Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

See the Map of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Nord and Pas de Calais are the two most northern Departments of France, bordering Somme and Dunkirk.

With Lille at its centre, this part of France is the gateway to the country for much of the North of Europe, with hi tech industries. Futher south, the coast of Le Nord is more relaxed, with beaches, wildlife and fishing villages along the coast.

Places to Visit

Places to visit here and in the surrounds, include Calais, Amiens and Beauvais as well the battlefields of the Somme, Cambrai and Dunkirk, with their poignant memorials. Another important battlefield is at the Vimy Memorial, a 250 acre park commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the site of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

On the coast, the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is known for its fish trade but there are notable architectural attractions, such as the Basilique Notre-Dame and the castle that protected the town, now a museum. The town centre is also famous, while the Belfry by the Town Hall being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Dunkerque, there is the Musée Portuaire, which explores the seatime history of the town, while the Musée des Beaux Arts has exhibitions and displays regarding the dramatic 1940 evacuation of the British and French troops to England. There are also artworks by famous local artists, including César.

Other places to visit in the region include the Maison De L’architecture Et de La Ville Du Nord-Pas de Calais, the Musée Pasteur, dedicated to his research as well as the works of Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin with photos, research tools, engravings and more.

Lille

The City of Lille, fourth largest city in France after Paris, Lyon and Marseille, is capital to the region and has wonderful Renaissance architecture to see and visit.The Chamber of Commerce, with its belfry and the Vieille Bourse from the Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the Grand Place, are particularly worth visiting.

Visiting

Being located where it is, Nord-Pas-de-Calais is where the English Channel reaches the French Coast, making it a favourite destination with residents of the Britain / UK, wanting to experience France. It is also close to The Netherlands and Belgium, often being the first stop for visitors to the Europe continent going or coming there.

Map of Europe

France Map - see the map of Map of Nord-Pas-de-Calais - France Map - Map of Europe.

Hotels in Europe

You can find places to stay in throughout Languedoc-Roussillon, France, from luxury resorts to serviced apartments and bed & breakfasts. There is a wide range of accommodation styles to suit almost any budget, including villas.

Photo: Courtyard of the Vieille Bourse (1652-1653) a Book Market in a Medieval building, Lille, France

Search the Europe Places Guide

Custom Search