Nord-Pas-de-Calais Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Nord-Pas-de-CalaisNord-Pas-de-Calais - a vibrant region with great seaside resorts
When it comes to choosing a region of France in which to holiday, many people pass over the Nord-Pas-de-Calais in a headlong rush to reach more traditional favourites such as Brittany and the Loire valley. However, this vibrant region is packed with fine things to enjoy, having an absorbing history, lively seaside resorts, some of the best seafood in France and a festival packed cultural calendar.Top 5 things to see and do in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
1. Visit the World War II sites
Educational holidays that are actually interesting and fun are an up and coming trend, and the Nord-Pas-de-Calais is perfectly placed to offer the very best of the genre. With the evocative names of Dunkirk, St Omer, the Field of the Cloth of Gold and Agincourt calling from the past, it doesn't matter which period of history interests you the most, there is so much to discover. With battlefields, museums dedicated to the conflicts that have taken place here, war cemeteries and a great number of educational tours, the region continues to act as a magnet for those with an interest in the history of the two great wars (and earlier conflicts).2. Enjoy the seaside
It may surprise you to learn that some of the most up market seaside resorts in France are found here, in this northerly corner of the country. Towns like Le Touquet and Hardelot offer everything you could possibly want in a seaside holiday.3. Play golf
Golfing holidays are massively popular, and the Nord-Pas-de-Calais has no less than nineteen quality courses. The region has become a top destination for golfers, and it is an added boon that there is so much nearby for non golfing members of the party to do so that they won't complain every time you pick up your clubs.4. Try sand yachting
If you like the adrenaline rush of adventure sports, try your hand at sand yachting on the beaches of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. With expert instructors and dedicated sand yachting centres, you can be assured of a first rate experience. Beaches offering lessons and equipment hire can be found at Wimereux, Calais, Boulogne sur Mer and Dunkerque among others.5. Shop
With the massive wine and beer outlets in the port of Calais, the exclusive boutiques of Le Touquet, as well as a huge choice of local markets, shopping is another way to indulge yourself on holiday in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.Top 5 towns and cities in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
1. Lille
Lille is the capital city of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The city is richly historic, and culturally and architecturally fascinating due to the Flemish influences from near neighbour Belgium. An ideal city break offering plenty to see and do, Lille also affords the possibility of taking a longer break and popping across the border into Belgium for an interesting two-centre holiday.2. Boulogne sur Mer
A beautiful old town with mediaeval fortifications and streets is allied to a more modern town that has fantastic shopping (offering the best cheese shop in France and a chocolate factory!) and plenty of bars and restaurants. Add to this a lively harbour, famous sea life centre and great beaches and you will see why Boulogne sur Mer should be on everybody's holiday list of places to visit.3. Le Touquet
Chic and popular, Le Touquet is an attractive and well developed seaside resort with every comfort for holidaymakers. If you want to be part of something a little different in Le Touquet, try to make your visit coincide with one or two of the colourful festivals that take place in the resort which include a two-week music festival in August and motorbike racing in the sand dunes every February.4. Arras
Arras, with its arcaded squares and Flemish flavour, is a delightful town to visit. The word "arras", in English referring to hanging rugs and carpets, came from the name of this town which was once a great centre for making carpets and wall hangings. The town was also very much a part of the fighting in the First World War, and there are war cemeteries and memorials to see.5. Dunkerque (Dunkirk)
The name of Dunkirk is one of the most evocative words in modern history. The scene of the tremendous bravery of the occupants of the small boats who came in their hundreds to rescue Allied Forces trapped by the enemy should never be forgotten, and Dunkirk makes sure you will remember them. This harbour town is a rich source of history, with great museums, educational trips, lovely beaches and a lively seafront with superb seafood restaurants and friendly bars.Food and drink in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais is renowned for its excellent fish and seafood, hardly surprising in an area of coastal France. It's a region that prides itself on using "the treasures of both land and sea", resulting in a hearty, tasty cuisine that is sure to delight. Beer, meat and vegetables form a wonderfully warming stew, while excellent creamy cheeses and leeks are combined to make tantalizing side dishes and starters. Beer is the favoured drink of the region, although you will find plenty of wines served in restaurants too.How to get to Nord-Pas-de-Calais
The best way to reach the region from the UK is by ferry to Calais. Cheap and cheerful, this way of travelling is also a pleasant start to any holiday, allowing time to relax and look forward to the days ahead. You can also choose to travel by the cross channel train, which is a great choice if you are taking your dog on holiday, as you can stay in your car with the animal for the entire journey.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Nord Holiday Guide
The department of the Nord lies up against the border with Belgium in northern France, and is home to the great city of Lille. Its location gives the department a cross-over culture formed from the merging of France and Belgium, resulting in a part of France which is deliciously different to visit.
Pas-de-Calais Holiday Guide
The department of the Pas-de-Calais is one of the northernmost departments of France, home to the port of Calais, the most popular arrival point in the country for most travellers from the UK. Notable for its connections with the World Wars, its beautiful coastline with seaside resorts, fishing and ferry ports, and for its lovely heritage towns, the department, with its accessibility from the UK, is a perfect spot for short breaks and family holidays.
