A magical creature tamed by brave travelers

The 12-meter tall, 25-meter long and 17.50-meter wingspan animal was released from the underworld on November1, 2019 by the La Machine Company in Calais.

As soon as he arrived in our world, the bravest people approached him, even going so far as to climb on his back. The fantastic creature then offers the reward of being able to observe Calais at dragon height. This extraordinary welcome must have made the beast more docile, almost tame, since it welcomes up to 48 visitors on its back several times a day. During a 45 minute to 1 hour tour, the dragon offers a moment as impressive as it is enchanting. It is a sort of mobile lookout in front of the port and along the sandy beach. Its shelter, constituted like a glass case, allows to have a completely clear view on the imposing animal.

As a good dragon that he is, he spits fire and lets out smoke. And as this creature comes from the North Seas, it also throws water that sprays passers-by getting a little too close! Mist escapes from its body through about thirty vents. Its mobility allows it to stand up, lie down, and flap its wings with an ease that one does not suspect at first sight for a 72 tons colossus!

And to learn more about this fantastic being and to prolong the dream at home, don't forget to visit the official store which offers souvenirs and posters as well as books on the themes of the sea, the dragon and travel (most of the pieces are original creations from the local know-how of Hauts-de-France).

The guardian of the city: The Sentinel Iguana

The dragon, feeling a bit lonely to watch over the wide Calaisian seafront, called for reinforcements from the Sentinel Iguana, who now also watches over the city and its surroundings. With them, the balance between the worlds is assured. In Calais, at least... In total, thirteen machines will be the guardians of the city for the next 10 to 15 years. Three will remain fixed, including the Iguana, which has already taken its place, the Varan Sentinel and the Skeleton.

The Iguana's dimensions are smaller than the Dragon's, but just as impressive. It is 4 meters long and 1.80 meters high, weighs 910 kg and is made of wood and metal. Perched on its rock, this member of the saurian family basks in the sun and scans the blue horizon of the sea.

These urban interactions are now recognized throughout the territory and people come from far and wide to observe these fantastic beings. The Dragon is undoubtedly an heir to the tradition of the processions of giants, classified as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This shows the importance that these figures have taken in the collective cultural interest of the Hauts-de-France.

The rehabilitation of the Calais seaside

This interest in this fascinating bestiary, which will only increase in the future for our greatest pleasure, was born from a project that is part of a more global cultural and tourist policy of Calais. The city wants to highlight the transformation of the entire port district up to Blériot-Plage. The challenge is to reveal the seaside resort of the 21st century by enhancing its heritage, its landscapes and its urbanism. The unprecedented journey aboard these machines gives a new look at a city in full mutation which has a lot to offer to its inhabitants, but also to the tourists who are more and more numerous.

The rehabilitation of "Calais LA Plage" is based on three federative levers. The playful dimension for an intergenerational appropriation of the place, the sport historically linked to the life of the square, and finally the culture with the permanent theater of the machinists.

Walkers can find themselves between the seawall along the beach, the pier advancing into the sea, the Risban breakwater along the entrance to the port, or the brand new belvedere overlooking the sand. There are also rest areas, including a large solarium. For families and children, playgrounds are also available.

The Cité du Dragon, installed on the seafront, also gives another vision of the seaside resort. It is a real place of meetings and life, and participates in the tourist life of Calais.
The resto'bar "L'Antre du Dragon", ideally located at the foot of the nave of the monumental machine, offers a cuisine highlighting local productions, seasonal and for the most part, home-made. At each meal (even for breakfast and snacks!), enjoy a varied menu. Among the local specialties that you can (re)discover: the tomme of the 2 Caps or the Andouille of Cambrai. And on Sundays, it's brunch! Keep your eyes open: inside, the lacerated walls and burnt wood bear witness to the passage of the dragon..

FUTURE INFO

When is it open?

In low season if you want to find a place easily and discover the seaside without the crowd of summer people. Besides, the fall and winter colors often offer beautiful surprises.

In high season (from mid-June to mid-September), the Compagnie du Dragon offers a rich program through the "Solstice" festival which will mark the highlights of the summer. The program is to be discovered soon on the website of the Compagnie du Dragon.

Duration

All year long, with some breaks (notably at the beginning of June and mid-October).

The Dragon can be contemplated for hours as time passes on the beach.

The trip aboard the Dragon lasts from 45 minutes to one hour.

Public

Whether you are with your family, your friends, your partner, or even on your own, François Delarozière's work can be enjoyed by all ages! In the official store, you will also find some souvenirs to bring back in your luggage and which are addressed to all the ages.

The pluses

- An enchanting and permanent show accessible to all, right on the beach!

- A good way to rediscover the Calais seaside.

- An unusual outing which, in addition to taking beautiful pictures, will make you wonderful memories.

- The official store, the bookshop, the restaurant L'Antre du Dragon.

The minuses

- The changing mood of the Dragon who has the annoying habit of growling at passers-by.

Useful

The website of the Compagnie du Dragon will give you all the information about the history of the Dragon and the Iguana. It is also possible to reserve tickets. Price: 9.50 € full price; 7.50 € for 4-11 years old; free for 0-3 years old.

- LA COMPAGNIE DU DRAGON

201, avenue Winston Churchill

62100 Calais.

Tel : 03 66 62 60 00