Le Dragon de Calais

The Dragon of Calais: A Mechanical Adventure Unique in the World

The Dragon of Calais is a monumental machine designed by François Delarozière and his Compagnie La Machine, famous creators of the Elephant of Nantes and the Machines of the Island. Inaugurated during a breathtaking street show on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2019, this monumental sculpted steel and wood creature has become the emblem of Calais and a major tourist attraction on the Côte d'Opale.

A Fascinating Creature

The Dragon is a machine with reptilian mobility that moves through the streets of the Courgain Maritime district, the old fishing quarter of Calais. With striking expressiveness, it breathes fire, smoke, and water in various forms, to the great amazement of spectators. Visitors can board the creature for a journey of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, narrated by the machinist-mediators who operate the beast from within.

The Varan de Voyage

In November 2025, the Dragon welcomed a companion: the Varan de Voyage, a new machine inspired by the Australian Perentie monitor lizard. Their encounter during 'L'Odyssée', a grand street show on November 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2025, was an exceptional event bringing together the Dragon, the Varan, and the Guardian of Darkness. Since December 2025, the Varan has also offered rides in the districts of Calais.

An Urban Theater Project

The Dragon of Calais is part of an urban theater approach that transforms the city into a living performance space. The Dragon's outings are not mere tourist strolls: they are conceived as artistic events where the line between spectators and actors blurs. The machinist-mediators tell stories, create situations, and interact with the public and passers-by.

The Dragon, Varan, and Chimeras Exhibition

The universe of François Delarozière and the construction process of the machines can be discovered for free through the exhibition 'Dragon, Varan, and Chimeras', located at Fort Risban in Calais. Sketches, models, mechanisms, and prototypes allow visitors to understand the titanic work required to create these extraordinary machines.