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TravelTips24 : Europe : France : Northern France : Nord-Pas de Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais [1] is a region of northern France, located to the north of the French capital Paris and situated on the English Channel at the point closest to the English coast. The region also fronts much of the French land border with Belgium.

Regions

Départements:

Cities

Other destinations

  • Oignies
  • Vimy - of particular interest to Canadian and World War I buffs, this small village is home to Canada's largest monument to its Great War dead. The is a towering column of limestone surrounded by allegorical figures. Re-dedicated after extensive renovations in 2007, the site is also home to an interpretive centre and two small cemetaries. The whole site is Canadian territory, donated by the French people in recognition of Canada's sacrifices during that war. The town itself is not a major tourist attraction, except for the slow trickle of Canadians and school groups learning about the war. Getting off train, one quickly realizes that there is not even a station or a plaform. Walking from the train stop to the monument takes about 1 hour. Locals would be happy to guide you but only speak French. Only 2 trains come by per day, so don't be late. A bus tour from Lille or Arras may be easier.

Culture and History

Destroyed by both world wars, home to heavy industry, and cold by French standards, this isn't a major tourist region. However, there are some areas of beautiful countryside, fine local foods and beers, and many historical landmarks. War history buffs in particular will find much to see. The lack of crowds can be a plus for people desiring a slower pace. Too many people passing through on the way to Paris miss out.

Talk

Historically, many people here spoke Flemish, but today it is overwhelmingly French.

Travel to Nord-Pas de Calais & Visa Requirements

Take the train from Paris or Brussels to Lille, and branch out from there.

Tours & Getting around Nord-Pas de Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais attractions and sightseeing

Nord-Pas de Calais city tours

Nord-Pas de Calais Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

the escargots are a traditional french appetizer that have to be tried by everyone visiting.

Nord-Pas de Calais nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Unlike most of France, this area is better known for beer than wine. Luckily the beer is also amazingly cheap compared to other places in Europe. A particular local favorite is "Bière de garde," a type of French pale ale. A good one to try is 3 Monts. A liter bottle (looks like a wine bottle, complete with a cork in it) costs only 2 euros in a Lille supermarket. hiii :)

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This page was last edited at 21:10, on 24 September 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Jim Nicholson, Ryan Holliday, Tom Holland, Ravikiran Rao and Colin Jensen, Wikitravel user(s) Texugo, Kevlar67, Episteme and Pjamescowie and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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