Coquelles facts for kids
Coquelles is a small town, also known as a commune, located in the northern part of France. It is found in the region called Nord-Pas-de-Calais and is part of the Pas-de-Calais department. Coquelles is especially known for being a key gateway between France and the United Kingdom.
Contents
What is Coquelles?
Coquelles is a French commune, which is like a local government area or a town. It's a place where people live, work, and go to school. This small town is located very close to the city of Calais, which is a major port city in northern France. Its location is very important because it sits right at the entrance to a famous tunnel that connects France and the UK.
Where is Coquelles located?
Coquelles is in the Pas-de-Calais department, which is part of the Hauts-de-France region (the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region was merged into Hauts-de-France in 2016). This area is in the very north of France, facing the English Channel. Because it's so close to the sea and the UK, it has always been an important place for travel and trade.
The Channel Tunnel: A Big Connection
One of the most important things about Coquelles is its connection to the Channel Tunnel, often called the "Chunnel." This amazing underwater tunnel is a railway tunnel that goes beneath the English Channel, linking France and the United Kingdom. It's one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world!
Building the Chunnel
The idea of a tunnel under the English Channel had been around for a long time, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that it became a reality. Construction of the Channel Tunnel began in 1988 and it was officially opened in 1994. It was a huge engineering challenge, involving thousands of workers and massive drilling machines. The French entrance to this tunnel is located right in Coquelles.
How the Chunnel Works
The Channel Tunnel has three separate tunnels: two for trains and one smaller service tunnel. High-speed trains, like the Eurostar, use these tunnels to carry passengers between cities like London, Paris, and Brussels. There are also special shuttle trains that carry cars, trucks, and buses, allowing people to drive their vehicles onto the train and travel under the sea. This makes Coquelles a very busy place for international travel and trade.
Coquelles and Border Control
Because Coquelles is where the Channel Tunnel begins on the French side, it's also a major point for border control between France and the United Kingdom. Both French and British border officials work here to check passports and ensure that people and goods can travel safely and legally between the two countries.
Managing Crossings
With so many people and vehicles passing through Coquelles every day, managing the border is a big job. Officials work to process travelers, check documents, and ensure security. This helps keep everyone safe and makes sure that travel through the Channel Tunnel is smooth and efficient.
Life in Coquelles
Even though Coquelles is famous for the Channel Tunnel, it's also a community where people live their daily lives. It has schools, shops, and local services for its residents. The presence of the tunnel and the nearby city of Calais means that Coquelles is well-connected and has some economic activity related to transportation and logistics.
Local Economy
The local economy in Coquelles is influenced by its location. Many jobs are related to the Channel Tunnel, such as working for the train companies, in customs, or in the various services that support the tunnel's operations. There are also businesses that serve the local community, just like in any other town.
See also
In Spanish: Coquelles para niños
