A colorful region in the north of France, whose coastal shores are washed by the English Channel. In terms of size, Nord-Pas-de-Calais is considered the smallest region of the state, and in terms of population density in second place. During the Second World War, Nord-Pas-de-Calais suffered greatly, most of the sights and historical monuments were destroyed. Tourists and travelers especially do not favor this region with attention.
Doge climate long, moderately warm in summer and cool in winter. Majestic cliffs, golden beaches and coastal dunes are located on the coast of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and pine forests, fields, streams, clear lakes, green hills and meadows lurk in the depths of the mainland. The region's economy is based on agriculture, industry and services. The commercial port of Dunkirk is the third largest and most trafficked in the country. Nord-Pas-de-Calais is famous for its textile, tapestry and beer industries. Under the English Channel passes the Eurotunnel, connecting the UK and France and is one of the seven new wonders of the world. Highly developed transport links: international airports, high-speed trains and numerous highways. Famous natives of Nord-Pas-de-Calais: French President Charles de Gaulle, artist Henri Matisse, Marshal Pétain and leader of the French Revolution Maximilien Robespierre.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais has many interesting places for both adults and children. For example, the sights in the city of Arras: the tower of Buffois and the town hall of the 15th-16th century, the large market square of the 11th century, the abbey of Mont-Saint-Eloi, beautiful old buildings in the Baroque style, the former underground quarry of the 10th century, Flemish arcades, the Des-la-Targe military museum, many memorial monuments dedicated to world wars. The city of Arras is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. In the city of Lille, it is worth visiting the Riour Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts, the building of the Old Stock Exchange, the Citadel, huge cathedrals and abbeys. The city has the status of European Capital of Culture. The port city of Dunkirk has an informative Museum of Modern Art, the ancient church of Saint Eloi, a tall medieval bell tower, the town hall and the Portoire children's museum. The beaches in Nord-Pas-de-Calais are not crowded and are more suitable for windsurfing and other water sports than for sunbathing. Nord-Pas-de-Calais has many cozy and hospitable resorts for every taste and budget: Malo-les-Bains, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Touquet, Merlimont, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and others.
The cost of real estate in Nord-Pas-de-Calais depends on its condition, type, area and location of the object. Traditionally, housing closer to the coastal zone is an order of magnitude more expensive than in the interior of the continent, however, compared to other resort regions of France, real estate prices in Nord-Pas-de-Calais are lower. Potential buyers and tourists of Nord-Pas-de-Calais are lured by a comfortable climate and the splendor of nature.
The main city is Lille
Territory area - 12,414 km²
Population - 4.048 million people
Departments – Pas de Calais
The name Nord-Pas-de-Calais comes from the names of the two main departments of the region "Nord" (from French - "north", this is the northernmost department in France) and "Pas-de-Calais".
Although the region is not the most visited by tourists in France, there are many interesting cities, resorts and attractions. Even if you don't plan on spending your entire trip to France here in the north, we suggest you set aside a couple of days to explore at the start or end of your trip.
The region of Nord-pas-le-Calais is best known for its resorts Le Touquet And Boulogne. Both of these places are very busy throughout the year, due to their popularity among residents of the UK and other countries in the area. Most of the towers are concentrated in this region" beffroy"introduced in, along with Belgian beffroy ().
In Nord-pas-le-Calais is one of the important cities of France -, with many interesting buildings in the central square and an outstanding collection.
Several cities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region are known for their popularity among both French and foreign tourists. One of the largest Christmas markets is held in.
Towns and villages in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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What to see in Nord-pas-le-Calais?
is a major city that has rediscovered and reinvented itself in recent years and now has much to admire. The Palace is one of the most impressive museums in France.
South of Lille is another of the most interesting cities in the region. In addition to admiring the Flemish Baroque houses in the city centre, be sure to visit the Wellington Carrière Museum to learn about the life of soldiers during the First World War.
(Calais) - the point of the mainland closest to England, the main point of ferry communication with the island. Nearby is a picturesque fortified town - the largest fishing port in France, which boasts a beautiful (one of the rare ones) with an outstanding museum inside.
Roubaix(Roubaix) is a city northeast of Lille that is also very well established. The city is also known as the end point of the famous Paris-Roubaix cycling race held every year. In Roubaix, be sure to visit the Museum of Art and Industry to see the Art Deco pool and the museum itself!
To the east of Lille and Arras, there are several other cities worth visiting, such as officially listed cities of art and history, Valenciennes(Valenciennes) and spa town Saint-Amand-le-Haut(Saint-Amand-les-Eaux) in the heart of the Scarpe-Escaour Regional Natural Park. IN Le Quesnoy there is an attractive walk around the ramparts.
In the village Bawai(Bavay you can see some of the most important ancient Roman ruins in the region. In Maroilles you can explore the Regional Natural Park de l’Avesnois. Solre-le-Chateau(Solre-le-Chateau) is a pleasant town with an unusual church.
Between the city of Lille and the coastline is Saint Omer(Saint-Omer) with an interesting historical center, in the neighboring Héray-sur-la-lis(Aire-sur-la-Lys, southeast of Saint-Omer) has several interesting sights.
small town Kassel(Cassel, northeast of Saint-Omer) is very typical of the region and pleasant for walking, with its views of the plains below. Then you can take a trip to the neighboring village Eskelbek(Esquelbecq) with its castle and war memorials.
A few kilometers from the coast, east of Le Touquet, be sure to visit the pleasant town Montreuil(Montreuil).
Bell towers
In the north of France and in Belgium there are a large number of bell towers, which together have been brought in because of their historical significance. You will encounter some of these as you travel through the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, including the impressive example at Douai.
Coastal Nord-Pas-de-Calais
There are several seaside resorts in the Calais region, including Le Touquet and. These resorts are equally popular with Parisians, UK day trip shoppers to France and UK holidaymakers.
The Nausicaa Center is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums and marine centers in Europe and will be the highlight of your visit.
Other seaside resorts along this stretch of coast include Berck-Plage, a fortified town at Gravelines, Hardelot, Wimereux and Wissant.
Some of the region's beaches, especially those to the south of , are particularly attractive and popular (while in you can visit the national monument dedicated to Napoleon at the Grand Army Column).
While on the coast, don't forget to visit Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez for spectacular views of the coastal cliffs.
Natural parks of Nord-pas-le-Calais
Much of the northernmost part of the region between and is now part of the Regional Natural Park des Caps et Marais d'Opale, which includes the so-called Opal Coast.
Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez, located here on the coast, are listed among the 30 official "Great Landmarks of France".
Two more Natural Parks are located further east in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais: the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park is located southeast of Lille, and the Regional Natural Park de l'Avesnois is located east of the Nord-Pas de Calais. Calais region, south of Maubeuge. You can explore the forest of Marmole near Le Quesnoy in L'Avesnoy Regional Natural Park.
The cities of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region are famous for the beauty of their architecture: Great square in Arras (External reference), Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Cathedral in Cambrai (External reference), Old Exchange in Lille (External reference), Beffroy (External reference) (city council tower) in Bethune, Bethroy in Arras (External reference) or sculpture by Rodin ["Citizens of Calais"](http://ru.rendezvousenfrance.com/discover/30654 (External reference)"Citizens of Calais"…
Nord-Pas-de-Calais is considered to be "land of museums", because there are about fifty Museums of France here. The history of Nord-Pas-de-Calais has developed in such a way that this region has become an industrial and craft center, which is reflected in the presence of museums such as the Center for the History of Mining, the Museum of the History and Industry of Roubaix (External reference), International Museum of Lace and Fashion in Calais (External reference) …
The region survived two World Wars, and battlefields are "Roads of Memory", allowing you to understand what happened at the most important moments in European and world history. and pay tribute to the memory of the soldiers resting in this land.
Diverse landscapes
The hills of Flanders and Artois end where they begin Opal Coast (External reference) with its beaches overlooking strait of the English Channel and surrounded by rocks. Sea resorts ( Berck-sur-Mer, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (External reference) ) combine traditional beach pleasures, casino gambling and the joy of water sports.
Large protected area two capes, which occupies a sixth of the coast, will please with its landscapes, which vary greatly depending on the direction of sunlight. To the east, the plains of Cambresy give way to the groves and forests of Tierache and Hainaut.
Regional Natural Park Avenua, Park of Capes, Opal Marshes and Scarpe-Esco Park - all together they offer tourists more than 3.5 thousand km of walking routes.
Regional cuisine: a combination of Flanders and Picardy traditions
The cuisine of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais makes good use of products typical of the region, such as endive(garden chicory). Famous dishes are Flemish carbonade, rabbit with prunes And have a drink(meat in Flemish). Of course, for a hearty lunch, you should definitely try beer from local breweries or strong drinks, for example, juniper tincture. Known for their characteristic taste cheeses, For example, Vieux Lille or an amazing variety Marual(the only cheese in the region that received the status AOC), which is also very good in onion pie. The famous dish mussels with potatoes - you should definitely eat it with your hands.
Things to Do in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Perfect for family holidays holiday parks (External reference), zoos (External reference) , as well as chief aquarium region - Nausicaa (External reference). During the prestigious Paris-Roubaix races cyclists appear on the roads of the region. And if the sky is filled with all the colors of the rainbow, then the so-called Montgolfiade of Lille, on which a variety of aircraft are assembled.
In Bercks-sur-Mer pass International kite festivals. The festive atmosphere is created thanks to the sounds of the accordion on Wasemm festival and on carnivals north of the region, the main of which takes place in Dunkirk. The holiday also reigns in the crowded flea markets in Lille or Roubaix.
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is a kaleidoscope of celebrations, history and culture.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais is an old French region with its capital in the city. Before becoming a French possession in 1713, the region was part of the Southern Netherlands and the Spanish Netherlands, so Belgian and Dutch influences are still felt here. Now (after the territorial reform of 2016), Nord-Pas-de-Calais together with make up the French region of Hauts-de-France - "Top of France". The name is not accidental: the region is located in the north of the country. Its western part is washed by the waters of the English Channel - the North Sea. In the east, the region borders on Belgium.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Tourism
In terms of visiting tourists, it is the 8th region in France. Most of all, the French themselves come here - residents of the capital region. But there are also enough foreigners, especially from neighboring countries - Belgium and England.
The most popular tourist attraction State Center for the Study of the Sea Nausicaá located in Boulogne-sur-Mer. After the renovation, which should be completed in the summer of 2018, the center will become the largest aquarium in Europe. In addition to 40 aquariums and terrariums with 4.5 million liters of sea water and 36,000 species of marine life from all over the world, it is a science and technology center dedicated to the sea and its study; specialized films and a media library are collected here, exhibitions, conferences, pedagogical programs are held. The center is named after the princess Nausicaa from Greek mythology, the meeting of this princess with Odysseus is narrated by Homer.
The second most popular place is called the second - this Louvre-Lens Museum, located in the town of Lan. The museum was built on the site of a former mine. The new modern building hosts exhibitions from the collection of the Louvre in Paris, as well as temporary exhibitions of national and world level.
Of the natural sites, tourists are most attracted to the English Channel from Berck (Berck) to Bray-Dunes (Bray-Dunes) through Le Touquet (Le Touquet), Hardelot (Hardelot), Wimereux (Wimereux), Wissant (Wissant) - where they come numerous vacationers. Also beautiful are Capes Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez, Mount Saint-Frieux, Bays de Canche and d'Authie.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The region includes such objects as:
- 17 ;
- Folk festival "Procession of giants and dragons";
- the citadel of the city of Arras (classified in the Vauban Fortifications category);
- architectural and natural complex of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin.
Where to go in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
The capital of the northern region, a modern attractive and dynamic city with a rich historical heritage. The various quarters of Lille are worth visiting:
- Vauban Eskerme (Vauban Esquermes) - a wealthy quarter in the west of the city. Here are the citadel of Lille, the Bois de Boulogne, and the river.
- Evralille ( Euralille)- a business district with beautiful examples of modern architecture.
- Moulin ( Moulins) - the people's quarter, where in the XIX century. workers lived. Since then, its image has changed and it is pleasant to walk here.
- Riur ( Rihour)- and here you can relax well in numerous restaurants and boutiques. It is named after the Riour Palace, where the Dukes of Burgundy lived. And here is the Museum of Fine Arts.
In Lille, you should definitely see the Theater Square from the beffroy of the Chamber of Commerce and the Opera, visit the Vauban citadel and the art museum, sit in a cafe on the Grand Place surrounded by beautiful buildings. On the first weekend of September, Lille hosts a huge sale that stretches over 100 km.
Wimereux - a charming resort town
Resort on the Opal Coast. People come here by the sea, because Vimrö beach is an ideal place for a family vacation. It is fine soft sand and the opportunity to do water sports.
Dunkirk - a magnificent port city
The third port of France and a city with a rich history. Stroll along the waterfront, visit the harbor museum and admire the two UNESCO World Heritage-listed bell towers at Saint Eloi Church and City Hall. The city beach of Malo-les-Bains is nicknamed "the king of the beaches of the north".
Le Touquet - an elegant resort
Touquet-Paris-Plage is one of the most popular resort towns in France. It's simple before him. There are 12 km of beaches, a huge pine forest, and a water park.
Boulogne-sur-Mer - fishing port
A beautiful city with the Notre Dame Basilica, the castle and the Nausicaa Aquarium.
Odingen (Audinghen) - the site of the battles of the Second World War
This village is the closest French settlement to England. Fortifications and military equipment have remained here since the war. Along picturesque paths are laid along the coast.
Cuisine of Nord-Pas-de-Calais
The regional cuisine for the most part consists of dishes typical of Flanders; English influences are also felt on the Opal Coast, and Polish influences in the mining area. Typical products of the region are potatoes, beef, butter, cheeses, fish and seafood. Dishes: rooster in beer (coq à la bière), welsh (welsh) - toast with ham, baked under cheese melted in beer, pancakes on beer, smoked herring, waterzooi (waterzooi) - fish or chicken stew, apple pies, waffles.
A lot is produced in the region, the most famous are maroy (maroilles) and mimolet (mimolette). Other notable varieties include bergues, boulette d'Avesnes, dauphin, mont des Cats, vieux-lille, pavé de Roubaix) and Vieux Boulogne - one of the stinkiest cheeses in the world.
The climate is warm and temperate in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Nord-Pas-de-Calais is a region with a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month there is a lot of rain. This place is classified as Cfb by Koeppen and Geiger.
classification
| classification | check | Köppen Geiger | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| oceanic climate | 1558 | cfb | Lille , Roubaix , Dunkirk , Tourcoing , Calais |
Lille
The climate in Lille is warm and temperate. Lille is a city with a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month there is a lot of rain. The climate here is classified as Cfb by the Köppen-Geiger system. In Lille, the average annual temperature is 10.0 °C | Approximately 673 mm of precipitation falls annually.
diagrams
Roubaix
The climate is warm and temperate in Roubaix. The rainfall in Roubaix is significant, with precipitation even during the driest month. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Cfb. In Roubaix, the average annual temperature is 10.0 °C | Approximately 691 mm of precipitation falls annually.
diagrams
Click one of the graphs for more information.Dunkirk
The climate in Dunkirk is warm and temperate. The is a great deal of rainfall in Dunkirk, even in the driest month. This climate is considered Cfb according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. In Dunkirk, the average annual temperature is 10.4 °C | Approximately 673 mm of precipitation falls annually.
diagrams
Click one of the graphs for more information.Tourcoing
The climate in Tourcoing is warm and temperate. Tourcoing has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. This is true even for a dry month. The climate here is classified as Cfb by the Köppen-Geiger system. In Tourcoing, the average annual temperature is 10.0 °C | The average rainfall per year is 699 mm.
diagrams
Click one of the graphs for more information.Calais
Calais has a warm temperate climate. There is significant rainfall throughout the year in Calais. Even during the driest month there is a lot of precipitation. This place is classified as Cfb by Koeppen and Geiger. The average annual temperature in Calais is 10.5 °C. About 616 mm of precipitation falls annually.