A Lace Surprise in Calais

At the start of our usual pre-Christmas visit to France we were waiting for the call at the Channel Tunnel Terminal when I was looking through the various tourist leaflets.  I always do this as it is surprising what you can find.  This time is was the Cité de Dentelles in Calais. 

We had previously been to the Museum in Calais which had the lace collection and were aware of the Noyon family who are still involved in Lace in Calais (and to Paul’s delight a small and very good brewery between Calais and Boulogne).

The permanent exhibition covers all types of lace through the ages over two floors and is very extensive, with interactive exhibits and also demonstrations of the huge Leavers Lace machines for high quality Machine Lace, the Calais speciality.

So what with an excellent museum (reduced price entry only €4 and opening hours 10h to17h every day but Tuesday), complete with good quality café and a nice boutique (if a little expensive) for those mementos and gifts, we thought this was well worth the visit.  A proper visit does take several hours by the way.  We stayed over two hours and will certainly go again.

Avril Everington

http://www.cite-dentelle.fr/