Our guide to...

Nord Pas de Calais

The region of Nord Pas de Calais is the region that quickly tells you exactly where it is. It’s in the north of France, and at the Pas de Calais which is the shortest point across the Channel between Calais and Dover. Gites in Nord-Pas-de-Calais are some of the easiest to get to – just hop aboard a ferry or book Eurotunnel tickets and you won’t have far to drive once you reach the French mainland.

From Nord-Pas-de-Calais, you can look over and see the English coast, with Dover’s white cliffs still visible. The region has seen more than its fair share of battles, and is now a particularly diverse part of France with plenty to see and do.

The Nord department is the most densely populated of all French departments, with attractions that include The Old Stock Exchange and La Piscine Museum of Industry and Art, set within a former Art Deco swimming pool that was closed in 1985. Grand and extravagant buildings give you plenty of opportunities to make use of your camera, and there are hundreds of shops selling an extensive selection of gifts and souvenirs. Le Plus, Lille’s science museum, is a great place to go if you’ve got children in tow. If not, then there’s no better opportunity to go and see an opera. With more than 350 animals, Lille’s very popular zoo is another favourite attraction.

Taking the ferry or the Eurotunnel, you’ll enter France through the department of Pas de Calais. It’s one of the country’s most interesting departments, but many visitors see it simply as a gateway to the mountains and vineyards beyond. Plan a holiday specifically to Pas de Calais, or take time to stop and see what’s on offer, and you won’t be disappointed by its range of attractions.

The town of Dunkerque plays host to the biggest carnival in Northern France, and is also the place to go to visit the Parc Zoologique de Fort Mardyck. Calais Beach is clean and surprisingly quiet, and the town hall is surrounded by colourful formal gardens. The Nausicaa aquarium provides an opportunity to get face-to-face with sea lions, sharks, turtles and penguins, and at Le Centre Historique Medieval you can watch live jousting and learn about the country’s medieval history. Pas de Calais theme parks include Parc Bagatelle and Dennlys Park, and the pedal powered Rando-Rail is a unique experience allowing you to travel through woodland powered only by pedals aboard a cart that seats the whole family. There’s so much to do, and if it all sounds a little too action-packed then you’ll love what else is on offer. If roller coasters aren’t your thing, then you can make your way to Neufchâtel-Hardelot and take some time to unwind. It’s a popular town thanks to its golf courses and beaches, and is the perfect place to stop for a picnic as you plan your next adventure.

Booking your self catering holiday in the easily accessible part of France is easy with the link below to GiteSearch’s list of superb list of cottages, gites and villas.

Areas of Nord Pas de Calais

Pas de Calais
Taking the ferry or the Eurotunnel, you'll enter France through the department of Pas de Calais. It's one of the country's most interesting departments, but many visitors see it simply as a gateway to the mountains and vineyards beyond.

Nord
The Nord department is the most densely populated of all French departments, with attractions that include The Old Stock Exchange and La Piscine Museum of Industry and Art, set within a former Art Deco swimming pool that was closed in 1985