March 11, 2025
Calais: An Iconic 4-Star Hotel and Residential Project to Complete the Waterfront’s Transformation
On Tuesday, March 11, during the 2025 edition of MIPIM, the City of Calais and the consortium led by Aire Nouvelle—a subsidiary of Equans France—along with the family-owned Van der Valk hotel group and the architectural firm Archipelago, unveiled a new 4-star hotel and residential project. Located on the Calais waterfront, this upscale property—scheduled for completion in 2029—will include 40 residential units. This project is fully in line with the initiative launched 10 years ago by Natacha Bouchart, Mayor of Calais, to make the Calais region a premier tourist destination on the Opal Coast.
A striking architectural landmark overlooking the sea
The Calais waterfront is set to host a landmark project led by a consortium of committed partners: Aire Nouvelle, a subsidiary of Equans France specializing in low-carbon urban development and real estate development, Van der Valk, an internationally renowned family-owned hotel group, and Archipelago, an international architecture firm recognized for its sustainable and innovative approach. Together, these partners share a common ambition: to create a dynamic and unique destination, where bold architecture and sustainability will blend harmoniously with the challenges facing the Greater Calais area.
This new development will be built on an 8,245 m² lot. Nestled between the harbor channel and the beach, it was the last area to be developed as part of the transformation of the waterfront and its long, fine-sand beach. Between 2017 and 2021, 46 million euros were invested to modernize and enhance the 19 hectares of public spaces. As part of this revitalization, the Calais Dragon—a monumental creature standing 12 meters tall and weighing 70 metric tons—offers a permanent spectacle to Calais residents and tourists alike, giving Calais its unique character.
Designed by Archipelago, the project will feature a bold architectural signature inspired by coastal elements. Its slender structure, with ethereal forms evoking sails billowing in the wind, will pay homage to Calais’s maritime tradition while establishing itself as a distinctive visual landmark. Built on a triangular lot, the building will blend into its surroundings, creating a natural link between the port, the waterfront, Fort Risban, the new Cité du Dragon, and the future developments along the western arc.
A unique destination to revitalize the coastline
This large-scale project includes a 4-star hotel with 140 rooms and 40 high-end residential units, designed to enhance the tourism, business, and residential offerings of the Opal Coast. A truly transformative project, it aims to create a new community hub, open to all and connected to local life. The Van der Valk hotel in Calais was designed to meet the needs of a diverse clientele: business travelers, families, tourists, and local residents. Its range of service and wellness facilities, inspired by the models that have made the group successful in the Netherlands and Belgium, will offer a comprehensive, accessible experience that complements the Greater Calais area: business breakfasts, festive events, seminars, and “Jeudredi” ” to create a constant buzz.
In addition to the hotel offerings, 40 oceanfront apartments will be available for sale. These residences, designed to combine comfort and energy efficiency, will feature bright living spaces that extend onto spacious terraces with panoramic views. The project incorporates principles of modularity and scalability, allowing residents to adapt their living spaces to suit their needs.
With an investment of approximately 52 million euros, this hotel and residential project is part of a broader effort to promote local economic development. Ultimately, the hotel is expected to generate 15 million euros in annual economic benefits and will collaborate with local schools, particularly in the hospitality sector. More than 100 direct jobs will be created, while the supply chain, construction, and operation of the site will rely on local businesses in the region. During peak season, more than 150 jobs will be needed.
Construction will begin in early 2027 , with a planned opening in the fourth quarter of 2029. The housing associated with the project will be available starting in the summer of 2029.
A model project in sustainability
Led by Aire Nouvelle, this program is also part of an ambitious low-carbon approach, incorporating innovative solutions to minimize its environmental footprint and ensure high energy efficiency. Its bioclimatic design will optimize thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption, and the use of local bio-based materials will promote short supply chains and the circular economy. In addition, renewable energy production will be integrated into the project, notably through the study of a thalassothermal system that harnesses the heat from seawater and the installation of photovoltaic rooftops to enable energy self-consumption for the hotel and residential units. Finally, special attention will be given to sustainable transportation, with dedicated infrastructure and scalable parking solutions.
Thanks to this comprehensive approach, the project aims to meet the most stringent environmental standards and, in particular, seeks BREEAM Excellent certification for the hotel and NF Habitat HQE certification for the residential units.
“ In this project, we recognized the spirit that has guided us throughout the transformation of the waterfront: originality and boldness. It captivated us as much with its spectacular architecture as with its ambitious program. This concept—entirely new to the Opal Coast—will help attract a new clientele, particularly business travelers, and reinforce the strong and unique identity the city has forged for itself. ”
“ Together with Van der Valk and Archipelago, Aire Nouvelle is bringing an exceptional project to life that will transform the Calais coastline. A 4-star hotel designed on a grand scale for everyone, premium residential units, bold architecture, and a low-carbon approach rooted in Aire Nouvelle’s DNA. More than just a hotel and residential units, it is, above all, a new coastal community. ”
Key Project Figures:
- A 4-star hotel complex covering 13,000 m² comprising:
- 140 rooms
- 3 unique spaces with ocean views:
- A panoramic restaurant - 300 seats
- A rooftop - 50 seats
- A lounge bar - 70 seats
- Nearly 1,550 m² dedicated to corporate events, including a business center and reception rooms
- A Spa & Wellness area spanning over 750 m², featuring a lap pool, steam room, sauna, water grotto, and fitness-yoga room…
- 140 parking spaces
- 40 luxury apartments
- Nearly 100 permanent jobs and 150 jobs during peak season
- 52 million euros in investment
- 73% of the construction market awarded to local companies
- 15 million euros in economic benefits for businesses in the Calais region
