NORD PAS DE CALAIS HOLIDAY TRAVEL GUIDE

Essentials of things to see and do in Nord Pas de Calais are included here in our Holiday Travel Guide.

Nord Pas de Calais is a peaceful rural region bordering on Belgium, with a distinctly Flemish flavour reflected in its cuisine and architecture. Once part of the Southern Netherlands, it became part of France in 1713.

Lush countryside, enchanting forests and river valleys make up the gentle landscape of this region and its unspoilt coastline is impressive too, with white cliffs and miles of sandy beaches with chic resorts such as Le Touquet..

Nord Pas de Calais is rich in history and culture from its Second World War visits to its colourful ‘geants.’

Visit the old city of Lille to enjoy its museums, shops and markets or explore the region by boat or bike using its extensive network of inland waterways or ever expanding selection or safe cycle routes.

The ancient town of Cambrai saw the first full-scale tank battle in 1917 whilst the pretty town of Arras has a war cemetery and you can visit the ancient caves where WWI refugees sheltered. Take in the Flemish architecture of Hesdin set in the heart of the Seven Valleys whilst on the coast, the cross-Channel ferry port of Boulogne is an attractive resort with an historic old quarter, good shopping and seafood restaurants plus popular sealife centre.

To the south of the region, many visitors head to the WWI battlefields such as the Somme to see the trenches, museums and memorials. And deep in the Eperlecques Forest, you can visit the German Blockhaus for a guided tour of the V2 rocket establishment.

There are 2 departments in the Nord Pas de Calais region:

·          Nord

·          Pas-de-Calais 

For further travel information about holiday destinations, the Nord Pas de Calais Regional Tourist Board can be contacted at:

Nord Pas de Calais Tourist Board

6 place Mendes France

BP99

59028 Lille cedex

Tel: (00 33) 320 14 57 57