* Towns of Art and History
This label groups together towns and regions that strive to valorise and animate their heritage and architecture,
by emphasizing the presentation of their discovery activities and cultural tourism
(guided tours, exhibitions, educational services…). In Nord-Pas de Calais, 7 towns benefit from this label:
Lille (Town of Art), well worth the visit for its Flemish architecture, the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange),
the citadel; Douai (Town of Art) for its magnificent architecture dating from the 18th century;
www.ville-douai.fr
Cambrai (Town of Art and History), one of the oldest cities in the region where Spanish and Flemish houses mingle together;
www.villedecambrai.com
Boulogne-sur-Mer (Town of Art and History), whose centre, nestled in the hollow of its ramparts,
offers a surprising wealth of architecture and culture; tel 33(0)3 21 10 88 10
Arras (Town of Art), absolutely must be visited, to see its famous squares that make up a harmonious group of
155 Flemish-style residences; www.ot-arras.fr
Roubaix (Town of Art and History) for its rich industrial past dating from the 19th century; and finally,
www.roubaixtourisme.com
Saint-Omer (Town of Art and History), for its fortifications built by Vauban,
its private mansions and facades from the 18th century.
www.tourisme.fr/saint-omer
*Fortified towns
Prosperous and easy to access, the North of France was long fought over with Spain and England before becoming permanently
French under Louis XIV, due to Vauban's genius and to the elaboration of his famous "Pré Carré". Vauban's fortifications were
to resist up until 1870 when their military role diminished, leaving just their architectural wealth apparent, composed of
strongholds and the straight walls between them, star-shaped ditches and walls. Today, Nord-Pas de Calais is proud to still
count 13 fortified towns, whose ramparts remain intact: Calais, Gravelines, Bergues, Saint-Omer, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Montreuil,
Arras, Lille, Condé-sur-Escaut, Cambrai, Le Quesnoy, Maubeuge, Avesnes-sur-Helpe.
*Belfries
Particularly established in Flanders, Artois and Hainaut, belfries were long used to keep watch over the countryside and
to raise the alarm in the event of imminent danger. It is from the 14th century that they were equipped with large clocks
and like wise with chimes, which remain today the emblem of communes in Nord-Pas de Calais. The famous belfry in Douai,
topped with a slate roof, is worth visiting, since 196 steps must be climbed to discover its legendary bell-tower".
The belfry in Lille provides an exceptional panoramic view over the regional metropolis.Further along the coast,
the belfry in Calais watches over the famous monument 'des bourgeois' sculpted by Rodin and that of Bailleul on the vast
Flanders plain.
*Mills
A land of wind and rivers, Nord-Pas de Calais combines two sine qua non conditions that explain why its countryside is
dotted with mills. In the Audomarois, the 7 Vallées and Avesnois, the wheels of mills still dabble in water.
Many mills have found a second vocation by becoming ecomuseums, restaurants or residences. In Flanders and Artois,
the wind makes their sails turn and some can still grind grain. Thus, in Cassel, perched on the peak of Flanders,
the visitor will leave his visit of "Kastel Meulen" with a bag of flour.
www.ot-cassel.fr
*The Museums
Nord-Pas de Calais owns 33 museums placed under State tutelage and around a hundred other museographic sites.
- Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille. Second museum for Fine Arts in France after the Louvre, its collections
are exposed in different sections: relief, French sculpture, Middle Age and Renaissance… Meet Donatello, Goya, Rubens,
David, Monet…
Tel. +33 (0)3 20 06 78 00 - www.mairie-lille.fr
- Musée de la Chartreuse in Douai.The nave with its five lateral chapels now houses collections from the Museum of Douai.
An introductory tour to discover sculptures by Théophile Bra, Carpeaux, Rodin, Charles Cordier,
as well as collections of glassware, earthenware and gold/silverware from the 17th to the 19th century.
Tel. +33 (0)3 27 71 38 80
- Musée des Beaux-Arts in Cambrai (Museum of Fine Arts). In a mansion dating from the 18th-century,
this museum is original, as much for the way in which it exposes its works, as for its interior architecture.
The Heritage section is amazing, with sculptures from the 17th to the 20th century and fragments of architecture
from churches or convents. The Fine Arts section is sheer delight, with paintings from the Netherlands, Ingres, Rodin, Van Dongen…
Tel. +33 (0)3 27 82 27 90 - www.villedecambrai.com
- Musée d'Art et d'Industrie in Roubaix (Art and Industry Museum). Housed in an exceptional Art deco building on the
site of the former local swimming pool, the museum is a masterpiece in itself. The Fine Arts collection exclusively
devoted to the 19th and 20th centuries, is organised chronologically and by theme. You will find paintings,
samples of textiles, ceramics, furniture, photographs and sculptures. The visitor will stroll around among the statues
in a vast decor of 11,000 m2.
Tel. +33 (0)3 20 69 23 60.
- Musée d'Art Moderne in Villeneuve d'Ascq (Modern Art Museum). Prestigious collections exposing cubist masterpieces by Braque,
Laurens, Picasso, as well as complete reference works by Léger, Miro, Modigliani. Different exhibitions are also proposed all
through the year.
Tel. +33 (0)3 20 19 68 68 - www.nordnet.fr/mam
- Musée des Beaux-Arts in Valenciennes (Museum of Fine Arts).The museum exposes over more than 4,500 m2,
important collections of Gallo-Roman archaeology, Flemish, Dutch and French paintings (Rubens, Watteau, Pater, Harpignies…),
as well as 20th century sculptures around the symbolic figure of Carpeaux.
Tel. +33 (0)3 27 22 57 20 - www.valenciennes.fr
- Musée des Beaux-Arts in Arras (Museum of Fine Arts). Housed within the sumptuous Benedictine abbey of Saint-Vaast,
rebuilt in the middle of the 18th century, the museum exposes extensive collections of medieval sculptures,
paintings from the 17th,
18th and 19th centuries (French and Scandinavian schools), collections of decorative art and the relief map of the town.
Tel. +33 (0)3 21 71 26 43
- Musée Matisse in Catteau-Cambrésis. Henri Matisse is born there, he was the leader of the fauvism exploring a number
of techniques and supports (paintings, sculpture, tapestry, cut paper…) This museum exposes a large number of his masterpieces.
Tel +33(0)3 27 84 64 50
Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast)
By Côte d'Opale, we mean 120 km of coast separating Bray-Dunes from Berck-sur-Mer and passing by Dunkirk and its legendary carnival.
Calais and the Channel Tunnel with the English countryside only 1 hour away by train, the preserved site of the 2 Capes,
Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez, border between the Channel and the North Sea. Also, Boulogne-sur-Mer, first fishing port in France
and not forgetting Le Touquet, famous seaside resort. By Côte d'Opale, we also mean the wind that billows in sails of kites
and wind surfs on the occasion of major international events, its numerous seaside resorts, casinos, markets and amusements.
By Côte d'Opale, just simply explore the coast, as you love it!
* Le Touquet - Paris Plage: A 4-seasons resort!
At the end of the 19th century, a solicitor had the idea of acquiring the province
of Le Touquet and planting pine trees there, thus providing an ideal spot, between sea and forest.
Filled with enthusiasm for the region, the English gradually came to spend their holidays there, spreading the urbanized area,
multiplying facilities and developing hotel bookings. Today, many villas still reflect this Art Deco style with a "so British"
emphasis! Whether it be winter or summer you can enjoy Le Touquet all year round!
Places of interest: walks in the forest to track down the most beautiful villas, the golf courses, the casino,
shopping in the high street, the water park 'Aqualud', the sea-water therapy centre on the sea front and every year in February
the legendary motorbike race "Enduro Le Touquet - Pas de Calais".
www.letouquet.com
*Berck-sur-Mer : your head in the clouds !
In the 19th century, Berck-sur-Mer - a former fishing village, was already one of the most important seaside resorts in France.
Renowned for its long beaches and fine sand dunes, it is today the meeting place for all sliding sports enthusiasts: sailing,
speed-sailing, wind surfing, fun board, sand yacht, kayak… are enjoyed all year round! But the town is especially talked about
in the month of April: every year, International Kite-Flying Meets bring together the greatest specialists from all over the world,
providing walkers with the most surprising and magical flying ballet… definitely not to be missed!
www.opale-sud.com
*Etaples-sur-Mer: a 2000 year-old maritime tradition!
Benefiting from an exceptional location in the Baie de Canche, the fishing town lives by the rhythm of the tides.
Fish is still sold on the harbour, every year the arrival of herring is celebrated and gradually maritime heritage is
being carefully rehabilitated.
Places of interest: the 'musée de la Marine', the Workshop and house of Miniatures, the Archaeology and History of Archaeology
Museum, boat cruises and sea fishing, hiking and Maréis - a museum established in a former rope factory and designed to reveal
behind the scenes of a skill so unlike any other: fisherman.
www.etaples-sur-mer.com
*Hardelot: sand all around!
Initiated by the English, Hardelot became a reputed seaside resort in the 19th century. Rapidly, woods were laid out,
a sea wall was built and golf courses were established. The 10 km-long beach is enjoyed all year round and every year
people come from all over the world to admire the huge sand structures made for the occasion of the international competition
for giant sand statues! Places of interest: two superb 18-hole golf courses; the music festival every summer and the
international competition for giant sand statues.
www.hardelot-tourisme.com
*Le Portel
Tucked in the heart of the Côte d'Opale, sheltered by the sea's entrance into the port
of Boulogne-sur-Mer and the Cap d'Alprech, the seaside resort gazes over the Channel,
the chalky cliffs of Gris-Nez and the coasts of England.
www.ville-leportel.fr
* Boulogne-sur-Mer: First fishing port in France!
Boulogne-sur-Mer definitely merits its name 'Cité de la Mer' (City of the Sea)! As proof,
it has today become the first fishing port in France, whilst still maintaining its soul and historical facets.
To be convinced, rendezvous in the heart of the ramparts for a walk around the cobbled streets at the top of the town,
or at the edge of the pleasure boat and fishing harbours…www.tel+33(0)3 21 10 88 10
Finally, immerse yourself in the largest European complex devoted to knowledge about the sea world: Nausicaà.
In more than 18,000 m2, you will discover thousands of different species of fish, a coral lagoon, sea lions and an immense
panoramic tank with sea predators: sharks. Truly Sensational!
www.nausicaa.fr
*Wimereux and Wissant: relax with your family!
These 2 resorts have managed to preserve all their charm whilst providing a wide scope of activities.
Places of interest: in Wimereux: the regional sailing centre, the golf course set on the sea front, the equestrian centre
and not forgetting a walk on the dike and in the town
to discover its architecture! In Wissant: every August, the traditional gathering of the 'flobarts', anchored fishing boats.
The market place in the area around the church.
www.ville-wimereux.fr /
www.ville-wissant.fr
*Dunkirk: a place to party…
Welcome to the birth town of the privateer named Jean Bart! Between the numerous cafés-terraces of the famous Malo dike,
the beach, the port and its lighthouse, the Fine Arts museum and the Regional Collection of Contemporary Art,
Dunkirk provides a wide scope of activities for all the family to enjoy. Finally, how can Dunkirk be evoked, without mentioning
its legendary Carnival? Every year in February, several thousand of people in fancy dress, parade to the rhythm of songs and drums!
Places of interest: the port museum. Stop here and invite yourself aboard the Three Mast Duchess of Anne, the only existing great
sailing boat in France. Tel.: +33 (0)3 26 63 33 39.
www.ot-dunkerque.fr
*Calais: open town!
Calais is a town that has been strongly marked by history, which is reflected in its citadel and fort built on struts by Vauban.
Long dominated by the English, as the impressive bronze by Rodin "Les Six Bourgeois" still reflects,
the town has long since reconciled itself with its neighbours from across the Channel, by becoming the place of welcome for
the biggest construction project of the 20th century: The Channel Tunnel!
Places of interest: a visit to the Fine Arts and Lace Museum that assembles documents
on local history and modern art. The regal 'Hôtel de Ville' (Town Hall), with its Flemish-Renaissance style and its 75
metre-high belfry. Not to mention many small boutiques in the town and its shopping centre "la Cité Europe".
www.ot-calais.fr
*Gravelines: walks along the water edge…
This little town fortified by Vauban, has managed to preserve and carefully restore its historic heritage,
providing numerous places to relax and wander around. Its very beautiful fine-sand beach in Grand-Fort-Philippe will delight
all those who love large open spaces and a chance to relax! Places of interest: the belvedere for a view point over the canal
that leads into the sea, walks around the town on its ramparts, a trip on a small boat on the stretch of water around the
fortifications, a visit of the Dockyard, the 'musée du Dessin et de l'Estampe Originale' (Museum of Drawings and Original Prints)
and the walk from Gravelines to Grand-Fort-Philippe on the banks of the canal.
www.tourisme.fr/gravelines
*Dunes de Flandre: the meeting place for sailing sports…
Dunkirk, Leffrinckoucke, Zuydcoote, Ghyvelde, Téteghem, Bray-Dunes: 6 towns have come together to make up the most northern
of all the French seaside resorts! With more than 700 hectares of dunes, a nature reserve and especially the "Station Voile"
label rewarding towns that provide the best conditions for sailing sports, the Dunes de Flandre has confirmed itself as
providing the best combination of sport and relaxation!
www.ot-dunkerque.fr
