France-Nord-Pas-de-Calais

France-Nord-Pas-de-Calais :

Destination overview

Like the song by Pierre Bachelet goes, "In the North there were the miners' houses". This was once the case but since at least the middle of the 20th century it can no longer be said that this region is the place of mines, coal, greyness and poverty. Although Germinal is a splendid socialist novel by Zola, it should be pointed out that it dates to the late 19th century. Unfortunately, the image it conveys remains anchored in the minds of many people who have never visited the region.
However, contrary to what one might think, Nord-Pas-de-Calais is one of the most visited regions in France. Although some of the French like to make fun of the 'ch'tis' and their accent, there are many who eagerly come here to attend the famous carnivals of Lille and Dunkirk. What's more, it's true that the people of the North "hold in their hearts the sun that is missing outside" and this really shows during these great festivals. Despite living in a climate which is not exactly forgiving, the people of this region give a sense of welcome and friendship unlike any other.
Lille, the capital of Flanders, and Arras are a concentration of this spirit alone but also of the architectural wealth of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Between the Flemish houses (155 in Arras), the belfries, and the lively squares, the principle cities of the North offer a breath of fresh air with their youth, energy, culture and conviviality right across the region.
Indeed, this is demonstrated in their 'Belle Epoque' resorts which border the English Channel, like Touquet or Merlimont, with their casinos, their villas and their luxury hotels, but also by their large port cities (Calais and Dunkirk).
In fact, the entire coast in this northern area of France is magnificent. Between the Flemish dunes, the Côte d'Opale, the Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez capes, and Platier d'Oye, the landscape offers striking scenery with a blend of sea, white sand, marine birds and lighting that has fascinated many painters.

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Our Editorial team's advice

One shouldn't put too much trust in preconceived notions. Nord-Pas-de-Calais is not exactly the grey region that others would have you believe.
Although you may be advised to take an umbrella with you if you are going on holiday in Nord-Pas-De-Calais, that doesn't mean you have to avoid France's northern region like the plague. The climate may not always be mild (because no, it isn't the south either), but that doesn't mean that all it ever does is rain.
It is also far from the idea of a region where the mines are responsible for the atmosphere. Plenty of tourists have already found this out and do not hesitate to come on holiday here, but unfortunately this idea is still quite widespread.
Although any time of the year is good for visiting Lille, the best might be during carnival or its "Grande Braderie" (an annual street market). During these events, (the Dunkirk Carnival included), the welcoming, convivial and festive spirit of the people in the North really reaches its climax.
To best take advantage of these events, we recommend that you book your accommodation early. With every passing year, these festive periods attract more and more tourists from all over France (and even from bordering countries), meaning that the hotels are fully booked at these times.
Located an hour and twenty minutes from London, the capital of Flanders has increasingly become a weekend destination. It is true that this city's ambiance, cultural heritage and sites have what it takes to charm visitors. From London we recommend you take the Eurostar and leave your car behind for a few days. Lille can easily, and pleasantly, be discovered on foot, which means you don't have to worry about finding a parking space.
They may be less popular than their neighbours in Normandy, but the small coastal resorts here (Touquet, Merlimont, etc.) have just as much charm. Less urbane, more affordable and with fewer tourists, they are good places to spend a pleasant weekend by the sea in a "Belle Epoque" setting, with their vast beaches ideal for invigorating walks all while avoiding the crowds of rich Parisians who flock to Deauville.