Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Travel Guide

Arras which includes night scenes, street scenes and heritage elements
Arras which includes heritage elements and street scenes as well as an individual femail
Place des Heros featuring night scenes, nightlife and dining out
Notre Dame Cathedral which includes interior views, art and a church or cathedral
Arras War Cemetery featuring a cemetery
Memories of two world wars and a fierce industrial past linger on in a fascinating cultural haven that stands at the meeting point of art and trade.

Imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and undulating green fields make up the terrain of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. In the towns, the architectural influence of the Flemish culture is clear, with grandiose and gothic palaces and churches. Visit Nord-Pas-de-Calais to appreciate the blend of Flemish and Picard cultures, making sure to try the carbonnade Flamande beef and onion stew.

To understand the region’s mix of art and industry, head to the capital and largest city, Lille. Visit the Lille Cathedral to appreciate its gothic revival architecture and study the works of art within. You can also see the city’s artistic tradition in the majestic Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, which is dedicated to fine arts, antiquities and contemporary works.

Go to the 17th-century Vieille Bourse and visit its delightful courtyard, before taking your kids to the Zoo Lille. While in the city, make sure to see the Beffroi de Lille, the Citadel of Lille and the Porte de Paris.

Another interesting city is Calais, whose quaint lanes are graced with Flemish architecture. Relax at a café near the beach and marvel at the Calais Lighthouse and Les Bourgeois de Calais statue.

Consider the huge role the region played in the world wars. It was one of the first areas to be invaded by Germany in World War I and its town of Dunkirk was the last to be freed in World War II. Relive the past in the historic Beach of Malo-les-Bains and find out about the Battle of Dunkirk in the Museum Dunkerque 1940.

To keep learning about the war history, go to the Vimy Memorial and the Military Museum of Targette in Neuville Saint-Vaast.

Nord-Pas-de-Calais is a fairly narrow strip of land that runs across the northeastern corner of France, covering about half of the Belgian border and facing the Opal Coast. Arrive via the airport, ferry terminal or vehicle tunnel in Calais. If your itinerary allows, consider adding visits to the surrounding regions of Pas-de-Calais, Grand-Est and Picardy.

Where to stay in Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Lille Centre Ville showing street scenes, a sunset and a city

Lille Centre Ville

4/5(16 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Lille Centre Ville. Make a stop by Porte de Paris or Le Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Mairie de Lille Station or Rihour Station to get around town.

Lille Centre Ville
Old Lille which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

Old Lille

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Shopping, historic sites, and restaurants are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Lille. Check out Le Musée de la Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle or Lille Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

Old Lille
Historic Center showing a city

Historic Center

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Travelers choose Historic Center for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Rihour Station or Republique Beaux Arts Station and check out top sights like Rihour Square.

Historic Center
Default Image

Le Marais

While there might not be top attractions in Le Marais, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Citadel of Lille and Zoo Lille.

Le Marais
Phare de calais

Calais City Center

4/5(12 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Calais City Center. A stop by Calais Lighthouse or Museum of Fine Arts Calais might round out your trip.

Calais City Center
The wall and tower on Grande Rue

Boulogne-Centre

If you're spending some time in Boulogne-Centre, Musée Libertador San Martin and St Nicholas Church are top sights worth seeing.

Boulogne-Centre
Hotel Lille Europe
Hotel Lille Europe
3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$70 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from May 28 to May 29
$81 total
May 28 - May 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Stayedv one night Tue 6 May and arrived about 9pm. The man on teception was courteous and welcoming - sorry i didnt catch his name. Room was clean and had everything needed for one night. Right next to both stations so good location. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
$54 nightly
The price is $62 total per night from May 18 to May 19
$62 total
May 18 - May 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Zenith Arena Concert Hall and Pierre Mauroy Stadium ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,087 reviews)
"A very good deal for a prime location"

Reviewed on May 8, 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
$90 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from May 18 to May 19
$105 total
May 18 - May 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (985 reviews)
"There was a mistake with the room we booked, but they changed it right away and everything was fine! Thanks to the receptionist! He was very responsive and kind!"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
Stay at this aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Zenith Arena Concert Hall and Pierre Mauroy Stadium ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,087 reviews)
"A very good deal for a prime location"

Reviewed on May 8, 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
3 out of 5
161 Av. le Notre, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
Breakfast is really disappointing
"Breakfast is horrible Eggs are artificial, fruits are not that good, hot chocolate was not there in the coffee machine, cheese was sooooo satly. Breakfast is not worth 14 euros almost per person, per day. very disappointing. The rest, was OK (rooms are clean)"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
All Suites Appart Hotel Dunkerque
All Suites Appart Hotel Dunkerque
3 out of 5
Quai Freycinet 1, avenue de l'universite, Dunkirk, Hauts-de-France
Stay at this 3-star residence in Dunkirk. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,477 reviews)
"Well equipped bedroom with useful kitchen area."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

All Suites Appart Hotel Dunkerque
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Nord-Pas-de-Calais