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12 Elevation-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nord-Pas-de-Calais

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On a map of France, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region forms the northernmost tip of the state's Hexagon. At the border of Belgium and facing the English language Channel, Nord-Pas-de-Calais boasts beautiful sandy beaches, also as serene expanses of marshland, rolling hills, and pristine forests. The region corresponds with the historic provinces of Artois and French Flanders and overlaps with parts of Picardy.

Despite being one of France's most important industrial areas, there are still pastoral farms, historic towns, and quaint villages untouched by modernity. A charming ambience and top-notch cultural attractions are too found in several cities such equally Lille, Arras, and Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Plan a fabled travel itinerary and discover the best places to visit with our list of the summit attractions in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

Run into besides: Where to Stay in Nord-Pas-de-Calais

1. Lille

Lille is the largest metropolis of French Flanders and has a distinctive Flemish graphic symbol, seen in its lovely architecture and hearty cuisine. The local cooking includes typical Belgian dishes similar moules-frites (mussels and French fries) and gaufres (Belgian-style waffles).

At the heart of Lille, the Place du Général de Gaulle, is lined with elegant Flemish Baroque monuments such as the Vieille Bourse (One-time Stock Exchange). The nearby Rang du Beauregard buildings exemplify an ornate Lilloise Neoclassical fashion.

Art museums are amidst the top attractions in Lille and in nearby towns. Not to be missed are the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts); the Musée du Louvre-Lens, which shares its collection with the Louvre Museum in Paris; the LaM museum of modernistic and contemporary art in Villeneuve d'Ascq; and the collection of fine arts and decorative arts in the boondocks of Roubaix.

The starting time weekend of September, the Braderie de Lille (Flea Marketplace) brings together hundreds of stalls selling vintage items and antiques. Bargain hunting at the Lille Flea Market is one of the most pop things to do in the city.

ii. Arras

The historic majuscule of the Artois province, Arras has the architectural heritage to prove it. Arcaded squares, high-gabled burghers' houses, and exquisite old churches reveal the authentic grapheme of this Flemish boondocks.

The Cathédrale d'Arras, originally the abbey church of Saint-Vaast, was rebuilt in the 18th century in monumental Neoclassical style.

Another building of the onetime Benedictive monastery of Saint-Vaast is at present home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This museum has a various art drove, from medieval sculptures to Dutch and French paintings. Highlights are the masterpieces by Jean-Baptiste-Camille, Corot, Charles Le Brun, Delacroix, and Rubens.

During World State of war I, the expanse around Arras was the scene of heavy fighting, which is now commemorated by several military cemeteries and memorials. On the site where the pivotal Battle of Vimy Ridge took place (12 kilometers north of Arras) in April of 1917, the Vimy Memorial pays homage to Canadian soldiers who fought and died in France during the Beginning Earth War.

3. Calais

Calais provides a gateway to England as a port on the English language Channel and the starting signal for train or ferry rides to England. The high-speed Eurostar train crosses the English Channel's Strait of Dover in a 50-kilometer undersea tunnel, and takes under i hour to arrive in London. The English Channel crossing by ferry takes i hour and 30 minutes from Calais to Dover, England.

In this spectacular seaside location along the Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast), the area around Calais features expansive sandy beaches, which are popular for surfing and sailing, besides equally other outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

For those spending time in Calais (rather than but traveling through), must-see attractions are the UNESCO-listed Flemish Renaissance-way Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the nearby group of Auguste Rodin's sculptures, Les Bourgeois de Calais , which commemorate the siege of Calais in 1347 by the English, and occupation until 1558.

Next to the leafy Parc Richelieu, the Musée des Beaux Arts displays paintings and sculptures from the 16th century to the 21st century. Among the masterpieces are works past Auguste Rodin, Théodore Géricault and William Turner.

The Cité de la Dentelle et de la Way (on the Quai du Commerce) has a superb collection of antiquarian lace, also equally an assortment of vintage fashion pieces that feature lace adornments. The collections focus on the history of handmade lace from the Renaissance era to the 19th century. All the same, there is as well an exhibit of modern lace and gimmicky fashion.

4. Boulogne-sur-Mer

As France's largest fishing port, it'southward fitting that Boulogne-sur-Mer has a superb aquarium and bounding main museum. The Nausicaá aquarium is the largest in Europe, home to 58,000 sea creatures, including 1,600 unlike species. Nausicaá especially appeals to families with kids, who are certain to enjoy the impact pool and entertaining sea panthera leo performances.

Well-nigh the Nausicaá aquarium is access to a sandy beach along the Boulevard Sainte-Beuve. The embankment has a yacht club and a promenade, which is ideal for taking a seaside stroll. During summer, beach tents, lounge chairs, and parasols are bachelor for rent; in July and August, lifeguards are on duty.

In keeping with its maritime heritage, the town hosts the Fête de la Mer (Festival of the Bounding main) every yr in July. The festival includes nautical parades, sailing excursions, maritime music concerts, performances of traditional seafaring songs, and visits to the fish sale and fishermen's quays. Gourmands savor the seafood cooking workshops taught by local chefs, and samplings of specialties prepared from fresh catches.

Tourists should also take some time to explore the Old Town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, a walled medieval metropolis known as the Haute Ville because it's perched on a hilltop. This charming historic area is total of atmospheric cobblestone streets and picturesque squares.

Highlights of the Haute Ville include the UNESCO-listed belfry, dating to the 12th century; the Notre-Dame Basilica, which incorporates a Romanesque crypt; and the 13th-century fortifications (Les Remparts), which feature four gated entrances to the Haute Ville.

The ramparts that surroundings the Haute Ville of Boulogne-sur-Mer are the best preserved medieval fortifications in northern France. It'south an invigorating experience to walk along the Promenade des Remparts, a path through landscaped gardens at the foot of the ramparts. This path as well offers a chance to adore panoramas of the city.

Another interesting spot to explore is the Rue de Lille, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants, antique shops, and small-scale boutiques.

5. Gerberoy

With its tranquil bucolic setting, asphalt pedestrian alleyways, and quaint half-timbered houses, this medieval hamlet is a delightful place to explore. Thanks to its beauty and amuse, Gerberoy is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Virtually Cute Villages of French republic). The Touring Club of France titled Gerberoy every bit "le plus dally" ("the most attracting") hamlet.

Many buildings throughout the town are adorned with rose vines. Gerberoy is also famous for its Fête des Roses (Festival of Roses), which has been held in the hamlet every year since 1928.

In keeping with the village'southward dearest of flowers, the postal service-Impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner (who settled in Gerberoy) created magnificent Italian terraced gardens that he used as an outdoor art studio. Classified every bit a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden), the Jardins Le Sidaner are open every day from May 1st through September 30th.

Nigh the garden is another must-run into landmark, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre, which is adorned with 17th-century Aubusson tapestries. The church dates to the 11th-century simply was renovated in later on centuries.

six. Bergues

Surrounded by remnants of medieval walls, the picturesque town of Bergues is traversed past winding canals, which lend a typical Flemish ambience.

Bergues is most famous for its tower, considered i of the finest in French republic. The UNESCO-listed Beffroi de Bergues features an unusual open design, with 50 bells that chime to mark the hours. Equally the boondocks's top tourist attraction, the Beffroi de Bergues likewise has an exhibition space and music room.

An infrequent fine arts museum, the Musée du Mont de Piété occupies the 17th-century Mont-de-Piété (municipal pawnshop), which is a gem of Flemish Baroque architecture. The museum displays paintings and drawings by Flemish and French masters, including George de la Tour, Charles Le Brun, Nicolas Poussin, Anthony van Dyck, and Maerten van Heemskerck.

7. Musée Louvre-Lens

The Musée Louvre-Lens is an ultramodern museum space in a tranquil park. The Musée Louvre-Lens does not have its ain collections, instead the museum presents rotating exhibits of artworks loaned from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The museum'south iii,000-foursquare-meter Galerie du Temps (gallery space) features natural lighting and an innovative presentation. On display are over 200 masterpieces from the Louvre. Many exhibits focus on specific themes of artworks compiled from various time periods or representing different artistic styles.

It's piece of cake to get to the museum from Lille (a xxx-minute bulldoze) or Paris (90 minutes by railroad train). The train station in Lens offers free shuttle bus rides to the museum.

Address: 99 Rue Paul Bert, 62300 Lens

Official site: http://www.louvrelens.fr/en/home

8. Cambrai

Cambrai is a quiet historic town with remnants of medieval fortifications and an impressive cultural heritage. A relic of the old ramparts, the 14th-century Porte de Paris once provided an archway into the previously walled boondocks.

The Eglise Saint-Géry is noteworthy for its blend of French classical and Dutch Baroque architectural styles, also as the famous Entombment painting past Rubens.

Not-to-be-missed are Chapelle du Thousand Séminaire, renowned for its Baroque facade, and the Cathédrale Notre-Matriarch, which contains exceptional works of art, including trompe-l'oeil paintings by Martin Gheeraerts and marvelous stained-drinking glass windows.

Fine art lovers will appreciate the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has an excellent array of 16th- to 19th-century Dutch and French paintings. The museum'due south archaeology and gimmicky fine art collections are also interesting.

Many cultural attractions are institute just outside of Cambrai, including the Musée des Dentelles et Broderies de Caudry (Museum of Lace and Embroidery), housed in a 19th-century lace manufacturing plant in Caudry (fifteen kilometers from Cambrai). This museum presents the local history of lace fabrication and embroidery arts along with craft demonstrations and fashion exhibits.

The Musée Matisse in Le Cateau-Cambrésis (25 kilometers from Cambrai) is a must-see attraction for those who admire the works of Matisse. The museum was created past Henri Matisse, who hailed from this region, and is considered one of the most important collections of Matisse paintings in the globe. On displays are 82 paintings that Matisse himself donated to the museum.

ix. Saint-Omer and the Marais Audomarois

Cobblestone streets and stately old townhouses reveal the traditional character of this historic market town. 1 of Saint-Omer'southward virtually elegant 18th-century townhouses, the Hôtel Sandelin, is now a museum with an excellent collection of European paintings, as well equally decorative arts.

Other must-see landmarks are the 13th-century Eglise Saint-Denis, which has a majestic Gothic belfry, and the Cathédrale Notre Matriarch, a splendid Gothic monument built between the 13th and 16th centuries.

In the surroundings, the Marais Audomarois (marshland) is among the best places to visit in northern France for fishing (allowed with a local fishing clan card) in the gentle rivers.

Taking a boat ride through the marshland's waterways is some other fashion to find the wetland scenery, with its lush plant life and market gardens. There are several options for tourists: traditional artisan-crafted wooden boats led by a local boatman, row boats and canoes for rent, and guided boat tours.

For those who'd similar to explore the terra firma aspects of the area, the Audomarois Forest has scenic trails for hiking and cycling.

10. Dunkerque

Only 14 kilometers from the Belgian edge, Dunkerque (Dunkirk) is France'southward northernmost town, on the North Sea near the Strait of Dover. Dunkerque has an important commercial port, every bit well as ferry boat access to Dover, England.

During the Second World State of war, Dunkerque was the scene of a dramatic military rescue as boats of Centrolineal troops were brought to safety.

Every year before Ash Wednesday, the Dunkirk Carnival transforms the town into a wild and crazy scene of unbridled celebration. Thousands of revelers evidence their festive spirit, wearing colorful costumes; some carry whimsical umbrellas on long handles. The three-day carnival includes gregarious processions, musical entertainment, and joyful balls.

11. Douai

Douai is an old university town, originally founded past the Spaniards. The central features of the town are the UNESCO-listed Belfry, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and the Place d'Armes, as well called the Grand Place.

The Musée de la Chartreuse, housed in a 17th-century convent, contains a renowned fine-arts collection including masterpieces of Flemish, Dutch, Italian, and French painting. Highlights are the works by Véronèse, Rubens, Courbet, Renoir, Sisley, Corot, and Pisarro, too every bit the precious Polyptyque d'Anchin past Jean Bellegambe (created betwixt 1509 and 1513).

12. Abbaye de Vaucelles

The Abbaye de Vaucelles is a remarkable 12th-century abbey founded by Saint Bernard, which was one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in the world. The abbey is classified every bit a Historical Monument and is considered i of the almost important historic buildings in northern French republic.

Visitors tin can run into the former Monks' Quarters, including a affiliate business firm, scriptorium, sacred passage, oratory, and chapel, and explore the luxuriant seven-hectare grounds, which feature various sections, including an orchard and a rose garden.

The Abbaye de Vaucelles is open to the public for visits (for an admission fee) every day except Mondays from March through October. Art expositions and cultural events are held here throughout the yr.

The abbey is located 12 kilometers from Cambrai.

Where to Stay in Nord-Pas-de-Calais for Sightseeing

We recommend these delightful Nord-Pas-de-Calais hotels in Lille, Arras, and Calais:

Clarance Hotel : luxury Lille boutique hotel, 18th-century townhouse, brilliant rooms, Michelin-starred eating place, vegetable garden.
Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur, BW Premier Collection : mid-range Lille hotel, about the old town, contemporary building, serene rooms.
Holiday Inn - Calais : 3-star Calais hotel, harbor views, five-minute stroll to beaches, secure automobile park.
ibis Arras Middle Les Places : upkeep-friendly Arras hotel, central location, friendly staff, sleek decor.

Nearby Attractions in the Picardy Region

Amiens

Amiens is the historic capital of Picardy and was long famous every bit a center of linen, wool, and cotton wool industries. The 2nd World War took its price on the urban center. Fortunately, the magnificent Cathédrale Notre Matriarch d'Amiens was spared any damage.

The most impressive of Amiens' tourist attractions, this 13th-century cathedral is designated every bit a UNESCO Globe Heritage Site and is i of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. This superb example of classic French Gothic compages is distinguished by its harmony and overall stylistic coherence. Visitors marvel at the intricacy of the facade with its exquisite details.

Beauvais

Beauvais has a distinctive onetime-globe character and noteworthy historic churches. Soaring towards the heavens, the Flamboyant Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre boasts the highest roof vaulting in the world. Amid the oldest churches in Beauvais is the Eglise Saint-Etienne, congenital in the 12th century with some later additions.

It's worth taking time to adore the church'due south stained-glass windows, especially the 13th-century Arbre de Jessé (The Tree of Jesse). Behind the cathedral is the Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie, a center of tapestry, which displays exceptional pieces dating from the 16th century and presents workshops on tapestry weaving.

Most a 30-minute bulldoze north in the village of Folleville is the UNESCO-listed Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste. This historic church was on the medieval "Mode of Saint James" pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Kingdom of spain.

Château de Chantilly

In the modest village of Chantilly, the Château de Chantilly is one of the few castles in France that is all the same completely furnished with its original decor and precious antiques.

The château was the residence of the Knuckles of Aumale (Henri d'Orléans), whose male parent was Louis-Philippe, the last king of French republic. The Duke of Aumale inherited the Château de Chantilly from Louis-Henri-Joseph de Bourbon, the Prince of Condé.

The lavish reception rooms of the Princes of Bourbon-Condé are adorned in sumptuous 18th-century French manner. The château's Chiffonier des Livres (Reading Room) contains 19,000 volumes, including rare books like the Duc de Berry'southward illuminated manuscript from the 15th century.

In the old kitchen of the château, the famous chef, François Vatel, invented whipped foam called "crème Chantilly." The château'due south restaurant, La Capitainerie, serves a unproblematic menu for luncheon and afternoon tea featuring desserts made with the famous Chantilly whipped cream.

A highlight of the château is the Musée Condé, which houses French republic's second-largest collection (after the Louvre) of works past the Old Masters, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Some of the finest pieces include the Portrait de Madame Duvaucey past Ingres, the Massacre des Innocents by Poussin, and Concert Champêtre by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, as well as paintings by Raphaël, Delacroix, Véronèse, Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, and Philippe de Champaigne.

Surrounding the château is an enchanting 115-hectare parkland with a French Formal Garden designed by André Le Nôtre (landscape builder of Versailles) and a romantic English Garden created in the 19th century. The property also includes the Grandes Écuries horse stables that present entertaining equestrian shows.

Official site: http://www.domainedechantilly.com/en

Compiègne

Surrounded past majestic forests, Compiègne defines itself equally a "purple village" because of its regal past. Here, French Kings and the Emperor Napoleon I accept left their marker.

Prove of the town's rich heritage are several prestigious monuments, such as the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), a unique case of secular Gothic architecture, and the Château de Compiègne, the palace of Louis XV and Louis 16, equally well as Napoleon I and Napoleon Three.

The Château de Compiègne is open to the public yr-round for self-guided or guided tours. Visitors will be dazzled by the palace's Neoclassical architecture and opulent Imperial apartments of the Showtime (Napoleon I) and Second (Napoleon III) French Empires. The palace too has three museum collections and a tea salon in the rose garden, the Salon de Thé du Jardin des Roses.

About 10 kilometers from Compiègne in a clearing of dense woodland, the Mémorial de l'Armistice (memorial site and museum) is plant in the railway carriage where the Armistice of 1918 was signed. The museum displays stereoscopic (three-dimensional) photographs that bring scenes of World War I to life.

Exterior the museum are numerous monuments dedicated to the fallen soldiers of French republic. The surrounding area has hiking trails that wind through the tranquil forest.

Noyons

In the heart of Picardy, Noyon is an interesting tourist destination with a glorious Romanesque-Gothic cathedral built in the twelfth century. With its purity of lines, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame reveals a solemnity and, at the aforementioned time, a brightness that inspires spiritual worship. Protestant reformer John Calvin was built-in in Noyons, and the house of his birthplace is now the John Calvin Museum, dedicated to the history of Protestantism.

About 10 kilometers from Noyons, the 12th-century Abbaye d'Ourscamp was a Cistercian abbey on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Today, the abbey is the property of the Serviteurs de Jésus et de Marie religious customs and is open to the public for visits, besides as spiritual retreats.

Somme Battlefields

The mural of Somme is the site of a significant WWI battle that took place from July to November in 1916. Visitors tin learn about the Battle of the Somme and detect the history of the state of war through the Remembrance Circuit, a 92-kilometer-long trail, which includes battleground sites, cemeteries, and memorials.

In the town of Albert at the site of the Battle of the Somme, the Musée Somme 1916 (Somme Trench Museum) documents the history of the First World War and gives visitors a realistic insight of the trench battle experience, with recreations of scenes showing soldiers in the trenches.