The Pas-de-Calais is one of the least known departments of France. Many travelers go there to visit England, but few stop there ... Yet this is a department that has a lot to offer, from its beautiful beaches in the cities history, mythical battlefield and his campaign character, and all at a few dozen kilometers from the outlet of the Channel Tunnel and ferry ports.
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais is the northern region of the country and although it is one of the most industrialized regions in France, you can still find a pastoral agriculture, large tracts of primary forest, marshes, picturesque villages and
Historic capital of the province of Artois, Arras is the capital of the Pas-de-Calais. With its squares lined with arcades and stately homes, the city has kept its charm of old Flemish market town. Arras Cathedral, originally Abbey of St. Vaast was rebuilt in the eighteenth century in a stunning neoclassical style. The southern part of the church now houses the Museum of Fine Arts, where a rich collection of works of art can be admired, medieval sculptures, masterpieces of Dutch art or Corot and Delacroix. During the Great War, the city was the ground heavy battles, today commemorated by many military cemeteries and monuments.
Calais, before discovering England
On the coast of the Pas-de-Calais, Calais offers a maritime gateway to England. The ferry ride from Calais to Dover is popular because very economical. The Channel Tunnel linking France to Dover in just 20 minutes, but is a bit more expensive. Apart from its privileged access to the English coast, the city of Calais is also worth a visit for its monuments. At the heart of the city, on the Unknown Soldier Square, stands the City Hall, the emblem of the art of neo-Flemish Renaissance, World Heritage of UNESCO. On the Place are also the famous Burghers of Calais, one of the most famous sculptures by Auguste Rodin, commissioned by the city to commemorate the siege and occupation of Calais by the English during the Hundred Years War until 1558. The Museum of Fine Arts in Calais also worth a visit, with its Carpeaux painting collection Roulland, Francia and Picasso.
Located on the shores of the English Channel, near the English coast, Boulogne-sur-Mer is the first French fishing port and tourist destination in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais after Lille. Its past rich in history, whose traces are present in every corner of the High Street or rises the beautiful church of St. Nicolas, dating from the thirteenth century to the Palace of Justice - a wonder - via Library of the Annunciation, located in a former monastic building of the thirteenth century.
One of the great Napoleonic battles took place in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and every year the locals wear period costumes and recreate the scene. Finally, Boulogne-sur-Mer is popular for its beach but also to Nausicaa, the National Sea Centre which hosts more than 6,000 aquarium fish from 300 different species. There is also an underwater aquarium where visitors can observe aquatic life from portholes, a tropical lagoon and aquarium jellyfish.
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