Fort Risban

Fort Risban, in Calais

Fort Risban is a former military work that guarded the entrance of the port of Calais. The Calais audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fortress laden with history, a witness of the defence of the city facing the sea.

The guardian of the port entrance

Fort Risban has watched over the entrance of the port of Calais for centuries. A military work whose origins go back to the Middle Ages, it was built and altered over time to defend the town and its port, in this strategic city disputed between France and England. Its ramparts and its bastions testify to the different eras of fortification and the numerous sieges that Calais has known. Today, Fort Risban has become a place of promenade open onto the sea, from where you enjoy fine views over the port and the coast. It is a major witness of the military and maritime past of the town.

What to see

Here you discover the ramparts and the bastions of the former fortress that guarded the entrance of the port, witnesses of the sieges that Calais has known, become a place of promenade offering fine views over the port and the coast. Fort Risban illustrates the military and maritime past of the town. It is a stop for those curious about history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Fort Risban lies at the entrance of the port of Calais, reachable on foot. It is a site open onto the sea, whose access follows its own uses and hours, which vary. You discover its fortifications and its views during a walk; it is best to enquire before coming.

What was Fort Risban used for in Calais?

To defend the town and the entrance of its port, in this strategic city disputed between France and England; its origins go back to the Middle Ages and it knew numerous sieges.

Where is Fort Risban?

At the entrance of the port of Calais, in France.