Le Dragon de Calais
Monumental machine and urban theater on the port of Calais
2026
About Dragon de Calais
Dragon de Calais — edition 2026
2026 - The Dragon and the Varan
The Dragon of Calais and the Varan de Voyage continue their adventures in 2026. Visitors can board both machines to discover the districts of Calais. The schedule of shows and special events will be announced on the official website of the Compagnie du Dragon.
Highlights Dragon de Calais 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Rides on the Dragon and the Varan
- New shows and events
- Exhibition at Fort Risban
- Program to come on the official website
Programme Dragon de Calais 2026
The Dragon of Calais and the Travel Monitor roam the streets of Calais and the seafront all year round; depending on the season, one of the two creatures may be resting. The Compagnie du Dragon publishes a detailed, day-by-day schedule on its official website (under the "Hours and Calendar" section). As of August 20, 2026, it covers outings through the end of December 2026, with ticket office hours varying by day (10 am–6 pm, 10 am–7 pm, or 10 am–8 pm, depending on the period). Since the schedule is not released months in advance, please check the official website directly before booking a ride on the Dragon or the Monitor.
Prices Dragon de Calais 2026
Practical information — Dragon de Calais
Practical Information
Location
The Dragon of Calais operates from 201 Avenue Winston Churchill, 62100 Calais, in the Courgain Maritime district.
Dragon Ride Prices
12 years and over: €9.50
4 to 11 years: €7.50
0 to 3 years: Free
15% discount for holders of the 'Familles Nombreuses' card.
Duration
The ride lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour, including boarding and disembarking.
Times and Schedule
The Dragon's departure times vary depending on the season and day of the week. Consult the schedule on the official website of the Compagnie du Dragon.
Access
By car: Calais is accessible via the A16 and A26 motorways. Parking is available near the site.
By train: Calais-Ville and Calais-Fréthun (Eurostar) stations. The site is about a 20-minute walk from Calais-Ville station.
Contact
Phone: +33 (0)3 66 62 60 00
Practical Tips
- Book your tickets online in advance, slots often sell out.
- Arrive early to enjoy the free exhibition at Fort Risban.
- The show takes place outdoors: wear clothing suitable for the weather.
- The ride is accessible for people with reduced mobility under certain conditions.
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.
Where does it take place — Dragon de Calais
Dragon de Calais in brief
History of Dragon de Calais
Edition 2025 Jan 2025Other festivals near Calais
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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