Nord Pas De Calais

Nord-Pas-de-Calais is a beautiful region in northern France, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a delightful 5-day itinerary that will let you soak in the best of what this region has to offer. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Arrive in Lille

Morning:

• Arrive in Lille, the capital of the region. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try a “tartine” (a slice of bread with toppings) and a café au lait.

Midday:

• Explore the Vieux Lille (Old Lille) with its charming cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Grand Place and the stunning Vieille Bourse. You can pop into the book market if you’re there on a Sunday!

Afternoon:

• Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France. The collection is impressive, featuring works from the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a traditional “estaminet” (a local bistro). Try the regional specialty, carbonnade flamande (beef stew with beer) paired with a local beer.

Day 2: Arras and the Battlefields

Morning:

• Head to Arras, about a 45-minute train ride from Lille. Start your day with a visit to the Place des Héros and the stunning Belfry of Arras.

Midday:

• Grab a quick lunch at a local café. A quiche or a croque monsieur would be perfect!

Afternoon:

• Spend the afternoon exploring the WWI battlefields. Visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Arras Memorial. The history here is profound and moving.

Evening:

• Return to Arras for dinner. Try a local dish like potjevleesch, a meat terrine, and enjoy a glass of local wine.

Day 3: Lens and the Louvre-Lens

Morning:

• Travel to Lens, just a short train ride from Lille. Start your day at the Louvre-Lens Museum. The architecture is stunning, and the exhibitions are world-class.

Midday:

• Have lunch at the museum’s café or in the nearby town. A light salad or a sandwich will do nicely.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, take a stroll through the Parc des Glissoires or visit the Mining History Centre to learn about the region’s industrial past.

Evening:

• Head back to Lille for dinner. Try a local specialty like moules-frites (mussels and fries) at a cozy restaurant.

Day 4: Dunkirk and the Coast

Morning:

• Take a train to Dunkirk. Start your day at the Dunkirk Beach. It’s a lovely spot for a morning walk along the coast.

Midday:

• Visit the Dunkirk Museum to learn about the famous evacuation during WWII. Grab lunch at a seaside café, enjoying fresh seafood.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Dunkirk Lighthouse and climb to the top for stunning views of the coastline. If you have time, visit the nearby Fort des Dunes.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner in Dunkirk, perhaps trying the local waterzooi, a creamy fish stew.

Day 5: Saint-Omer and the Marshes

Morning:

• Head to Saint-Omer, a charming town known for its beautiful architecture. Start your day with a visit to the Saint-Omer Cathedral.

Midday:

• Enjoy lunch at a local bistro. A croissant or a tart would be a lovely treat!

Afternoon:

• Explore the Marshes of Saint-Omer. You can take a boat tour or rent a bike to explore the scenic routes. The natural beauty here is breathtaking!

Evening:

• For your final dinner, return to Lille and indulge in a nice meal at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Celebrate your trip with a glass of local beer or wine!

Tips:

• Make sure to check train schedules in advance for smooth travel between cities.
• Don’t forget to try local pastries like gaufres (waffles) and speculoos (spiced cookies) throughout your journey!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing time in Nord-Pas-de-Calais! Enjoy every moment of your adventure! 🌍✨