Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Despite its northern location, the Nord-Pas de Calais is a warm, welcoming region echoing with the laughter of merrymakers attending one of its numerous carnivals. It is also steeped in history, as illustrated by the host of châteaux and citadels dotting the countryside.
Spring is the ideal season for discovering the Avesnois meadows, ablaze with apple blossom, or for exploring the Saint-Omer marshes in a boat, while indulging in a spot of birdwatching. After crossing the copses and groves surrounding Boulogne, you will reach the Opal Coast, where the winding paths at the foot of the cliffs afford a spectacular panorama of sand dunes, marshes and hedged farmland and, in the background, distant views of England.
The Nord-Pas de Calais suffered three successive waves of colonisation, falling into the hands of the Dutch, the Flemish and the Spanish. The belfries in Lille, Douai and Arras and the Iberian houses of Cambrai testify to these turbulent episodes in French history. An itinerary taking you round no fewer than thirteen fortified towns provides an interesting insight into society in the days of Vauban and Louis XIV. The region also prides itself on possessing a great many art museums displaying major works by Rodin, Rubens, Pissarro, Renoir and Veronese.
Recent historical events have not been forgotten and due homage is paid to local battlefields by the European Peace Centre and the Vimy Memorial. Lastly, do not fail to visit the mines and their fascinating galleries as you will be guided by former miners whose knowledge of the premises is invaluable.
A wide range of sporting activities are available for fitness and sport enthusiasts: golf, angling, sand yachting, kite flying, horse-riding... A long stroll in the countryside is a good way to whet your appetite before ordering a few local delicacies such as cheese flan, eel and fish stew or the popular pan of mussels and chips.

Get more tourist information: http://www.northernfrance-tourism.com/gdpublic/filieres/frame_decouvrir.asp