The Courgain Maritime district grew out of a hamlet near a natural harbour at the mouth of the river Guînes in the 9^th century and was originally inhabited by a few dozen families of fishermen. Philippe de Hurepel left it outside the fortifications of Calais that were built in 1224. Though exposed to looters and storms, the district survived, protected by a palisade. Despite improvements made in the Second French Empire, the narrow streets remained sordid.  The district was hit hard during the Second World War and was completely  rebuilt after the model of La Matelote. Le Courgain Maritime has been a stronghold of sailors and has seen many generations of fishermen, lifeguards and even privateers grow up. On the edge of the “Bassin du Paradis”, a sculpture by L.G. Buisseret in the pediment of the La Matelote building represents a local woman in traditional attire. The district maintains its customs, and hosts popular festivals such as Fête du 15 août (festival of 15 August) and Fête du hareng (herring festival). Every day fishing boats come in to sell their catch directly at the fish stalls.