Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A port town in northern France: Calais is a town located in the Hauts-de-France region, situated on the Strait of Dover (the narrowest part of the English Channel). It is a major ferry port for crossings to England.
   • A site of historical conflict: Calais is historically significant for being captured by the English king Edward III in 1347 after a prolonged siege during the Hundred Years' War. It remained under English control for over two centuries until it was recaptured by the French king Henry II in 1558.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We took the ferry from Calais to Dover.
  • The siege of Calais was a pivotal event in medieval history.
  • Calais is a key transport hub connecting continental Europe and the United Kingdom.

Advanced Usage

• "The Calais Jungle": This term refers to an informal migrant and refugee encampment that existed near Calais between 2015 and 2016, highlighting the town's role in contemporary European migration issues.
  • International attention was focused on the humanitarian situation in the Calais Jungle.

Variants and Related Words

• Calaisien (adj): Pertaining to Calais.
  • The Calaisien coastline is dramatic.
• Pas-de-Calais: The French department (administrative region) in which Calais is located.
  • Calais is the largest city in the Pas-de-Calais.

Synonyms

• Port town: A town with a harbor used by ships.
• Cross-channel port: A port facilitating travel across the English Channel.

Related Phrases and Historical Context

• "The Burghers of Calais": Refers to a famous historical event and a renowned bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin commemorating the six citizens who offered their lives to save the city during the 1347 siege.
  • Rodin's 'The Burghers of Calais' is a powerful depiction of sacrifice.
• English Calais: The period from 1347 to 1558 when Calais was an English possession.
  • For over 200 years, English Calais was a vital trading post.

Noun

1. a town in northern France on the Strait of Dover that serves as a ferry port to England; in 1347 it was captured by the English king Edward III after a long siege and remained in English hands until it was recaptured by the French king Henry II in 1558