calais, Notre-Dame became the main church of the city following the destruction of Saint-Nicolas. In the 17th century, an elliptical Marian chapel extended the choir, bringing the total length to 88 meters to accommodate up to 6,000 faithful. The church underwent major transformations: in 1863, neogothic decorations (gray warheads, Tudor portal) were added, while at the Revolution it was converted into a temple of Reason and then into a warehouse, before being returned to Catholic worship in 1802.

The 20th century marked a dramatic turning point: bombarded in 1944, its bell tower collapsed on the north transept. Threatened by destruction after the Liberation, it was saved by a multi-phase restoration campaign (1963–2013), including the reconstruction of the nave, the creation of stained glass by Gérard Lardeur, and the restoration of the 17th century baroque altarpiece. The church also houses a historic event: the marriage of Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux in 1921, linked to a Caliasian industrial family.

Its hybrid architecture, combining Bolognese stone and brick, reflects the cross influences of France, England and Flanders. The polychrome marble altarpiece (1624–1629), classified as a historical monument, and the Marian chapel with classic French stucco make it a heritage jewel. Today, it remains a symbol of the resilience of Calais, between medieval heritage and modern reconstructions.

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