French Holiday Ideas | Regional holiday focus: Nord-Pas de Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais is the northernmost region of France and has many enticing characteristics, not least its proximity to the UK via the ferry ports and Channel Tunnel (such handyness makes it an ideal location for a weekend break).

There are countless quirky traditions to revel in, such as the Géants parade of huge, outsized human figures in towns such as Cassel and Douai and the annual Lille braderie, which sees the town’s streets packed with antiques for sale, like a huge, sprawling bric-à-brac party (don’t forget to order some mussels and chips!).

With 46 museums classified as “Musées de France”, the culturally inquisitive will have their work cut out, while the 650 or so military cemeteries dotted around the region bear respectful witness to the tragic events played out here during two world wars. To make this a remembrance-themed visit, you can follow the specially created Chemins de Mémoire route.

Then there’s the quality of food and drink, such a key element to any visit to France. You will find seafood in abundance, landed daily at major ports like Boulogne-sur-Mer, as well as rich dishes like Carbonnade that betray a Flemish penchant for beer-based stews, not to mention famous stinky cheeses like Maroilles.

You certainly won’t go hungry here, which is just as well given the array of energy-busting, activity-based holidays that you can indulge in. The landscape lends itself to outdoor fun: in all, there are 149 kms of coastline including 120 kms of beaches, with 32 coastal towns including nine classified as tourist or health resorts. So if you are an adrenaline junkie seeking thrills from sailing, sea kayaking, kite surfing or sand yachting on the Côte d’Opale’s expansive beaches, you can get involved. And no matter your level of expertise, everyone is well looked after.

If you prefer more sedate exercise such as cycling, pony-trekking or fishing, head to the region’s three regional nature parks. The Cap et Marais d'Opale, Plaine de la Scarpe et de l'Escaut, Avesnois provide ample opportunity to get back to nature and enjoy the laid-back delights of the unspoiled French countryside.

The region boasts many excellent birdwatching spots, too, including the lakes and woodland at Rumacourt near Cambrai – good for spying Great Reed Warblers, Black Woodpeckers and Purple Herons. The Jetée du Clipon (in Dunkerque) is renowned as the best sea watching spot in France, and finally, the Côte d’Opale is a golfer’s paradise, with no fewer than eight first class 18-hole courses to enjoy.

In short, get to Nord-Pas de Calais and get busy!

Tuesday, November, 2nd at 13.45 by Katharine Barrau