Best Places to Visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais (France)

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais? You’re in luck! Traveler Heavens has covered you with our list of the top tourist destinations in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. From charming seaside towns to awe-inspiring mountain ranges, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

So why wait? Start planning your trip today! Nord-Pas-de-Calais is located in the northernmost part of France, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine. The region is home to various attractions, from picturesque coastal towns and charming villages to historical monuments and museums.

The area is also known for its beautiful beaches, dunes and cliffs, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. The region also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and bird-watching.

The area is also famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly seafood and traditional dishes such as carbonnade flamande and potjevleesch. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Nord-Pas-de-Calais has something to offer everyone.

Old Lille

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Old Lille is one of the best places to visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Old Lille, also known as “Vieux Lille”, is a charming and historic district located in the city of Lille in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. The community is known for its picturesque streets lined with beautiful Flemish-style buildings, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The district is also home to various museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions, including the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, one of France’s most important art museums. One of the most popular attractions in Old Lille is the Grand Place, a large square surrounded by historic buildings and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Visitors can also stroll through the streets and enjoy the district’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Old Lille is also home to many festivals and events, including the famous Lille Carnival, which takes place in the district streets every year. The district is also great for experiencing the local culture and customs, as it is home to a sizeable Flemish community.

Arras

Arras is a charming town located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The city is home to several important historical monuments and landmarks, including the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by beautiful Flemish-style buildings dating back to the 17th century.

Visitors can also explore the town’s two magnificent halls, the Hôtel de Ville and the Maison de amateur, both of which are architectural masterpieces. Arras is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, and the Wellington Quarry.

This underground museum tells the story of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Arras during World War I. The town is also home to the famous “Boves”, a network of underground tunnels used by soldiers during the war.

Arras is also known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its “Potjevleesch”, a traditional dish made with meat, and the “Flamiche”, a savoury pastry filled with cheese or vegetables. The town is also an excellent place for shopping, with a wide variety of shops and markets selling everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion.

Finally, the town is also a great starting point for visiting the surrounding areas, including the stunning hills of the “Pays des 7 Vallées” and the historic city of Lens.

Boulogne-Sur-Mer

Boulogne-Sur-Mer, also known as Boulogne, is a coastal town located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and delicious seafood. The city is home to various important historical monuments, including the impressive Nausicaä National Sea Center, dedicated to showcasing the marine life of the English Channel, and the Basilica of Notre Dame. This beautiful Gothic church dates back to the 13th century.

One of the most popular attractions in Boulogne is the old town, which is home to several charming narrow streets and picturesque squares, as well as the impressive Château-Musée. This castle houses a museum dedicated to the history of the town. Visitors can also explore the town’s impressive ramparts, which offer stunning views of the town and the sea.

Boulogne is also known for its beautiful beaches, which offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The town is also a great place to sample the local seafood, including dishes such as “moules-frites” (mussels and fries) and “sole meunière” (sole fish in butter).

The town is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding areas, including the Cap Gris-Nez and the Cap Blanc-Nez, two headlands that offer spectacular views of the English Channel, and the Parc Naturel des Caps et Marais d’Opale, a nature reserve that is home to a wide variety of bird species.

Vimy Memorial

The Vimy Memorial is a war memorial located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, dedicated to the memory of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died in World War I. The monument is located on the highest point of Vimy Ridge, a strategic position that was the site of a significant battle between Canadian and German forces in April 1917. The memorial was designed by Canadian sculptor Walter Seymour Allward and was unveiled in 1936.

The memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during the war. It features two towering towers, each over 50 meters high, which are connected by a series of arches and are adorned with sculptures and carvings depicting the spirit of the Canadian soldiers. The memorial also includes a large stone chamber containing the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France during the war who have no known grave.

The Vimy Memorial is a popular destination for tourists and is considered one of the essential Canadian war memorials in the world. Visitors can also explore the trenches and tunnels used by the soldiers during the battle, which have been preserved as part of the park. The memorial is open year-round and is accessible by car and public transport.

La Piscine Museum, Roubaix

La Piscine Museum, Roubaix is one of the best places to visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. La Piscine Museum, also known as the Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent, is located in Roubaix, France. The museum is housed in a former Art Deco-style swimming pool and is dedicated to showcasing the art and industry of the region.

The collection includes various artworks, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and industrial artefacts. One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco furniture and glassware, as well as works by local artists such as Raoul Dufy and Louis Cazaux. The museum also has a section dedicated to the textile industry, which was once a significant part of the local economy.

Visitors can learn about the industry’s history and see examples of the machinery and tools used in textile production. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a dynamic cultural destination for locals and visitors.

Calais

Calais is located in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France. The city is situated on the Strait of Dover, which separates it from the English coast, and it is known for its ferry and Eurotunnel services that connect France and England. Calais has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and has been an important port city for centuries.

The city has been associated with the textile industry, which was once a significant centre for lace production. The city’s most famous landmark is the Calais Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in France. The lighthouse is open to the public, and visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

Calais is also known for its cultural heritage and landmarks such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a collection of artworks, including works by famous painters such as Rubens and Monet, and the Calais Hotel de Ville, which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

The city is also home to the Calais Citadel, a fortress built in the 16th century, which offers excellent views of the city and the sea. Additionally, Calais is home to the Nausicaá National Sea Centre, an aquarium which holds many marine life species from around the world and the Calais Jungle, a refugee and migrant camp that was dismantled in 2016. Overall, Calais has a rich history, culture and landmarks that visitors enjoy, and it is an important port city connecting France and England.

Musée Louvre-Lens

The Musée Louvre-Lens is a satellite branch of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. The museum was opened in 2012 and is housed in a modern, glass-fronted building designed by the Japanese architect SANAA. The museum’s permanent collection comprises over 200 works of art, including masterpieces from the Louvre’s vast collection, such as the Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing art from other museums and private collections. One of the main goals of the Musée Louvre-Lens is to bring the Louvre’s collections to a broader audience and to make them more accessible to the people of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The museum is designed to be a cultural hub for the community, offering educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.

The museum also features a research centre, where scholars and researchers can access the Louvre’s vast collection of art and artefacts. The museum’s location in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region also highlights the area’s rich cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the history and art of the region. Overall, the Musée Louvre-Lens is a fantastic addition to the cultural landscape of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and a must-see destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts visiting the area.

Cambrai

Cambrai is one of the best places to visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Cambrai is a town located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Cambrai has a long history dating back to the Roman Empire and has been an important town for centuries. A well-preserved medieval fortification surrounds the town. The Cambrai Citadel, built in the 17th century, offers excellent views of the town and the surrounding area.

The town is also home to several churches and cathedrals, including the Gothic-style Notre Dame Church, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Cambrai Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture. The town is also home to several museums, such as the Cambrai Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of the Great War, which offers a detailed look at the history of the First World War and the Battle of Cambrai.

Cambrai is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many cultural events, such as the Festival of the Bells, which takes place every year in July, and the Cambrai Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in October. The town is also home to the Cambrai Opera, a well-known regional opera company.

Overall, Cambrai has a rich history, culture, and heritage visitors enjoy. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in the past and culture of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.

La Coupole, Saint-Omer

La Coupole, also known as the Coupole Hitler, is a former Nazi underground bunker in Saint-Omer, France. The bunker was built during World War II as part of Hitler’s plan to build a network of underground structures throughout Europe. The bunker was intended to be a launch site for V-2 rockets, which were used to attack London. The bunker’s construction began in 1943 but was never completed, and the Allies seized it in 1944.

After the war, the bunker was used as a storage facility and later as a mushroom farm. In the 1990s, you converted it into a museum and educational centre dedicated to preserving the bunker’s history and role in World War II. Today, visitors can explore the underground tunnels, see the remains of the V-2 rocket launch pads and learn about the bunker’s history through interactive exhibits and displays.

La Coupole offers a unique insight into the past. It is an important historical site that serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the impact of the Nazi regime in Europe. The museum also offers educational programs for schools and guided tours for visitors. In addition, the museum has an observation deck with a panoramic view of Saint-Omer and the surrounding areas.

Overall, La Coupole is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the past and serves as an essential educational and historical resource for visitors of all ages, especially those interested in the history of World War II.

LaM, Lille

LaM, Lille is one of the best places to visit in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. LaM, also known as the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art, is located in Lille, France. The museum is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art, as well as art created by self-taught or outsider artists.

The collection includes a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, by both well-known and lesser-known artists. Some of the artists represented in the collection include Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.

The museum also has a section dedicated to the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region’s art, highlighting local artists’ work and the region’s impact on their work. Visitors can also see the work of international artists inspired by the province.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a dynamic cultural destination for locals and visitors. Lam has an auditorium which regularly hosts concerts, screenings, lectures and conferences.

The museum’s architecture is also worth a visit. The renowned architect Jean Nouvel designed the building, and it is an exciting example of contemporary architecture. LaM is an important cultural institution in the region and is considered one of France’s most important museums of modern and contemporary art. It’s a must-see destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts visiting Lille.

Conclusion

All destinations on this list are fantastic, and LaM, Lille is the best place to start. The city has a lot to offer tourists, including a rich history and many attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore its fascinating architecture or enjoy some delicious food, LaM is worth a visit.

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