Calais City and seaport in Pas-de-Calais department, nw France. An important port and commercial centre since the Middle Ages, it was captured by the English king Edward III in 1347, but was retaken in 1558. It suffered much damage during World War II. Calais lies c.34km (21mi) across the English Channel from Dover, and is the site of the Channel Tunnel connection to Folkestone. Industries: lace making, chemicals, paper. Pop. (1999) 77,300.

Calais a port in northern France. Captured by Edward III in 1347 after a long siege, it remained an English possession until it was retaken by the French in 1558.