Visit Pas-de-Calais

Must-see tourist sites in Pas-de-Calais

Pas-de-Calais is full of tourist attractions that reflect its rich heritage cultural and natural. Here is a selection of places not to be missed during your visit.

The Deux-Caps site

Classified as a Grand Site de France, the Deux-Caps site, comprising the Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nezoffers breathtaking views of the English Channel and cliffs on a clear day. These chalk and sandstone cliffs are ideal for hiking and watching migratory birds.

Nausicaá - Centre National de la Mer

Located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Nausicaá is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It offers a fascinating immersion into the marine world with interactive exhibits and giant tanks home to a wide variety of aquatic species. ​

The Squares of Arras

The city ofArras is famous for its two Baroque squares: the Place des Héros and the Grand’Place. Surrounded by houses with Flemish facades, they form a unique architectural ensemble in France. The Arras Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a panoramic view of the city. ​

The Louvre-Lens

Inaugurated in 2012, the Louvre-Lens is a decentralized branch of the Musée du Louvre. It features internationally renowned temporary exhibitions and a permanent gallery showcasing major works of Western art. ​

The Helfaut Dome

This bunker, built by the Germans during World War II, is now a history and memorial center. Visit Helfaut Dome offers exhibitions on war, resistance and the conquest of space.

landscapes and towns in Pas-de-Calais

The Pas-de-Calais offers a diversity of landscapes, from wild coastlines to verdant plains, and towns with a rich heritage.​

The Opal Coast

Stretching over 120 kilometers, the Opale Coast is renowned for its beaches with its fine sand, dunes, and cliffs. Seaside resorts such as Le Touquet-Paris-Beach, nicknamed «the Garden of the English Channel,» attracts visitors with its elegance and recreational facilities.

The Audomarois marshes

On the outskirts of Saint-Omerthe marais audomarois form a labyrinth of canals and wet meadows. This unique landscape, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve, can be explored by boat or on foot, offering a complete immersion in nature. ​

Montreuil-sur-Mer

This small fortified town is perched on a hill and surrounded by well-preserved ramparts. Montreuil-sur-Mer with its cobbled streets, ancient houses and peaceful atmosphere. Every summer, a sound-and-light show recounts the city’s history. ​

Calais

A port city with ties to England, Calais is famous for its lace and belfry. Visit Museum of Lace and Fashion traces the history of this industry, which has made the city famous. Visit Calais Dragon, a gigantic mechanical creature, offers rides unusual on the waterfront.

Béthune

Béthune is a city with a rich industrial history, shaped by mining. Its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the Grand’Place, which is lined with houses featuring colorful facades. Visit Regional Ethnology Museum features collections on local history and folk traditions.

Regions and departments around Pas de Calais

Visit Pas-de-Calais is a department in the Hauts-de-France. It is surrounded by several départements and the sea, giving it a strategic position and great geographical diversity. Here are the neighbouring départements of Pas-de-Calais :

1. Le Nord (59)

Located east of Pas-de-Calais, the department of North shares a common history with it, particularly in terms of mining and Flemish influence. Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, is the main city in the Nord department and is known for its economic and cultural vitality.

2. The Somme (80)

To the south of the Pas-de-Calais, the department of Sum is famous for its Somme Bay, an exceptional natural site, as well as for its many historic sites related to World War I. Amiens, the prefecture of the Somme department, is renowned for its cathedral Gothic architecture and its floating gardens.

3. La Manche (sea)

To the west and north of Pas-de-Calais, the Handle borders the department, giving it wide access to the sea with the Pas de Calais Strait. This strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and provides a direct link to England, accessible from Calais via the Channel Tunnel or by ferry.

4. Belgium (indirect border)

Although the Pas-de-Calais does not directly share a border with Belgium, it is very close to the country, particularly via the region of French Flanders in the Nord department. Bruges, Ghent and Brussels are all within easy reach of the major cities of Pas-de-Calais.

This geographic location places Pas-de-Calais at the crossroads of trade between France, England, and Northern Europe, while also offering a variety of landscapes, including coastlines, plains, and dynamic urban areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pas de Calais

What are the must-see sites in Pas-de-Calais?

Visit Pas-de-Calais is packed with attractions not to be missed, including the Cap Blanc-Nez and the Cap Gris-Nezclassified as a Grand Site de France, the aquarium Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the historic city ofArras with its UNESCO-listed belfry, as well as the Louvre-Lens exhibiting major works from the Musée du Louvre.

When is the best time to visit Pas-de-Calais?

Visit Pas-de-Calais can be visited all year round, but the ideal period is between May and Septemberwhen the climate is milder and more conducive to outdoor activities. Opal Coast. Winter is still a great time to explore the Christmas markets and the museums.

What are the culinary specialities of Pas-de-Calais?

The department is known for its generous gastronomyincluding typical dishes such as Welsh rarebitthe Flemish carbonadethe maroilles tartthe fricadelleas well as seafood and fish from the Opal Coast. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the nonsense from Cambrai and filled waffles.

Where are the most beautiful beaches in Pas-de-Calais?

The most beautiful beaches in Pas-de-Calais are located on the Opal Coast. These include the Touquet-Paris-Plagethe beach of Wissantideal for kitesurfers, and the beach at Berck-sur-Merfamous for its kite festival.

What are the major cultural events in Pas-de-Calais?

Visit Pas-de-Calais hosts several major events, including the Braderie de Saint-Omerthe Berck-sur-Mer kite festivalthe herring festival in Boulogne-sur-Merand international kite meetings.

What outdoor activities are available in Pas-de-Calais?

The département offers a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking on the cliffs of Deux-Caps, sand yachting on the beaches of the Opal Coast, kayak in the Audomarois marshes, or even bike rides on the many greenways.

What is the main town in Pas-de-Calais?

Visit capital of Pas-de-Calais is Arrasfamous for its historic heritage, Baroque squares and Christmas market. Other important towns include Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Lens and Béthune.

How do I get to Pas-de-Calais?

Visit Pas-de-Calais is available in train thanks to TGV lines serving Arras, Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer. By car, it is connected by theA1, A16 and A26 motorways. Finally, the Channel Tunnel provides rapid access from England.

Are there any nature parks in Pas-de-Calais?

Yes, the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Nature Park covers a large part of the département, protecting a varied landscape of marshes, forests and cliffs. It's an ideal place for hiking and wildlife observation.

What is the Pas-de-Calais known for historically?

Visit Pas-de-Calais was marked by numerous historical events, including the great battles of the two world wars. Memorial sites such as Vimythe Notre-Dame-de-Lorette national necropolis or the Helfaut Dome remind us of the region's importance in world history.