Calais Lace Museum, Calais (must see)

Located in the north district of the town, in an old lace factory right on the docks of Calais, the museum emphasizes the world-famous Calais lace. Opened in the spring of 2009, the edifice's most surprising element is undoubtedly its new contemporary façade, a bulging crystallized featuring lace-like patterns that glow when lit from behind, covering the front of the present building and the temporary exhibitions hall behind. Designed by the two architects, Alain Moatti and Henry Rivière, it hosts interesting exhibitions of unique hand-made designs, lingerie and lace displayed in different creations by Jean-Paul Gautier and Chantal Thomas.